Revise provisions regarding the operation of golf carts on a state or county highway.
Impact
If enacted, SB135 would amend existing laws to create more defined parameters for golf cart operation, ensuring better safety measures are in place for both operators and other drivers. This change would reinforce the requirement for operators to follow traffic rules similar to those applicable to motor vehicles, thereby enhancing the overall safety on highways where golf carts might operate. The bill highlights a growing trend of integrating smaller, personal vehicles into public highway use, prompting potential adjustments in traffic enforcement and safety strategies.
Summary
Senate Bill 135 seeks to revise the provisions regarding the operation of golf carts on state and county highways in South Dakota. The bill allows for specific conditions under which golf carts can be operated, such as crossing the highway or driving on the shoulder, and mandates that operators must possess a valid driver's license and that the golf carts are properly insured. Additionally, golf carts are required to display a slow-moving vehicle emblem or a warning light when being operated on public highways.
Contention
As with any legislative proposal, there are points of contention surrounding SB135, particularly regarding the necessity of such regulations. Supporters argue that structuring golf cart usage on highways can significantly reduce accidents and ensure that drivers are held accountable through insurance and licensing requirements. However, opponents may voice concerns over the implications for personal freedom and the bureaucratic burden of compliance for golf cart operators. The debate could also touch on the suitability of golf carts on highways designed primarily for conventional vehicles.