Golf cart rules in Granger create confusion as county police work to enforce regulations

GRANGER, Ind. -- The St. Joseph County Police Department is reminding residents that golf carts are not permitted on public streets and sidewalks in the county following a crash involving a golf cart and a bicycle at Adams and Gumwood roads.

The department shared a Facebook post last week reminding the community about the rules and said officers will continue stopping and educating people about golf cart regulations while on patrol.

But in Granger, where many residents use paths near neighborhoods and the Knollwood Country Club area, determining where golf carts are allowed can be complicated.

Gary Babcoke, with Friends of the Granger Paths, said there has been a long history of questions surrounding golf cart use on paths in the community.

“There’s supposedly an agreement between the county and Knollwood that golf carts are allowed,” Babcoke said. “As the paths extend, where does that stop or let up?”

The path near Adams and Gumwood roads was originally designed to accommodate golf carts because of its proximity to the country club, Babcoke said.

He said some smaller communities have created similar issues by licensing golf carts and establishing local rules for their use.

“We know of a number of small communities that actually license their golf carts in that community with stickers on them, and they have their rules,” he said.

Enforcement can also be challenging because Granger is not an incorporated town. The community has a population of roughly 30,000 people but is governed by St. Joseph County.

Bobcoke said county police have numerous responsibilities, making enforcement of issues such as golf cart and path regulations difficult.

“County police, that’s all we have up here, is the county police,” Bobcoke said. “They have so much to do, the kid on the minibike is their least concern.”

The county also takes control of paths located within its right of way after they are constructed, Babcoke said, adding another layer to questions about how the paths are regulated.

The St. Joseph County Police Department said it will continue to educate residents about golf cart regulations and enforce the rules during patrols.