LUDINGTON — The Ludington City Council will receive the first presentation of a proposed change to the ordinance regulating golf carts during its regular meeting Monday, May 4, 2026, at City Hall, 400 S. Harrison St.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at the Ludington Municipal Building, where council members will review Ordinance 590-26, which would amend city code governing the operation of golf carts and off-road vehicles on city streets.
The proposal stems from complaints received by the Ludington Police Department during the summer of 2025 regarding unsafe golf cart and ORV use, including excessive passenger loads, reckless driving and alcohol-related incidents, according to a council memorandum included in the meeting packet.
City staff said the ordinance would update provisions related to maximum passenger limits and establish hours of operation for ORVs. It would also add language allowing golf cart owners to be held responsible if their vehicles are operated in violation of the law.
The measure is intended to improve safety for both operators and other traffic while maintaining the ability for residents to use golf carts within the city.
Under the proposed ordinance, golf cart operators would be required to be at least 16 years old and licensed, comply with Michigan Vehicle Code requirements and operate only on streets with speed limits of 30 mph or less. Additional restrictions would address where carts may be driven, required equipment such as lighting, and safety provisions including seatbelt use.
The ordinance would also formalize registration requirements through the Ludington Police Department and establish enforcement and penalty provisions for violations.
Council is not expected to take final action on the ordinance at this meeting, as the presentation will mark its first reading. Further consideration and potential adoption would occur at a future meeting.
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