ERIE, Colo. — The Erie Police Department said they have seen an increase in questions about golf carts in town.
“We have a lot of families in Erie who use the golf carts to visit other friends or neighbors or some of the amenities in town, whether that's the businesses on Brigg Street or other parks,” said Amber Luttrell, spokesperson for Erie Police.
Luttrell said it's generally around this time of year that the town starts hearing more questions about the use of golf carts. She said the carts can be just as dangerous as any other vehicle and that they're a great means of transportation if they’re used reasonably and responsibly.
Drivers must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license, have liability insurance, provide child restraints per state statutes and abide by all traffic laws. Golf carts are only allowed to drive on streets that are 25 mph.
Luttrell said the Erie Police Department prefers to educate violators rather than ticket them.
“In Erie we really truly prefer to educate,” Luttrell said. “So that’s always our first course of action. We will have that opportunity to explain why we require the insurance, the license and the proper mechanisms on the vehicle.”
Issuing a ticket is typically considered a last resort for this violation.
“Should we go that route, which would really be a last resort, the fine could be up to $1,000,” Luttrell said. “It could be court associated with the violation. It could be jail time."