House Republican Press Release

January 27, 2009

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Marilyn Giuliano Pushes for Law to Allow Golf Carts on Local Roads in Beach Communities

State Rep. Marilyn Giuliano, R-23^rd, has introduced legislation allowing towns to allow the use of golf carts on local roads.

The new law would clear up confusion about the use of golf carts, particularly by elderly residents in beach communities along the Connecticut shoreline. At one time, towns allowed such use, but the state Department of Motor Vehicles in October 2007 found there was no basis in state law that authorized such use.

Rep. Giuliano also held a meeting with representatives of Old Saybrook beach associations on Jan. 24 where she provided an update on the proposed golf cart legislation. The legislation has been referred to the legislature’s Transportation Committee, and a public hearing on the bill is expected to be conducted soon in Hartford.

To help generate support for passage of the new law, Rep. Giuliano urged beach associations, residents and other interested people to come to Hartford and speak at the public hearing.

Rep. Giuliano outlined the simple procedure on how people can testify in favor of the bill. Individuals are invited to speak in their own words on why they want the law passed, and they are generally limited to speak three minutes per person.

“A number of residents have already sent me e-mails and letters in support of the legislation, and I encourage more to do so.”

Rep. Giuliano serves the 23^rd assembly district of Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and coastal Westbrook.

Text of the proposed legislation is as follows:

HB 5639. AN ACT TO ALLOW THE USE OF GOLF CARTS ON LOCAL ROADS.

AN ACT TO ALLOW THE USE OF GOLF CARTS ON LOCAL ROADS.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:

That section 14-300d of the general statutes be amended to provide:

"The traffic authority of any city, town or borough is authorized to permit the operation, during daylight hours only, of any vehicle not eligible to be issued registration as a motor vehicle, in accordance with the provisions of section 14-12 of the general statutes, on any street or highway within the limits of, and under the jurisdiction of such traffic authority, provided:

(1) Each such vehicle shall be equipped with an operable horn, in accordance with the provisions of section 14-80 of the general statutes, and

(2) no such permission shall be granted for operation on any street or highway the posted speed limit of which is more than thirty (30) miles per hour.

Any person who operates a vehicle in violation of the conditions stated herein, or any other conditions or limitations established by the traffic authority for the operation of any vehicle not eligible for registration as a motor vehicle, shall have committed an infraction."

Statement of Purpose:

To allow the use of golf carts on local roads under certain circumstances.