Golf Cart & UTV Information

Expanding Neighborhood Mobility in Winthrop Harbor

The Village of Winthrop Harbor is proud to offer residents a convenient, eco-friendly, and community-oriented way to travel locally—by permitting the use of golf carts and UTVs on most Village roads. This initiative not only supports easier access to nearby parks, neighbors, and businesses, but also fosters a stronger sense of community connection. Whether it's a quick trip to a local event, visiting family nearby, or simply enjoying a peaceful ride through the neighborhood, golf cart travel offers a fun and accessible alternative to traditional driving. With proper safety measures and adherence to Village regulations, golf carting helps promote a more relaxed, small-town lifestyle while reducing road congestion and vehicle emissions.

Expanding Neighborhood Mobility in Winthrop Harbor

The Village of Winthrop Harbor is proud to offer residents a convenient, eco-friendly, and community-oriented way to travel locally—by permitting the use of golf carts and UTVs on most Village roads. This initiative not only supports easier access to nearby parks, neighbors, and businesses, but also fosters a stronger sense of community connection. Whether it's a quick trip to a local event, visiting family nearby, or simply enjoying a peaceful ride through the neighborhood, golf cart travel offers a fun and accessible alternative to traditional driving. With proper safety measures and adherence to Village regulations, golf carting helps promote a more relaxed, small-town lifestyle while reducing road congestion and vehicle emissions.4ggg

Definitions

A golf cart is a small vehicle originally designed for transporting golfers and their equipment around a golf course. Under Illinois law and Winthrop Harbor’s ordinance, a golf cart is defined as a vehicle specifically built for transporting people and golf gear, with a maximum speed of 30 miles per hour. It typically has a steering wheel, bench seating, and runs on electric or gas power. It is not an off-road ATV or recreational vehicle.

A UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle), also known as a side-by-side, is a small off-road vehicle with four wheels, designed for work or recreation. It has a steering wheel, foot pedals, seat belts, and seating for two or more passengers side-by-side. UTVs are wider and more rugged than golf carts, often used for hauling or tasks on farms or trails. To be street-legal in Winthrop Harbor, a UTV must not exceed 64 inches in width and must meet specific safety and equipment requirements.

Golf Carts and UTV Use in Winthrop Harbor

The Village of Winthrop Harbor has adopted an ordinance allowing the use of golf carts and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) on most Village streets. This initiative follows a successful two-year pilot program and is designed to enhance community mobility while ensuring public safety.

Where Can You Drive?

Golf carts and UTVs may be driven on all public streets within Village limits except the following roads, which are owned or maintained by the State of Illinois or Lake County:

• Sheridan Road (IL-137)

• Russell Road (west of Sheridan Road)

• 9th Street (west of Sheridan Road)

• Lewis Avenue

• Kenosha Road

Golf carts and UTVs are also prohibited from being operated in Village parks, recreational areas, and any locations where posted signs restrict use. However, crossing prohibited roads is allowed at a 90-degree angle when done safely and with the right of way to other vehicles.

Who Can Operate a Golf Cart or UTV?

Operators must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid Illinois driver’s license. Before operating a vehicle on Village roads, drivers must complete and submit a Golf Cart/UTV Acknowledgment Form, confirming that they understand all relevant rules and responsibilities.

Required Equipment

All golf carts and UTVs must be equipped with the following:

• Steering wheel, brakes, and pneumatic tires

• Rearview mirror and red reflectors (front and rear)

• Slow-moving vehicle emblem on the rear

• Functional headlamp visible from 500 feet

• Two tail lamps visible from at least 100 feet

• Working brake lights and turn signals

Vehicles must also be inspected by the Village Police Department and display a valid Village sticker (renewable annually for $20). Proof of insurance meeting Illinois' minimum auto liability coverage is required.

Speed and Safety Rules

Golf carts and UTVs must:

• Not exceed 30 MPH

• Obey all posted speed limits

• Never be operated under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Violations may result in fines or enforcement under state vehicle codes, depending on the offense.

Operating a golf cart or UTV under the influence of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited and is treated the same as driving any motor vehicle—it is a DUI offense under Illinois law. Individuals found operating a golf cart while impaired will face the same legal consequences, including arrest, fines, license suspension, and potential criminal charges, as they would if driving a car. Safety and responsibility are essential to maintaining the privilege of neighborhood cart use in Winthrop Harbor.