Golf Carts/ Off Road Vehicle Permits

Step 1: Understand the Ordinance

Note that this Ordinance applies ONLY to the city limits of Shelbyville, Indiana "city". It does not satisfy the requirements of any other municipality, nor does it substitute for their local ordinances in any way. This means you may be expected to register your golf cart vehicles in multiple jurisdictions within Shelby County if you intend on crossing those borders.

The easiest way to determine the borders of the city limits is to view it on the Shelby County GIS map.

Read the below summary of all requirements and regulations of the ordinance and ensure you understand and agree to all components contained therein; If you would like to read the entire ordinance, you can find that here.

Definitions

• Golf Cart (IC 9-13-2-69.7): Golf cart means a four (4) wheeled motor vehicle originally and specifically designed and intended to transport one (1) or more individuals and golf clubs for the purpose of playing the game of golf on a golf course.
• Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle: a four (4) wheeled motor vehicle with the following characteristics:
  • Between 50″ and 80″ in width when measured from outside tire rim to outside tire rim;
  • A dry weight of no more than 2,500 pounds;
  • Be designed for travel on at least 4 non-highway or off-highway tires;
  • Have the ability to operate at 25 miles per hour or greater;
  • Be equipped with the following operable equipment:
    • Safety belts for driver and all passengers
    • Either side mirrors or a rearview mirror
    • A traditional steering wheel
    • Two headlights
    • Two turn signals
    • At least one break light
  • All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), 3-wheelers, 4-wheelers, and slow-moving vehicles are NOT considered Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles and may not operate within City of Shelbyville roads outside uses permitted by Indiana Code.
• Proof of Financial Responsibility: proof of insurance or ability to respond in damages for liability that arises out of the ownership, maintenance, or use in the following amounts:
  • $25,000 because of bodily injury to, or death of, any one (1) person;
  • Subject to the limit in subdivision (1), $50,000 because of bodily injury to, or death of, two (2) or more persons in any one (1) accident; and
  • $25,000 because of injury to or destruction of property in any one (1) accident.

Permitted Use

• Golf Carts: Operation is allowed only on roads explicitly designated by the ordinance and signage, and not for general transportation throughout the City of Shelbyville. This does NOT limit the use of golf carts on golf courses, private property, Shelby County Fairgrounds, Shelbyville Central Schools, or Major Health Partners property – all of which have their own regulations.

Operator Requirements

• Age Restriction: Only individuals 18 years or older may operate these vehicles.
• Driver’s License or State-issued ID: Operators must hold a valid driver’s license or state-issued photo identification and present it to law enforcement upon request.

Vehicle Requirements

• Registration: All vehicles must be registered with the City of Shelbyville Police Department annually and must display the issued sticker on the rear of the vehicle.
• All golf carts shall have the following minimum safety equipment pursuant to Shelbyville Ordinance §76.08: head lights, brake lights, turn signal, slow moving vehicle sign, full rear view mirror, and a seatbelt for each occupant.

Operational Rules

• Speed Limit: Vehicles must not exceed 20 mph.
• Time of Use: Operation is restricted to 5:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m. with proper, functional lighting. 
• Traffic laws: Operators must obey all traffic laws, including stop signs, yielding to pedestrians, staying to the far right travelled portion of the roadway, and yielding right of way to overtaking vehicles. Golf carts are not permitted to drive on State Road 9 or State Road 44 except to cross the street.
• Parking: Stopping, standing, or parking of golf carts is not permitted in any area where parking is not allowed or in any place that may impede the flow of traffic, pedestrians, or where passageway is prohibited.
• Public Right of Way: Golf carts may not be operated on sidewalks, pedestrian walkways, multi-use paths, jogging paths, greenway trails, or non-designated public ways or roads. 
• Passengers: Vehicles shall not be used with more passengers than are allotted in accordance to the manufacturer’s listed passenger capacity. All persons riding must be seated independently in one of the designed seats and may not be standing or riding on the back or in any location designed for cargo, while the vehicle is in motion.

Penalties and Enforcement

• Fines: Non-compliance may result in fines or other penalties.
• Authority: Law enforcement has the right to enforce all provisions of this ordinance and may ask for proof of identification, registration, and financial responsibility at any time.
• Removal: Violations of this ordinance may result in removal of the vehicle by towing and impound.

Step 2 – Registration Form

Fill out the online Registration Form. Once submitted, a confirmation message will appear, and you’ll receive a confirmation email.

Staff will contact you within 72 business hours (excluding weekends) to schedule an inspection.

Step 3 – Payment and Registration Decal

After a successful inspection , bring the following items to the City of Shelbyville Police Department at 105 W Taylor Street, Shelbyville, IN 46176.

1. Signed (approved) inspection form
2. $50 one-time registration fee, which will be payable ONLY via Cash, Money Order, Cashier’s Check or Credit Card. Personal checks will not be accepted.
3. Proof of insurance coverage, in case the image didn’t successfully upload.
4. Driver’s License or state-issued ID, in case the image didn’t successfully upload. 

You will then receive a receipt, copy of your approved inspection, and the sticker to place on the REAR of your Golf Cart.