Transportation (Local Government)

This bill allows smaller Michigan communities with populations under 30,000 to pass resolutions permitting golf carts on their streets and county roads. It establishes specific rules for these vehicles, requiring operators to be at least 16 years old and licensed to drive a motor vehicle, while also setting speed limits of 15 mph and restricting use to daylight hours. The legislation grants counties the authority to block golf cart access in townships if they determine there are significant public safety or environmental concerns. Additionally, the bill creates a process for these communities to request permission to use golf carts on certain state highways that are not interstates, provided the roads serve specific local needs like connecting tourist areas or crossing natural barriers.

HB 4597 amends Michigan's Vehicle Code to allow local governments (counties, townships, cities, and villages) to set or change speed limits on local highways without requiring a traffic engineering study. Instead, local authorities must first obtain written approval from the chief law enforcement officer (or county sheriff if none exists) and hold a public hearing with at least 14 days' notice. Speed limits established under this bill must be in 5 mph increments and consider factors like public safety, community input, road features, and environmental concerns. This change streamlines local speed limit adjustments while maintaining oversight through law enforcement approval and public engagement.