State Rep. Alicia St. Germaine today announced the House passage of her plan to give more Michigan communities the option to allow golf carts on local roads.

The bill would increase the population threshold for cities, villages and townships that may authorize golf cart use on local streets from 30,000 to 65,000 residents.

“Communities across Michigan are asking for greater flexibility when it comes to local transportation options,” St. Germaine said. “This is a common sense, local-control measure that gives local leaders the ability to decide what works best for their residents while maintaining important safety standards.”

St. Germaine said golf carts are increasingly used in lake communities, downtown districts and tourist destinations, providing residents and visitors with a convenient way to travel short distances to local businesses, restaurants and attractions.

“If road construction is temporarily inconveniencing local business, this bill gives waterfront communities a practical tool to keep people connected to marinas, restaurants, stores and social districts,” St. Germaine said.

Current law limits the option to municipalities with populations of 30,000 or fewer, leaving many communities unable to take advantage of golf cart transportation despite similar needs and road conditions.

“One-size-fits-all mandates from Lansing don’t always reflect the realities of our communities,” St. Germaine said. “Local officials understand their roads, traffic patterns and public safety needs better than anyone. This plan simply allows them to make those decisions locally.”

House Bill 4644 now advances to the Senate for consideration.