Golf cart pilot program launching on Pelee Island

PELEE ISLAND – Ontario has launched a new pilot program allowing golf carts to be used on roads on Pelee Island.

Allowing golf carts according to local by-laws provides another transportation option for residents and visitors of the region while also supporting economic development and tourism in the region.

“This is a novel navigational approach to transportation for the residents of Pelee Island,” said Rick Nicholls, MPP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington. “People on Pelee Island have unique transportation needs and golf carts will provide a convenient way to get around for everyday travel. This golf cart pilot program will also support the tourism industry and economic development in the region as visitors will also be able to use golf carts to get around.”

Under the 10-year golf cart pilot program, people on Pelee Island can use golf carts on roads with a maximum speed limit of 50 kph. Drivers must have a valid A, B, C, D, E, F or G licence and follow the local by-laws.

Golf carts are required to display a slow-moving sign on the rear of the vehicle and must have adequate nighttime lighting, must be operated in the right-most lane, cannot carry any combustible fuel except in the fuel tank (if equipped with one), and cannot carry passengers under 8 years of age.

A full list of the requirements is available at Ontario.ca.

According to the OPP, operating golf carts on the road must be done so in a safe and responsible manner. A golf cart is still considered a motor vehicle under the Criminal Code of Canada and laws governing impaired driving will be enforced.

“Thousands of tourists visit Pelee Island each year to enjoy not only the hospitality, but the rich history that is treasured by the residents of Pelee,” said Inspector Glenn Miller, Detachment Commander, Essex County OPP. “I encourage everyone to abide by all the laws and help to make this a successful pilot project so others can continue to enjoy this unique opportunity.”

The province will use the information gathered during the pilot to help determine if golf carts will be allowed permanently on Pelee Island and what the rules will be.