NOTTINGHAM, MD—Baltimore County Councilman David Marks has introduced a bill to allow for golf courts to be legally used on certain roads in Baltimore County, taking advantage of recently-passed state legislation.

The bill would create a pilot program that would be reviewed after two years, based on feedback from the Police and Public Works and Transportation Departments. The pilot program limits the carts to licensed drivers, at low speed limits, with appropriate lighting.

Golf carts are already driven in many waterfront communities such as Harewood Park and Oliver Beach with no restrictions.

“Golf carts certainly do not make sense in most neighborhoods, but there are other places where the streets are very narrow and communities lend themselves to this form of transportation,” said Councilman Marks. “I would like to see how this law works over the next two years.

“I strongly support the use of these carts, with protections for the community, in waterfront neighborhoods where they make sense,” added Senator J.B. Jennings. “The legislature has already allowed them in other places throughout Maryland.”

“I worked closely with my colleagues on the Environment and Transportation Committee this year to find consensus on individuals using street legal golf carts on certain roads,” said Delegate Ryan Nawrocki. “This law represents a balance between safety and the ability to utilize golf carts in certain neighborhoods.”

Delegate Kathy Szeliga also supported this initiative in the Maryland General Assembly. “People should have the right to legally drive these vehicles in some communities with the right safety precautions in place,” Szeliga added.

Should the legislation pass in December, Marks would introduce a separate resolution specifying exactly where golf carts could be legally driven. He has asked for neighborhood leaders to provide him with a statement of support and recommendations for streets.

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