Golf Cart Rules Start July 1 in Streator

Streator’s new rules for golf carts and other limited non-highway vehicles are scheduled to take effect July 1, giving residents a legal path to operate approved vehicles on some city streets.

The Streator City Council approved Ordinance 2026-09 on June 17, adding a new chapter to the municipal code for low-speed and non-highway vehicle regulations.

The new ordinance allows properly permitted non-highway vehicles and low-speed vehicles on city streets with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less. The vehicles are not allowed on Illinois Route 18, also known as Main Street, or Illinois Route 23, also known as Bloomington Street and Park Street.

The ordinance does allow certain crossings of roads with higher speed limits, but drivers must stop, cross at roughly a 90-degree angle, yield to pedestrian and vehicle traffic, and follow the specific crossing rules listed in the ordinance. Direct crossings of state highways are allowed only at intersections controlled by a traffic light or four-way stop sign.

The new rules do not open every public space to golf carts. Non-highway vehicles and low-speed vehicles are not allowed in city parks or recreational areas, except as permitted at Anderson Fields Golf Course. They also are not allowed on city sidewalks.

Residents who want to operate a non-highway vehicle on city streets will need an annual city permit. Permit applications must be submitted to the city clerk and include an inspection form signed by a mechanic registered with the city, proof of liability insurance, a photograph of the vehicle and a signed liability waiver.

The annual permit fee is $150 for city residents and $200 for non-residents. Permits are valid from July 1 through June 30 and are not prorated. The permit must be in the driver’s possession while operating the vehicle in the city.

The ordinance also requires a valid registration and inspection sticker to be displayed on the rear of the vehicle while it is being operated on city streets.

Golf carts and other permitted non-highway vehicles must meet equipment requirements before they can be driven on city streets. Required equipment includes brakes, steering, tires, a rearview mirror, front and rear red reflectorized warning devices, a slow-moving vehicle emblem, a headlight, a tail lamp, brake lights, seat belts for every seat and turn signals.

Low-speed vehicles have their own equipment requirements, including a parking brake, windshield, vehicle identification number, seat belts, mirrors, reflectors, headlights, tail lamps, brake lights and turn signals.

The ordinance limits operation to licensed drivers. No one may operate a non-highway vehicle or low-speed vehicle on city streets without a valid driver’s license.

Hours also are restricted. Non-highway vehicles with an annual permit may be operated from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and from 6 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Headlights and tail lamps must be on whenever the vehicles are operated on city streets.

The ordinance does not authorize all-terrain vehicles to be operated on city streets. The city’s definition of eligible non-highway vehicles is limited to golf carts and recreational off-highway vehicles that meet the ordinance requirements. Low-speed vehicles are addressed separately under the same chapter.

Permits can be revoked by the police chief or designee for reasons including false information on an application, inaccurate inspection reports, lapsed liability insurance, evidence that the permit holder can no longer safely operate the vehicle, or failure to comply with the ordinance.

Violations are petty offenses punishable by a fine of at least $100 and up to $750, plus court assessments and costs.

City documents say staff has already produced vehicle certification stickers, is working to integrate registration into the city’s payment system, and is preparing informational materials for applicants. Those materials are expected to include maps of approved routes, certificate requirements, operating regulations and other information needed to obtain and maintain a city certificate.

For residents, the main takeaway is simple: approval of the ordinance does not mean any golf cart can immediately be driven anywhere in town. Vehicles must qualify, be inspected, be insured, be permitted by the city and follow the city’s route, equipment and operating rules.

Residents interested in using a golf cart or other eligible vehicle should contact the city clerk’s office or Streator Police Department before operating on city streets.