Golf Carts Not Permitted on Township Roads, Supervisor Clarifies

Residents hoping to drive golf carts on roads in unincorporated Frankfort Township are out of luck, as the practice is illegal under state law, Supervisor Nick George clarified at the township’s May 19 board meeting.

The issue was raised during public comments by Frankfort Square resident Greg Grant, who asked the board about the process for getting approval to use golf carts in his neighborhood.

Supervisor George explained that the township does not have the authority to permit them. “Operating a golf cart on public roads is illegal in Illinois by state statute,” George stated.

He further explained the difference between the township’s authority and that of a “home-rule” community. Municipalities with home-rule status, like the neighboring Village of New Lenox, have greater power to govern local affairs and can pass ordinances that may differ from state law on certain issues, including traffic regulations for vehicles like golf carts.

Frankfort Township, as a non-home rule unit of government, is limited by the powers granted to it by the state. Therefore, it cannot create an ordinance to allow golf carts on public roads, and state law prevails. The clarification means residents must continue to use licensed and registered vehicles for travel on township-maintained roads.