After over a year of silence, the question still exists – is driving a golf cart on Cobourg roads legal?
Today’s Northumberland first asked Chief Paul VandeGraaf the question on August 15, 2024.
Since that time – even when communication was “good” with the Chief, there has never been an answer.
“Is it legal,” stated the e-mail to VandeGraaf.
“To be polite, it is getting embarrassing.”
Yet no reply.
Time and time again though a golf cart drives along Division Street in the day light, or in the dark.
September 22, 2025 was no exception.
Shortly before 9 p.m. two individuals were driving a golf cart along Division Street.
To help the Cobourg Police Chief out, under the Highway Traffic Act it appears golf carts are only allowed in very rare cases in Ontario.
Cobourg is not one of those municipalities.
Some of the reasons they are not allowed is that they do not meet safety standards.
Golf carts lack the safety features of a road-legal low-speed vehicle, such as meeting federal safety standards for equipment like seat belts and lights, according to the OPP.
Highway Traffic Act (HTA): Driving a golf cart on public roads violates the Highway Traffic Act and the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Canada).
Specific Municipal Bylaws: To be legal on public roads, a municipality must pass a specific bylaw, often as part of a pilot project, to permit them on roads with low speed limits.
Consequences of operating a golf cart illegally are the driver could face significant fines for offenses such as operating a motor vehicle without insurance, a vehicle permit, or a driver’s licence.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
