Lighthouse Cove Golf Cart Pilot Project

The Province of Ontario has established a pilot project for the use of “golf cars”, also referred to as golf carts, on municipal roads in select municipalities from April 1 to November 30 each year.

The Municipality of Lakeshore can only participate in the pilot program for roads in the Lighthouse Cove area. Golf carts remain prohibited on municipal roads in all other areas of the Municipality.

The pilot project is in effect until 2031. 

A Golf Cart can be electric or gas powered and must have:

• Two to six seats
• Steering wheel
• Horn
• Rear-view mirror(s)
• Good-quality tires
• Daytime running lights (always on)
• Turn signals
• Brake lights
• Reflectors
• Slow-moving vehicle sign on back
• If there are factory-installed seat belts, they must be used by driver and all passengers
• Permit sticker (issued by the Municipality)
• Service brakes and parking or emergency brake
• During the period that begins one-half hour before sunset and ends one half-hour after sunrise, vehicles are required to have adequate nighttime lighting.

Yes, you need to be registered in the Municipality of Lakeshore Golf Cart Pilot Project and be issued a permit sticker.

To register, you will need:

• A description of the golf cart
• A photo of the front and back of the golf cart
• A valid A, B, C, D, E, F or G (full) Ontario driver’s licence (or out-of-province equivalent)
• Confirmation that the Golf Cart Registration Fee has been paid (confirmation #)
• Proof of insurance for the golf cart that confirms the applicant is insured to drive the golf cart on Municipality of Lakeshore or County of Essex roads (see the Insurance FAQ below for more information).

You can register online at Lakeshore.ca/GolfCartPilot

Yes, there is a Golf Cart Registration Fee. This fee is $77.00 plus HST as per the current User Fee By-law. 

Your permit sticker should always be visible and mounted directly to the driver’s side front panel of the Golf Cart. 

Registered golf carts can only be used on roads in the Lighthouse Cove area. Roads must be posted at 50 km/hr and under the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Lakeshore, or Tisdelle Drive under the jurisdiction of the County of Essex.

You are permitted to drive through an intersection on a highway greater than 50 km/hr but not more than 80 km/hr if it is controlled by a stop sign or other traffic control device.

No. You can register to participate and bring your golf cart into the Municipality. However, you may not drive golf cart on any municipal road outside of Lighthouse Cove.

Yes. You are responsible for ensuring any driver is permitted to use the golf cart and that they abide by the regulations.

Yes. You must be 8 years of age or older to be a passenger. One passenger per seat and if there are factory-installed seatbelts, they must be used by all passengers and the driver.

Yes. You must have proof of insurance such as a Certificate of Insurance or letter from your insurance company along with the current policy.

Insurance coverage required will be a minimum of $2 Million Liability that covers any bodily injury to a third party or their property while operating the golf cart. A copy of the current policy must be provided identifying the golf cart and must identify that the insurance covers the use of the golf cart on municipal roads.

Coverage for Accident Benefits in the event you are injured while driving the golf cart should be discussed with your insurance provider if available as it not covered under the General Liability coverage. 

Coverage for Physical Damage - Collison/Comprehensive should be discussed with your broker if available.

If you have questions about the insurance required, please contact the Legislative Services division at clerk@lakeshore.ca. 

No. The usage period is from April 1 to November 30 of the year. This is specified in the Ontario Regulation 407/21: Pilot Project – Golf Car.

Yes. Although permitted on municipal roads with speed limits of 50 km/h, golf carts must not be capable of going 32 km/h or faster on a level surface.

No. Golf carts are not permitted on sidewalks. Golf carts must obey all traffic requirements as set out in the Highway Traffic Act as would any other vehicle on the road. 

For concerns about operation and safety, you can contact the Ontario Provincial Police non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122 or use our Report a Problem web portal at www.lakeshore.ca.