Golf Carts on Harkers Island get the "go ahead"!

Harkers Island residents petitioned the county to allow golf carts access to the roads.  There are exceptions though as noted in Carteret County News Times:   "Residents will now be able to have their carts permitted by the County Sheriff’s Office and operate on all public roads, 24 hours a day on Harkers Island with the exception of Island Road, which can only be traveled from Davis Street to Shell Point."

All applicable operation laws will be enforced, including the enforcement of transgressions such as drinking and driving and driving with an open container of alcohol. 

To be permitted, golf carts must have two headlights, two taillights, rear and side mirrors, a parking brake, seat belts for all seats, a windshield and cannot exceed three rows of seating. 

The owner must be at least 18 years old and the operator must hold a valid driver’s license. All terrain vehicles and others type of transit are not permitted for roads.

Additionally, “All applicable operation laws will be enforced, including the enforcement of transgressions such as drinking and driving and driving with an open container of alcohol. 

To be permitted, golf carts must have two headlights, two taillights, rear and side mirrors, a parking brake, seat belts for all seats, a windshield and cannot exceed three rows of seating. 

The owner must be at least 18 years old and the operator must hold a valid driver’s license. All terrain vehicles and others type of transit are not permitted for roads.

“The only issue we ever have with golf carts down there, especially in the summer time, are children driving golf carts unattended by an adult,” N.C. State Trooper 1st Sgt. Davis Clifton said. 

The restrictions on Island Road differ slightly from that of so called street legal golf carts, which are licensed and tagged by the state as slow moving vehicles. 

Golf carts permitted by the county will be allowed to cross Island Road at intersections. 

As you travel on Harkers Island now - be careful and watch out for the golf carts!