Wednesday, July 30, 2003

Everyone over the age of 16 must have the opportunity to obtain a driver's license using the medium for which the license is required, meaning golf cart, before it can be required that they have one. Licensing is not available currently for adults needing to drive a golf cart and everyone knows it. It is not reasonable, nor will it ever hold, for the police to require a person first to be able to drive a car and to obtain a license for an automobile before they can drive a golf cart. The needed skills and knowledge are not the same.

I believe the court of appeals ruling was improper on golf cart license requirements in that this should be a legislative decision and not a judicial decision. I also believe their intent was for this ruling to apply to motorized vehicles on the streets and highways, whether it is a golf cart, lawn mower or automobile, and not intended to be applied to golf courses, golf cart paths, etc.

The city has the duty to enforce code against young underage drivers on the cart paths, but what I have been reading seems to be saying that everyone driving a cart either on the streets or off is required to have a license. Will a motorcycle license suffice? What about a pilot's license?

My neighbor is 60 years old and she does not have a driver's license. She stands ready to get one for a golf cart. She must be provided the means since she is ready and willing and has the needed skills and knowledge for it.

H.L. Wood

Peachtree City