Maryland SB 80: Motor Vehicle Registration - Exceptions for Golf Carts - Hoopers Island and Taylors Island

Bill Text

LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 388

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Chapter 388
(Senate Bill 80)

AN ACT concerning

Motor Vehicle Registration – Exceptions for Golf Carts – Hoopers Island and
Taylors Island

FOR the purpose of creating an exception to motor vehicle registration requirements for
golf carts on Upper Hoopers Island, Middle Hoopers Island, and Taylors Island,
subject to certain requirements and conditions; authorizing the County Council of
Dorchester County to designate county highways on which a person may operate a
golf cart on Upper Hoopers Island, Middle Hoopers Island, or Taylors Island; and
generally relating to exceptions to motor vehicle registration requirements for golf
carts.

BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,
Article – Transportation
Section 13–402(a)(1)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2020 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article – Transportation
Section 13–402(c)(12)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2020 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)

BY adding to
Article – Transportation
Section 21–104.6
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2020 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,
That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article – Transportation

13–402.

(a) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section or elsewhere in the
Maryland Vehicle Law, each motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer driven on
a highway shall be registered under this subtitle.

(c) Registration under this subtitle is not required for:

Ch. 388 2022 LAWS OF MARYLAND

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(12) A golf cart that is operated on a highway in accordance with [§§
21–104.2 through 21–104.4] § 21–104.2, § 21–104.3, § 21–104.4, OR § 21–104.6 of this
article;

21–104.6.

(A) SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION, A PERSON WHO
OPERATES A GOLF CART ON A COUNTY HIGHWAY ON UPPER HOOPERS ISLAND,
MIDDLE HOOPERS ISLAND, OR TAYLORS ISLAND, WITHOUT REGISTRATION AS
AUTHORIZED UNDER § 13–402(C)(12) OF THIS ARTICLE:

(1) MAY OPERATE THE GOLF CART ONLY:

(I) ON A COUNTY HIGHWAY ON WHICH THE MAXIMUM POSTED
SPEED LIMIT DOES NOT EXCEED 30 MILES PER HOUR;

(II) BETWEEN DAWN AND DUSK; AND

(III) IF THE GOLF CART IS EQUIPPED WITH LIGHTING DEVICES
AS REQUIRED BY THE ADMINISTRATION;

(2) SHALL KEEP THE GOLF CART AS FAR TO THE RIGHT OF THE
ROADWAY AS FEASIBLE; AND

(3) SHALL POSSESS A VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE.

(B) THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF DORCHESTER COUNTY MAY DESIGNATE BY
RESOLUTION THE COUNTY HIGHWAYS ON UPPER HOOPERS ISLAND, MIDDLE
HOOPERS ISLAND, OR TAYLORS ISLAND ON WHICH A PERSON MAY OPERATE A GOLF
CART.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October 1, 2022.

Approved by the Governor, May 16, 2022.