06/01/2026
Now that the weather is nice, here is a friendly reminder that only certain types of vehicles are allowed on the streets of Harmony. The full ordinance is typed out below, but a couple vehicles that definitely are not legal are dirt bikes and traditional 3-wheelers and 4-wheelers. There have already been a few people warned for violations. The vehicle must also be insured and operated by a licensed driver. First offense is a $250 fine, then $500 for subsequent offenses. Unless you would like to donate $250 or $500 to the Town of Harmony (which we will gladly put to good use at the park), please read below and make sure you are in compliance:
GOLF CARTS AND RECREATIONAL OFF-ROAD VEHICLES
WITHIN HARMONY TOWN LIMITS
Section 1. PURPOSE.
This Ordinance is not intended to promote the operation of
golf carts or recreational off-road vehicles on Harmony
streets. Harmony does not recommend or even endorse the
operation of golf carts or recreational off-road vehicles on
its streets. However, many of the citizens of Harmony want
to operate golf carts and/or recreational off-road vehicles
on town streets. All persons operating golf carts or
recreational off-road vehicles must be attentive to the
safety of themselves and others, including passengers, other
motorist, bicyclists, and pedestrians. All persons who
operate or ride golf carts or recreational off-road vehicles
on town streets do so at their own peril. Harmony assumes
no liability for the operation of golf carts or recreational
off-road vehicles within the town based upon this Ordinance.
Section 2.
DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Ordinance, the following definitions
shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires
a different meaning.
(A) “Golf Cart”. A vehicle with four wheels originally
designed for operation on a golf course and powered by
battery or internal combustion motor. (See I.C. 9-13-2-69.7)
(B) “Recreational Off-road Vehicle”. A motorized
off-highway vehicle, sometimes referred to as a “side by
side” that:
(1) Is 64 inches or less in width;
(2) Is designed for travel on at least four non-highway
or off-highway tires;
(3) Is designed for recreational use by one or more
individuals;
(4) Has a non-straddle seat or saddle;
(5) Has a steering wheel for steering control;
(6) Is not a lawn mower; and
(7) Has a manufactured from the factory set of
headlights, taillights and brake lights.
(C) “Driver’s License”. A valid license to operate a motor
vehicle issued by Indiana or any other state.
(D) “Proof of Financial Responsibility”. Proof of
financial responsibility” means proof of ability to respond
in damages for each motor vehicle registered by a person for
liability that arises out of the ownership, maintenance, or
use of the motor vehicle in the following amounts:
(1) Twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) because of
bodily injury to or death of any one (1) person.
(2) Subject to the limit in subdivision (1), fifty
thousand dollars ($50,000) because of bodily injury to
or death of two (2) or more persons in any one (1)
accident.
(3) Twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) because of
injury to or destruction of property in any one (1)
accident.
(E) “Operate/Operation”. To exercise any control in the
operation or movement of a golf cart or recreational
off-road vehicle. The operation of a golf cart or
recreational off-road vehicle within the town limits
(excepting private property) is strictly prohibited unless
the golf cart or recreational off-road vehicle is operated
and equipped in full compliance with this Ordinance. This
Ordinance is not applicable to Highway 40 through the Town
of Harmony.
(F) “Town Streets”. The entire width between the boundary
lines of any way publically maintained when any part of the
way is open to the use of the public for purposes of
vehicular travel within the corporate limits of the Town of
Harmony. For purposes of this Ordinance, Highway 40 is not a
way/street of the Town of Harmony.
(G) “Traffic Rules”. Golf carts and recreational off-road
vehicles shall obey all of the rules of the road and shall
display a “slow moving vehicle” sign of the same type
required under state law.
Section 3. OPERATION OF A GOLF CART OR RECREATIONAL OFF-ROAD
VEHICLE.
The operation of a golf cart or recreational off-road
vehicle within the town limits is strictly prohibited unless
the golf cart or recreational off-road vehicle is operated
and equipped in full compliance with this Ordinance.
Section 4. OPERATOR.
Only persons over sixteen (16) years of age and holding a
valid driver’s license may operate a golf cart or
recreational off-road vehicle within the town limits.
Section 5. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
The financial ability of the operator or owner
notwithstanding, the operator of a golf cart or recreational
off-road vehicle must show proof of financial responsibility
when operating a golf cart or recreational off-road vehicle.
Written proof of financial responsibility must be available
either on the golf cart or recreational off-road vehicle or
carried by the operator at all times.
Section 6. TIME OF OPERATION.
Golf carts or recreational off-road vehicles shall not be
operated on town streets between the time of one-half hour
before sunset and one-half hour after sunrise unless the
golf cart or recreational off-road vehicle is equipped and
operated with two operating headlights (one on each side of
the front of the golf cart or recreational off-road vehicle)
and two operating tail lights (one on each side of the rear
of the golf cart or recreational off-road vehicle) all of
which are visible from a distance of five hundred (500)
feet.
Section 7. OPERATION OF GOLF CARTS OR RECREATIONAL OFF-ROAD
VEHICLE.
A. Golf carts or recreational off-road vehicles may be
operated on town streets at the posted speed or 25 miles per
hour, which ever is less. No golf cart or recreational
off-road vehicle shall be operated within the town limits at
a speed in excess of 25 miles per hour. Golf carts or
recreational off-road vehicles may not be operated on
sidewalks.
B. No person shall leave or allow any golf cart or
recreational off-road vehicle, in his/her ownership and/or
control, to be unattended on any town street, while the
motor is running or the key is in the ignition.
Section 8. OCCUPANTS.
The number of occupants in a golf cart or recreational
off-road vehicle shall be limited to the number of persons
for whom factory seating is installed and provided on the
golf cart or recreational off-road vehicle. The operator
and all occupants shall be seated in the golf cart or
recreational off-road vehicle and no part of the body of the
operator or occupant shall extend outside the perimeter of
the golf cart or recreational off-road vehicle while the
golf cart or recreational off-road vehicle is being
operated.
Section 9. TRAFFIC RULES.
The operator of a golf cart or recreational off-road vehicle
shall comply with all traffic rules and regulations adopted
by the State of Indiana and the Town of Harmony which govern
the operation of motor vehicles (subject to the speed
limitation herein).
Section 10. SLOW MOVING VEHICLE SIGN.
Pursuant to I.C. 9-21-9-2, a golf cart or recreational
off-road vehicle driven on the streets of the town limits
shall display a triangular slow moving vehicle emblem
mounted as near as is practicable to the center of mass and
at an approximate height of not less than three (3) and not
more than five (5) feet from level ground or pavement
surface and as otherwise complies under Indiana law, or in
the alternative, with a red or an amber flashing lamp
mounted at a height as low as practicable as provided in
I.C. 9-21-9-4.
Section 11. WRECKED OR DAMAGED GOLF CARTS OR RECREATIONAL
OFF-ROAD VEHICLE.
A person removing a wrecked or damaged golf cart or
recreational off-road vehicle from a street or highway must
also remove any glass or other foreign material dropped upon
the street or highway from the golf cart or recreational
off-road vehicle, as described in I.C. 9-26-6-1, as may be
amended from time to time.
Section 12. PENALTY.
A Violation of a provision of this Ordinance shall
constitute a violation of the Harmony Code. An owner,
lessee or operator may be cited by the Town Marshal or his
designee, or by a Town Council member or designee, or the
Town Attorney. The fine for a first offense shall not
exceed $250.00. The fine for a second or subsequent offense
shall not exceed $500.00. Court action may be taken as
deemed appropriate by the Town of Harmony, with Court cost
as may be charged by the court. A fine assessed for a
violation of this Ordinance shall be deposited in the
General Fund of the Town of Harmony.
Section 13. ORDINANCE IN EFFECT.
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and
after its passage, approval and publication as provided by
Indiana law.
ORDAINED AND ESTABLISHED THIS 4th DAY OF AUGUST, 2020, BY THE TOWN COUNCIL FOR HARMONY, INDIANA
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