Mt. Carmel Police Chief Mike McWilliams is warning golf cart and UTV owners…obey the rules or face the consequences. McWilliams told the city council that his department has been receiving complaints of various issues ranging from underage drivers, to drivers using unauthorized street crossings, to children hanging unsafely off of golf carts, and at least one golf cart operator driving with open alcohol. He said drivers of golf carts and UTV’s are bound by the same traffic laws as other motorists and his officers are aiming to keep everyone safe… 

Another issue is that many of those with golf carts and UTV’s are currently driving with an expired permit. McWilliams said of the 167 permits, 64 are currently not compliant with the $50 permit. Since the expiration dates of the permits are staggered, the city is exploring a way to make all of them come due at the same time because the honor system isn’t working. Fines for an expired permit range from $200 to $250.