Golf carts allowed on some Mundelein streets

With its proximity to two popular golf courses, the Grand Dominion seniors-only subdivision in Mundelein has attracted a fair number of players.

Now, those golfers will be able to drive golf carts on the neighborhood's streets - as long as some strict safety, licensing and insurance rules are met.

The Mundelein village board on Monday adopted an ordinance permitting carts and other so-called neighborhood vehicles on roads within Grand Dominion, which is on the village's northwest side off Route 176.

The subdivision is adjacent to Countryside Golf Course, which is owned by the Lake County Forest Preserve District, and Steeplechase Golf Club, which is owned by the Mundelein Park and Recreation District.

Golf carts are allowed on municipal streets in Illinois, but only when authorized by a municipality.

They're more commonly found on roads in rural areas than fully developed ones, Mundelein Mayor Kenneth H. Kessler said.

"Whether (they're) legal or not is another story," he said.

The new ordinance will allow Grand Dominion residents who own golf carts to take them right from their garages to the nearby golf courses, Kessler said.

To be allowed on any of Grand Dominion's roads, a golf cart must be battery- or gasoline-powered, have four wheels, be able to reach a speed of 20 mph, but not move faster than 25 mph.

Eligible carts must also have headlights and taillights on when moving, regardless of whether it's day or night, and they must be insured.

Additionally, golfers must have valid Illinois driver's licenses to use a cart on a Grand Dominion street.

As part of the new ordinance, the Grand Dominion developers must put signs at locations in the subdivision notifying residents that golf carts and neighborhood vehicles are allowed within the development.

Fines for violators will range from $10 to $500.

Carts: Drivers must have lights on at all times