This past Tuesday, the La Quinta City Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance that will allow a pilot program for golf cart use on certain city streets.  The pilot program may be implemented as soon as mid-January with the issuance of two-year permits.  The cost of the permits is expected to be available at the Council's December 1st meeting.

Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage are two Coachella Valley cities that are currently using the program with great success.  The program abides by state law that does not allow the use of the golf cart for more than two people and 16 year old drivers must have a valid driver's license.  Seat belts and a rooftop are also required.  The maximum speed of a golf cart cannot exceed is 15 MPH and the golf carts will be restricted to designated golf cart lanes on city streets, designated golf cart paths and select neighborhoods with streets that have 25 MPH speed limit postings.  The main idea, explained in the council meeting, is to allow access throughout La Quinta Cove, to the Village and Old Town La Quinta areas, the SilverRock Resort and the La Quinta Resort and Club.  After reviewing the success of the pilot program, City Council members have indicated that the program may go citywide.