KEWANEE — With Kewanee’s golf cart ordinance now five years old, it may be time for a refresher on the dos and don’ts of operating a golf cart or UTV within city limits.

Golf cart operators looking for the most direct route to their destination may need to get creative to avoid running afoul of the law. Those heading to Walmart, for example, will need to avoid South Street, East Street and Tenney Street — meaning a trip across town will require some ingenuity.

Several roads were deemed off-limits for carts and UTVs when the Kewanee City Council passed Ordinance No. 4058 in June 2021. Early information was shared with the public, but after several years, a reminder may be due.

So, which roads are restricted?

Golf carts and UTVs are prohibited on South Street, Division Street, East Second Street in front of City Hall, East Street, Railroad Avenue, West Sixth Street (Route 81), and Main and Tenney streets.

According to the ordinance, “golf carts and or UTVs shall be allowed to cross a state highway or county highway if the operator of the golf cart and or UTV makes a direct crossing provided” and the crossing is made at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the direction of the street, road or highway and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick crossing.

That means drivers must use side streets and alternate routes to reach their destinations.

In addition to knowing which roads are lawful, cart owners must renew registration stickers each May. The renewal fee is $75, and carts must carry liability insurance. Operators are required to have a valid driver’s license.

Carts must also pass inspection by the Kewanee Police Department and be equipped with all safety systems required by the Illinois Vehicle Code, including seat belts, horn, brakes, rearview mirror, front and rear reflectors, turn signals, windshield, brake lights, headlight and tail lamps.

As for vehicles passing golf carts on city streets, the Kewanee Police Department said the ordinance doesn’t create separate passing rules, but Illinois traffic laws apply. Motorists may pass golf carts or UTVs only when it can be done safely and legally. Cars must pass to the left at a safe distance and avoid crossing into no‑passing zones, hills, curves, intersections or railroad crossings.

Golf cart operators aren’t required to pull off the road simply because a vehicle is behind them, but they must stay as far right as practical, obey traffic signs and avoid blocking traffic. Police encourage cart drivers to be courteous and allow vehicles to pass when it’s safe to do so.

With summer approaching, the KPD issued a statement reminding residents about golf cart and UTV safety.

“As we enter the busy golf cart season, we want residents to enjoy the ability to use properly registered golf carts and UTVs in town, but we also want everyone to remember that these vehicles are being operated in live traffic,” said Police Chief Stephen Kijanowski.

He also reminded golf cart and UTV owners to make sure their vehicles are registered, insured, properly equipped and operated only by licensed drivers.

“They should use only approved routes, obey all traffic laws, use proper lights and turn signals, wear seat belts and never operate while impaired. We also ask automobile drivers to be patient and only pass golf carts or UTVs when it is clearly safe and legal to do so,” Kijanowski said.

Residents may report non‑emergency traffic concerns to the Kewanee Police Department at 309‑853‑1911. For emergencies, call 9-1-1.