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City Offices closed for Election Day

Monday, November 4, 2024

The City of Goshen Offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 5, for Election Day. All trash and recycling services will continue as normal. more

Retiring Goshen Fire Chief Dan Sink Honored with State EMS Director’s Award

Friday, November 1, 2024

Goshen Fire Chief Dan Sink with Travis Clary from the Indiana State EMS Commission Retiring Goshen Fire Chief Dan Sink received Indiana’s State EMS Director’s Award on Thursday, recognizing his 43 years of service with the department. Travis Clary, EMS manager for State EMS Districts 1 and 2,... more

City of Goshen introduces new golf cart and off-road vehicle regulations

Thursday, October 31, 2024

Beginning Nov. 1, 2024, new regulations governing the operation of golf carts and off-road vehicles (ORVs) on Goshen’s streets take effect under recently approved Ordinances 5192 and 5184. These regulations are designed to enhance safety and ensure compliance with local traffic laws. Ordinance 5192... more

Upcoming Events All »

Downtown Goshen Economic Improvement District

Thursday, November 7, 2024, 7:45am

The regular meetings of the Downtown Goshen Economic Improvement District Board will take place on the first Thursday of each month, excepting July, as set forth in the schedule below. The meetings will be held in the conference room located in Goshen City Hall at 202 South 5th Street, Goshen, Indiana. All meetings of the Goshen Downtown Economic Improvement District Board are open to the public with the exception of an executive session that may be held as authorized by Indiana Code §5-14-1.5-6.1. The Board may schedule meetings in addition to those listed above as necessary, subject to public notice requirements.

Board of Works

Thursday, November 7, 2024, 4:00pm

To join the webinar please copy and paste this link on your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88469251269

Letters to Santa

Friday, November 8, 2024

Golf Cart and ORV in Goshen

Golf Cart Registration

Goshen Golf Cart Regulations

Overview of Golf Cart Ordinance

Effective November 1, 2024, Goshen’s Ordinance 5192 permits the use of golf carts on city highways with specific regulations in place to ensure safety and compliance. Here’s what you need to know to operate a golf cart on Goshen’s streets legally.

To obtain a permit, golf cart inspections will be offered at the Central Fire Station, 209 N. 3rd St., during regular business hours on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Inspections are also available at the Goshen Police Department, 111 E. Jefferson St., on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.


1. Definitions and Key Requirements

What is a Golf Cart?

Under Indiana Code § 9-13-2-69.7, a golf cart is defined as a vehicle designed for use on a golf course for recreational purposes with a speed capacity of 25 mph or less.

Where Can You Operate a Golf Cart?

  • Permitted Areas: Highways under city jurisdiction with speed limits of 30 mph or less.
  • Prohibited Areas:
    • State Highways (e.g., S.R. 119, S.R. 15, S.R. 4, and U.S. 33)
    • Bicycle paths, trails, sidewalks, and any public areas not designated for vehicles.

Note: Golf carts may cross non-permitted highways at right angles to reach another highway where operation is allowed.


2. Rules for Operating a Golf Cart in Goshen

Basic Rules

  • Speed Limit: Maximum of 25 mph.
  • Traffic Compliance: All federal, state, and local traffic laws apply.
  • Passenger Safety: All passengers must be seated with seatbelts properly fastened in factory-installed seats.
  • No Impeding Traffic: Golf carts should not unreasonably impede traffic or operate in a manner that endangers others.

Required Equipment

Golf carts must be equipped with:

  • Rear-view mirror
  • Headlights, taillights, and brake lights
  • Turn signals (front and back)
  • Seatbelts for all seating positions (factory-installed or DOT-approved aftermarket)
  • Orange safety flag (ATV/UTV style)
  • Slow-moving vehicle emblem

All equipment must be maintained in working order and used at all times while driving.


3. Operator Requirements

To operate a golf cart, drivers must:

  • Be 16 years or older with a valid, non-suspended driver’s license.
  • Hold valid insurance coverage as per Indiana Code requirements.

Financial Responsibility

Drivers must maintain the state-required minimum amount of insurance coverage for the golf cart.


4. Permit Requirements

How to Obtain a Permit

  • Permit Application: Required before operating a golf cart within Goshen.
  • Fee: A one-time fee of $50 per golf cart.
  • Inspection: The Goshen Police or Fire Department will inspect the cart to ensure compliance before issuing the permit.
  • Permit Decal: Once approved, a decal will be issued and must be affixed to the left rear of the cart for visibility.

Temporary Permits

Temporary permits may be issued for special events (like parades or festivals) upon approval from the Board of Public Works and Safety. Temporary permits are valid for up to 5 days and must be displayed on the golf cart during use.


5. Violations and Penalties

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violations are enforced by the Goshen Police Department and other authorized city officials, with fines as follows:

  • First Offense: $175
  • Second Offense (within 12 months): $225
  • Third Offense (within 12 months): $250

Severe violations may result in golf cart impoundment, permit revocation, or additional fines up to $2,500.

Payment of Fines

All fines collected go to the City of Goshen’s general fund to support community programs and services.


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Goshen Off-Road Vehicle Regulations

Overview of Ordinance 5184 

Ordinance 5184 allows the use of certain off-road vehicles (ORVs) on Goshen highways with specific requirements to ensure safety. Here’s everything you need to know to legally operate an off-road vehicle within city limits.


1. Definitions and Key Requirements

What is an Off-Road Vehicle?

An off-road vehicle (ORV), as defined by Indiana Code § 9-13-2-117.3, includes vehicles with a steering wheel, side-by-side seating, seatbelts, and roll-over protection, such as motorized carts. It does not include motorcycles, scooters, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), or snowmobiles.


2. Operating Off-Road Vehicles on Goshen Highways

Allowed and Restricted Areas

  • Allowed: ORVs may operate on certain designated sections of state highways and city streets with speed limits compatible with off-road vehicle safety.
  • Prohibited: ORVs are not permitted on bicycle paths, trails, sidewalks, or any public property not intended for vehicular traffic.

Check local road signage and follow city guidelines for approved ORV routes.


3. Rules for Safe Operation

To operate an ORV on city highways, follow these essential rules:

General Rules

  • Traffic Compliance: ORV operators must follow all traffic laws, including speed limits and signaling.
  • Passenger Safety: All passengers must be seated in factory-installed seats with seatbelts fastened. Helmets are required for occupants under 18.
  • Slow-Moving Emblem: ORVs operating under 25 mph must display a slow-moving vehicle emblem.

Required Safety Equipment

To legally drive an ORV, it must be equipped with:

  • All ORVs must be equipped with the minimum safety equipment required by the State of Indiana (I.C. 14-16-1) to be registered and operated on highways within Goshen city limits. This includes functional headlights, taillights, and brake lights.

    Lights must remain on at all times during operation to ensure visibility from a distance of 500 feet. All equipment must be operational at all times.


4. Operator Requirements

To drive an ORV in Goshen, operators must:

  • Be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver’s license.
  • Maintain minimum insurance coverage as required by state law.

Note: It is illegal to allow anyone without a valid driver’s license to operate your ORV on city roads.


5. Registration and Permits

  • State Registration: ORVs must be registered with the State of Indiana, and the registration decal should be displayed on the front half of the vehicle.
  • No Additional City Permit: Goshen does not require a separate city permit for ORVs registered with the state.

6. Violations and Penalties

Violations of Ordinance 5184 may result in fines or impoundment. Here are the details:

  • First Violation: $175 fine
  • Second Violation (within 12 months): $225 fine
  • Third Violation (within 12 months): $250 fine

Severe violations may lead to fines up to $2,500 or impoundment of the ORV.


Contact Information

For questions about ORV rules and regulations, please contact the City of Goshen Police Department.
Phone: (574) 533-866