Step 1 – Understand the Ordinance

Note that this Ordinance applies ONLY to the unincorporated areas of Johnson County, Indiana. It does not satisfy the requirements of any other municipality, nor does it substitute for their local ordinances in any way. This means you may be expected to register your golf cart / off-highway vehicles in multiple jurisdictions within Johnson County if you intend on crossing those borders.

The easiest way to determine the borders of the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Johnson County is to view it on the GIS map:

Read the below summary of all requirements and regulations of the ordinance and ensure you understand and agree to all components contained therein; If you would like to read the entire ordinance, you can find that here:

Summary: Johnson County Ordinance 2024-O-9 / 2025-O-7

The Johnson County Board of Commissioners has passed an ordinance regulating the limited use of golf carts and off-road vehicles on designated county roads. Below is a summary of the key rules and regulations:

Definitions

• Golf Cart (IC 9-13-2-69.7): Golf cart means a four (4) wheeled motor vehicle originally and specifically designed and intended to transport one (1) or more individuals and golf clubs for the purpose of playing the game of golf on a golf course.
• Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle: a four (4) wheeled motor vehicle with the following characteristics:
  • Between 50″ and 80″ in width when measured from outside tire rim to outside tire rim;
  • A dry weight of no more than 2,500 pounds;
  • Be designed for travel on at least 4 non-highway or off-highway tires;
  • Have the ability to operate at 25 miles per hour or greater;
  • Be equipped with the following operable equipment:
    • Safety belts for driver and all passengers
    • Either side mirrors or a rearview mirror
    • A traditional steering wheel
    • Two headlights
    • Two turn signals
    • At least one break light
  • All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), 3-wheelers, 4-wheelers, and slow-moving vehicles are NOT considered Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles and may not operate within unincorporated Johnson County roads outside uses permitted by Indiana Code.
• Proof of Financial Responsibility: proof of insurance or ability to respond in damages for liability that arises out of the ownership, maintenance, or use in the following amounts:
  • $25,000 because of bodily injury to, or death of, any one (1) person;
  • Subject to the limit in subdivision (1), $50,000 because of bodily injury to, or death of, two (2) or more persons in any one (1) accident; and
  • $25,000 because of injury to or destruction of property in any one (1) accident.

Permitted Use

• Golf Carts: Operation is allowed only on roads explicitly designated by the ordinance and signage, and not for general transportation throughout Johnson County. This does NOT limit the use of golf carts on golf courses, private property, Johnson County Park, or Johnson County Fairgrounds – all of which have their own regulations.
• Off-Highway Vehicles: Operation is permitted on any County Highway (publicly maintained road when any part of the road is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel [including alleys]) within unincorporated Johnson County where the vehicle is equipped to follow all ordinances, state traffic laws, state regulations, and all requirements contained in this ordinance.

Operator Requirements

• Age Restriction: Only individuals 16 years or older may operate these vehicles.
• Driver’s License or State-issued ID: Operators must hold a valid driver’s license or state-issued photo identification and present it to law enforcement upon request.

Vehicle Requirements

• Registration: All vehicles must be registered with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office (this page) and must display the issued sticker on the rear of the vehicle.
• Safety Equipment: Vehicles must be equipped with operational lights, turn signals, and seat belts (if applicable).

Operational Rules

• Speed Limit: Vehicles must not exceed [Insert Speed Limit, e.g., 25 mph].
• Time of Use: Operation is restricted to daylight hours unless equipped with proper, functional lighting.
• Traffic laws: Operators must obey all traffic laws, including stop signs, yielding to pedestrians, staying to the far right travelled portion of the roadway, and yielding right of way to overtaking vehicles.
• Parking: Stopping, standing, or parking of golf carts and off-highway recreational vehicles is not permitted in any area where parking is not allowed or in any place that may impede the flow of traffic, pedestrians, or where passageway is prohibited.
• Public Right of Way: golf carts and off-highway recreational vehicles may not be operated on sidewalks, pedestrian walkways, multi-use paths, jogging paths, greenway trails, or non-designated public ways or roads.
• Passengers: Vehicles shall not be used with more passengers than are allotted in accordance to the manufacturer’s listed passenger capacity. All persons riding must be seated independently in one of the designed seats and may not be standing or riding on the back or in any location designed for cargo, while the vehicle is in motion.

Penalties and Enforcement

• Fines: Non-compliance may result in fines or other penalties.
• Authority: Law enforcement has the right to enforce all provisions of this ordinance and may ask for proof of identification, registration, and financial responsibility at any time.
• Removal: Violations of this ordinance may result in removal of the vehicle by towing and impound.

Step 2 – Registration Form

Fill out the Registration Form below. When you have successfully completed the form, you will see a success message displayed.

Step 3 – Payment and Registration Decal

Once you have received the verification email from the form, bring the following items to the Sheriff’s Office at 1091 Hospital Road, Franklin:

1. $100 one-time registration fee, which will be payable ONLY via Cash, Money Order, or Cashier’s Check.
2. Proof of insurance coverage, in case the image didn’t successfully upload.
3. Driver’s License or state-issued ID, in case the image didn’t successfully upload. 

You will then receive a receipt and the sticker to place on the REAR of your Golf Cart/Off-Highway Vehicle.