by Sgt. Jesse Grabow
Columnist

Question: When golf carts are using a pedestrian crosswalk, are vehicles required to yield? I say it is a courtesy but not required, my wife says it is required. This happens in town where the street separates a golf course.

Answer: By law they are not a pedestrian if on a golf cart unless there is an ordinance or some other special allowance set by local or state officials. Minnesota State Statute 169.212 talks about electric personal assistive mobility devices and how the person operating one has the rights and responsibilities of a pedestrian but this does not include golf carts. So it is a courtesy.

In Minnesota where traffic-control signals are not in place or in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall stop to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a marked crosswalk or at an intersection with no marked crosswalk. The driver must remain stopped until the pedestrian has passed the lane in which the vehicle is stopped. Drivers should try to stop far enough back so drivers in other lanes can also see in time to stop. Also, do not block crosswalks while stopped, and don’t pass other vehicles stopped in these areas.

No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield. Pedestrians, don’t count on drivers paying attention — make eye contact with motorists before crossing. Continue to be alert and check for vehicles when walking in a crosswalk. A little common sense for drivers and pedestrians can go a long way.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws in Minnesota, please send your questions to: Trooper Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501. Or reach me at jesse.grabow@state.mn.us