The Times is doing a series of articles highlighting common laws and rules. Today, we examine Indiana's new golf cart law. To suggest a law for The Times to highlight, contact the writer.

Golf courses are no longer the only places where golf carts are seen zipping around. An increasing number of people use them on roadways instead of cars or trucks.

That's why an Indiana law, effective July 1, limits golf cart use to cities and towns, and only if the cities or towns pass a local ordinance to allow golf carts.

The law states:

-- A driver must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver's license.

-- Operating a golf cart on any roadway, including county and state highways, is unlawful, unless it is in the jurisdiction of a city or town that has passed an ordinance permitting it. A gated community may also permit golf carts if their roads are privately maintained.

-- If a golf cart is operated on a highway when there is no ordinance permitting it, all vehicle laws apply -- including licensing, plates and equipment.

-- Golf cart operators must obey all laws.

-- Counties can't legalize golf cart use on county highways.

Valparaiso and Portage police both said they don't currently have an ordinance to address golf carts, but Chesterton Police Chief George Nelson said one is in the works to allow golf carts in the town.

"The people that use golf carts are people that have some mobility issues and are on fixed incomes and are trying to go to stores and around neighborhoods, and to get out without having to drive a car and spend gas money," Nelson said.

Nelson said there are also some people who live near golf courses who ride a cart to the course to play.

Valparaiso police Sgt. Michael Grennes said he believes Indiana law is addressing golf carts because there are so many in use in some communities, especially lake or resort communities. He said police rarely see golf carts being used in Valparaiso, so it hasn't been much of an issue. Portage police Sgt. Keith Hughes said Portage police also haven't had any problems with golf carts.