The South Dakota State Fair is going to restrict the use of golf carts on the fairgrounds this year.

If you are disabled, you will still be able to drive a cart on the grounds. But you won't be able to bring your own. You'll have to rent one from an approved vendor, get a permit from the State Fair and show proof of liability insurance.

The State Fair will increase the number courtesy carts available to get people rides, the number of personal scooters that can be rented and the number of trams operating on the grounds.

S.D. State Fair To Restrict Golf Carts

"With a 27% increase in attendance in the last five years, the State Fair has been faced with the challenge of managing golf cart traffic and keeping patrons safe," says Jerome Hertel, State Fair manager.  "At an average attendance of more than 30,000 per day, the potential for accidents involving golf carts and pedestrians has increased dramatically in the past few years.

Golf carts will be made available for rent from an authorized golf cart vendor prior to and during the State Fair. Information on rental rates and reservations can be obtained by contacting GTI Golf Carts at 1-800-477-0467. 

Renters will be required to obtain golf cart permits from the State Fair office and show proof of liability insurance before operating a golf cart on the grounds. Information on golf cart permits will be posted on the State Fair website at www.sdstatefair.com or by contacting the State Fair office at 605-353-7340.

Disabled golf cart permits are for transporting disabled individuals only. The disabled individual who is issued the permit must occupy a seat on the cart whenever it is used. Violators will have their golf cart privileges revoked.

More courtesy carts and drivers will be made available for rides. Courtesy carts operating on the fairgrounds will be increased by 50%. The State Fair will also add more trams to the routes.

Golf carts will be restricted from operating in high traffic areas, such as Independent Midway Avenue, areas near the NorthWestern Energy Freedom Stage, Expo building, Women's Building, and Arts and Education building. Those areas will be marked on the State Fair map and clearly marked with signs. Only authorized State Fair personnel will be allowed to operate golf carts in those areas.

The State Fair also has made arrangements with a vendor to have more personal scooters on hand for patrons to rent. Information for reservations will be posted on the State Fair website.

All golf carts operating on the State Fairgrounds will receive a copy of the rules and regulations that will be strictly enforced. Additional security personnel will be hired this year to monitor golf cart traffic on the Fairgrounds. Failure to abide by the rules will result in the operator's permit being revoked and possible removal from the premises.

For more information, call the State Fair at 605-353-7340 or see the State Fair website,  www.sdstatefair.com.

Source: SD State Fair