Dear Editor: I Would, But I Don't Think I Can

Dear Editor,

Well, it finally happened... I knew it would happen sooner or later; I'm more than willing to accept full responsibility for my lawless actions. I was pulled over the other evening while traveling into town. I've been traveling around town like this in my golf cart named "Sunshine" for a bit over 5 years now, without so much as a "BOO" from the cops, or anyone else for that matter, so why now?

I understand, as I have from the beginning, that technically, it is illegal to travel on public roads and streets in a golf cart (unless there is a town/city ordinance in place, governing the roadways within that town's jurisdiction).

According to Montana Code Annotated 2023 61-8-391, "A person may not operate a golf cart on a public street or highway open to the public unless the operation is specifically authorized by ordinance or regulation passed by the local governing body of the county, city, or town for a public street or highway under its jurisdiction."

Furthermore (here is MY issue), 61-8-391 says, "A person operating a golf cart under this section must have a valid driver's license." I do not have a driver's license for a reason; I do not have a driver's license because I can no longer safely operate what is usually referred to as a motor vehicle. This is the main reason I travel around town in my golf cart, which, on a good day, will cruise at about 20 MPH.

I have been warned that unless I get a valid driver's license, I may be unable to travel around town, including to my job, so herein lies another related issue. I might be able to pass the written part of the driver's exam, but I highly doubt I could satisfactorily pass the actual driving part.

Aside from the fact that I do not wish to subject myself or others to the dangers I might pose in driving a larger, more substantial vehicle, I do my best to observe traffic laws. If I am traveling, especially on the Whitetail, but even in town, if a vehicle comes up behind me, I move over to get out of their way, if I can safely.

Again, I accept full responsibility for flouting the law for so many years, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to get a driver's license, even if I wanted to. I guess I will continue to do what I have to. I am prepared to pay the consequences if the deputy pulls me over again.

CHARLES HADDON SHANK

Whitehall, Montana