Ripon is preparing to step up traffic enforcement by considering a new full-time motor officer position, a change announced by Police Chief Danny Sauer at Monday’s City Council meeting. The move comes as the city deals with an uptick in vehicle traffic and a wave of hazardous driving violations.

Sauer explained that the dedicated motor officer would go beyond traditional car patrols, focusing attention on e-bike, scooter, and golf cart riders—groups that have become increasingly visible on local roads. The new role would also cover traffic collision investigations and work to secure grants for equipment like police motorcycles, radar trailers, and DUI checkpoint tools.

“Traffic enforcement continues to be one of the most common requests from the community,” Sauer said, emphasizing the demand for safer streets.

Councilman Leo Zuber cheered the proposal, voicing particular concerns about the use of golf carts on city streets. He’s noticed more drivers behind the wheel of these vehicles—and isn’t sure all of them meet the legal age requirement.

California law only allows golf carts on roads within a mile of a golf course, and only if the road’s speed limit is 25 mph or less (and specifically marked by the city). Zuber, who has seen other towns struggle with the same issue, floated the idea that Ripon might need to update its own rules, since many of the places carts are spotted might not fit those criteria.

City Attorney Tom Terpstra Jr. acknowledged the complexities, noting that while state law takes precedence, Ripon does have some room to refine its regulations. Any changes could come back to the council for further debate in the months ahead.