In an unusual case that underscores the importance of road safety, a 48-year-old Lakeshore man has been charged with multiple offenses, including impaired driving, after being caught operating a golf cart on a public roadway.

The incident occurred on the evening of October 13, 2025, when a member of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was on patrol on Caille Avenue in the Municipality of Lakeshore. The officer observed a golf cart being driven on the road and initiated a traffic stop.

Upon speaking with the driver, Eugene Cipparone, the officer detected signs of impairment, leading to his arrest. Cipparone was subsequently transported to a local detachment for further testing, where the full extent of his alleged impairment was assessed.

He now faces several charges under the Criminal Code and the Off-Road Vehicle Act, including:

• Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

• Unlawfully driving an off-road vehicle on a highway

• Driving an off-road vehicle without a number plate

• Failing to surrender a permit for the off-road vehicle

• Driving an off-road vehicle without insurance

Following his arrest, Cipparone was released from custody but is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Windsor on October 28, 2025. In addition to the charges, he received a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension, and his golf cart was impounded for seven days as required by law.

The OPP reminds residents that while golf carts may be a popular mode of transport in certain areas, operating them on public roads is heavily regulated. In Essex County, driving a golf cart on the road is only permitted in designated areas, emphasizing the necessity for compliance with road safety laws.

This incident serves as a stark reminder that impaired driving is a serious offense, regardless of the vehicle type. The OPP continues to encourage community members to remain vigilant and responsible when it comes to road safety, ensuring that all motorists, whether in cars or on golf carts, adhere to the law.