INDIANTOWN, Conn. -- Golf carts are a prime mode of transportation during the summer in Indiantown in Old Saybrook, but those using them are now required to have a valid Connecticut driver's license, and the cart must meet local traffic emissions standards.

"It makes a nice, pleasant community," golf cart owner Susan Souza said. "We can all stop and chit-chat whenever we're out and about."

Lawmakers banned the use of golf carts last year, then helped revise regulations so local traffic authorities could manage their use.

"Certainly, it falls under the Going Green initiative," Acting Police Chief Michael Spera said. "It's a huge help to some of the elderly people that like to go back and forth to the beach from their cottages, and it's a great enhancement to someone's quality of life."

The following general regulations were approved by lawmakers:

They are only to be used during daylight hours.

They can be driven no faster than 25 mph.

They must have operating horns.

The must have a visible flag that's 72 inches high.

Old Saybrook also requires a number plate, which will be issued once the gold cart owner completes a registration form.

"It's easier, a lot greener, and we think it's a lot safer," said Ed Olsen, president of the Indiantown Beach Association.