On Monday night, the Leitchfield City Council voted to implement a golf cart ordinance regulating the use of the vehicles on Leitchfield roadways.
The council essentially accepted and enacted new Kentucky Revised Statutes governing golf carts on Kentucky roads, with the ordinance treating golf carts virtually the same as other motor vehicles, with a few exceptions — no title requirement, no vehicle registration requirement and no emission certificates needed.
The highlights of the lengthy ordinance are as follows:
- The golf cart cannot be capable of traveling over 35 mph, and is designated to carry no more than six people
- The golf cart may only be operated on roadways with posted speed limit signs of 35 mph or less (golf carts may not be driven on four lane highways or city sidewalks)
- The operator of the golf cart is not allowed to cross a roadway at an intersection where the roadway has a posted 35 mph speed limit unless there is a traffic control signal being used
- The operator must have a valid operator’s license in possession
- The golf cart may only be operated between sunrise and sunset
- The vehicle must display a slow-moving vehicle emblem in compliance with existing statutes
- The operator must carry liability insurance
- The golf cart must be equipped with: head lights, front and rear turn signals, tail lights, brake lights, reflex reflector (one red on each side as far to the rear as possible, and one red on the rear), parking brake, a windshield that conforms to the federal motor vehicle safety standard on glazing, seat belt assembly that conforms to the federal motor vehicle safety standard for each designated seating position, a VIN number, and a horn that meets existing guidelines of existing statutes for motor vehicles.
- The golf cart must have an exterior mirror mounted on the driver’s side and either an exterior mirror mounted on the passenger’ side, or an interior mirror
- The golf cart owner must be issued a sticker or permit for the vehicle by the city of Leitchfield at a cost of $25 each fiscal year
- The golf cart must undergo an inspection by the sheriff’s office at a cost of $5
The complete ordinance is available at Leitchfield City Hall.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
