Golf Carts top issue at Louisa City Council meeting

By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor

Tuesday, July 8 with one of the top issues discussed being golf carts.

Council member Rose Lester, who was not at Tuesday’s meeting, brought up the issue in the June meeting for more discussion.

Louisa Mayor Harold Slone did advise the council that according to Kentucky State Law golf carts on public roadways were illegal and provided them with copies of the law to look over.

Mayor Slone also advised them that as the council they do have the ability to prepare an ordinance with specifics that would make golf carts legal.

In order to make them legal, they would be required to have headlights, turn signals, tail lights and insurance according to the mayor.

He also advised they would then have to be inspected by the Sheriff’s office and then a city sticker would be issued.

“If we choose to adopt an ordinance the drivers must be a valid licensed driver,” said Mayor Slone.

Louisa Police Chief Stephen Wilburn admits he hasn’t seen any problem with the golf carts being on the roadways, so he hasn’t been issuing citations however, many residents disagree saying small children, teens and adults are operating them on busy roadways such as Preece Drive in Meadowbrook and South Rt. 3, which is a state road that runs through Louisa and on to the Point Section along with other city streets.

Some of the complaints are that the kids are pulling out in front of traffic at intersections, too many kids are on the golf carts unseated making it unsafe to follow behind them or try to pass by them, zigzagging for fun and they are holding up traffic of people wanting to go normal speed.

KRS 189.286 (6) states, Any person operating a golf cart on a public roadway under the provisions of this section shall be subject to the traffic regulations of KRS Chapter 189.

However, in Kentucky, golf carts can be operated on public roads under certain conditions, primarily governed by this KRS. 

Local governments have the authority to permit golf cart use on specific roadways within their jurisdiction through an ordinance. These ordinances must designate the roadways and may impose additional safety requirements. 

Some of those key Requirements and Restrictions according to the KRS are:

Local Government Authorization: A local government (city or county) must pass an ordinance to allow golf carts on their roads. 

Roadway Designation: The ordinance must specify which roadways are open to golf carts. 

Speed Limits: Roads where golf carts are permitted typically have a speed limit of 35 mph or less. 

Operator Requirements: Golf cart operators must possess a valid driver’s license and operate the vehicle during daylight hours. 

Safety Equipment: Golf carts must be equipped with a slow-moving vehicle emblem and be insured. 

Exemptions: Golf carts are exempt from certain motor vehicle requirements, such as title, registration, and emissions compliance. 

Local Ordinances: Local governments can create stricter rules for golf cart safety and operation than those outlined in state law. 

Transportation Cabinet Authority: The Transportation Cabinet can prohibit golf cart use on certain state-maintained roads if it deems it necessary for public safety. 

The council has not decided at this time whether or not an ordinance will be prepared, but as of right now the mayor did publicly announce that for the time being it is illegal to operate them on the streets and roadways.