Hattiesburg City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt an ordinance regulating the usage of golf carts on city streets.
A draft of the ordinance was introduced at the council’s Aug. 1 work session by Ward 1 Councilman Jeffrey George.
Underage drivers will be given a misdemeanor citation. The fine is $445.
George said while there was no specific incident that sparked the idea for the ordinance, he had heard from some residents who had safety concerns and saw an increase in underage drivers.
“I began exploring proposing a golf cart ordinance to the Council a few months ago after talking with residents about their concerns and seeing the increase in use of golf carts around our city ” he said. “Overall, my main motivation to put an ordinance in place has been the safety of those on golf carts and the drivers of motor vehicles that are sharing the roadway.”
Click here to read the full draft of the ordinance
In 2021, state lawmakers passed a bill allowing municipalities to adopt ordinances to regulate golf carts and other low-speed vehicles, including limiting the streets where the vehicles are allowed, requiring vehicle registration, and requiring drivers to have a valid driver’s license and insurance, among other things.
The definition of a low-speed vehicle according to the law is one with four wheels that has a top speed of more than 20 mph but less than 25 mph. The vehicles, including golf carts, must have safety equipment like headlights, taillights and turn signals, side mirrors, a windshield and more per federal transportation law. The vehicles and drivers also must comply with other federal and state laws governing vehicles on city streets.
What you need to know:Will golf carts soon be legal on Hattiesburg streets?
Several other cities in the state adopted ordinances regulating golf carts, including Madison and Ocean Springs.
What do you need to know about the new ordinance? Hattiesburg officials compiled responses to some frequently asked questions. Here’s what they said:
- Why is an ordinance necessary? Until the ordinance was passed, the operation of golf carts and low-speed vehicles was illegal within city limits. The ordinance not only makes it legal but makes provisions that prioritize public safety.
- How much will registration be? The fee structure has not yet been determined.
- If I already have a golf cart or low-speed vehicle, will I have to register it for legal use? Yes. Legal use will require registration of the vehicle with the City Clerk’s office. All registered vehicles will be required to place a decal on the golf cart or low-speed vehicle proving registration.
- Once registered, can I drive my golf cart on any city street? No. Registered golf carts and low-speed vehicles should only be operated on public roads and streets in the city where there is an established speed limit 30 mph or lower. The city’s Traffic Committee can also prohibit other roads based on traffic counts, recommendations by governing authorities, street design and other factors.
- Once I have my registration, will it have to be renewed? Registration will remain valid as long as the registrant is the owner of the golf cart or low-speed vehicle. Replacement decals for those that are lost or damaged can be purchased for an additional fee.
- Who will enforce the ordinance? Hattiesburg Police Department will enforce traffic and road-based regulations in the ordinance. Citations will be written for unauthorized operation of a golf cart or low-speed vehicle.
- What if my golf cart is missing a few of the street-legal requirements? All golf carts and low-speed vehicles will be required to meet the operable safety standards before it can be registered.
- Can an underage driver operate my registered golf cart or low-speed vehicle under my supervision or authority? No. The ordinance regulates that all drivers operating a golf cart or low-speed vehicle have a valid driver’s license and proof of financial responsibility as required by state law. Underage or unlicensed driving will not be permitted.
- What happens if my underage driver is pulled over for operating our family’s golf cart or low-speed vehicle? The Hattiesburg Police Department will issue a citation for unlicensed driving. This is considered a misdemeanor. The fine is $445.
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