Golf Carts on City Streets?

La Grange City Council discussed a possible ordinance to allow golf carts on city streets at the Council meeting Monday night, Aug. 23.

Councilman Dusty Littrell proposed the ordinance.

“I brought this up today because I bought a golf cart over the weekend and I want to be able to drive it,” Littrell said at the meeting.

Police Chief David Gilbreath said the City Council would have to pass an ordinance to allow golf carts on the streets. If Council decides to do so, state law requires drivers to be licensed and they could not be driven on streets with a speed limit over 35 miles per hour (they could cross such roads, though). They may only be driven on streets during the day. Moreover, golf carts on streets would need to display a triangular slow moving vehicle sign. Gilbreath said state law does not allow four-wheelers and other ATVs on city streets.

City Manager Shawn Raborn said some cities require registration and inspections for golf carts. Raborn said he would not recommend a registration program.

“It will be your discussion about how you want to do it, but the Chief and I don’t want to be golf cart inspectors,” Raborn said.

Councilwoman Violet Zbranek asked Gilbreath for his opinion on the proposal.

Gilbreath said some golf carts do not come equipped with safety equipment such as seat belts.

“A golf cart will not compare to an automobile,” Gilbreath said. “If a car runs a yield sign and hits a golf cart, there’s probably going to be a high fatality rate.”