Chapter 14 · Traffic
Article 5. Operation of Golf Carts Within the City
14-501 Definitions.
The following terms when used in this Article shall have the meanings hereinafter described:
(a)Golf Cart — A motor vehicle having at least three wheels in contact with the ground, an unladen weight of not more than 1,800 pounds, and a design speed of not more than twenty-five (25) miles per hour.
(b)Driver’s License — A valid driver’s license issued by the State of Kansas (or any other state) to operate a motor vehicle.
(c)Financial Responsibility — Liability insurance coverage on a golf cart in an amount not less than that required by Kansas law for motor vehicles operated on public highways in the State of Kansas.
(d)Operator — A person operating a Golf Cart who either (i) holds a valid Driver's License, or (ii) is a person with a mobility disability using the Golf Cart as an “other power-driven mobility device” within the meaning of the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended, and provides credible assurance that the device is required because of the person’s mobility disability in accordance with 28 C.F.R. 35.137c.
14-502 Rules and regulations.
(a)Golf carts may only be operated by defined Operators upon the public highways, streets, roads and alleys within the corporate limits of the City in accordance with the limits of Kansas law and the City’s Standard Traffic Ordinance. No golf cart may be operated upon any public highway, street, road or alley with a posted speed limit in excess of 30 miles per hour. No golf cart shall be operated on any interstate highway, federal highway or state highway; provided, however, that the provisions of this subsection shall not prohibit a golf cart from crossing an intersecting federal or state highway (or a street or highway with a posted speed limit in excess of 30 miles per hour). Once a segment of intersecting highway has been traversed, the golf cart is still required to travel only on or along a roadway with a speed limit of 30 mph or less. Golf carts must cross intersections in a manner that is the most direct route of intersection in order to decrease crossing distance. Crossing federal or state highways (or other roads upon which golf carts are not permitted for operation) at an extended angle beyond the intersection shall not be permitted.
(b)Any Operator of a golf cart is responsible for all liability associated with operation of the golf cart.
(c)Operators with a Driver’s License must carry their driver's license and proof of Financial Responsibility on their person at all times while operating a golf cart on public roads. Such Operators shall only be permitted to operate a golf cart within the terms and provision of any restrictions otherwise contained on their Driver’s License.
(d)Any person who operates a golf cart on public streets and roads must adhere to all applicable State and local laws, regulations and ordinances and traffic control devices generally (including, but not limited to, those set forth in Section 114.4 of the Standard Traffic Ordinance, as the same may be amended or substituted and those banning the possession and use of alcoholic beverages or other illegal substances when operating a motor vehicle). In addition, no golf cart containing any open container of alcohol shall be operated on public roads.
(e)All Operators of a golf cart shall comply with all traffic rules and regulations adopted by the State of Kansas and the City (including a traffic control devices) which otherwise govern the operation of motor vehicles on public rights-of-way.
(f)No Operator shall:
(1)Allow the number of persons in a golf cart to exceed the maximum capacity specified by the manufacturer;
(2)Allow a passenger to ride on any part of a golf cart not designed to carry passengers, including the area designed to carry golf bags;
(3)Hold any person, including a child of any age, on the Operator’s lap or in the Operator’s arms while operating a golf cart; or
(4)Allow more than three persons to occupy a bench seat, regardless of whether the golf cart’s total capacity permits additional passengers.
(g)Golf carts shall not be operated after sunset or before sunrise, unless equipped with lights as required by Kansas law for motorcycles, functioning turn signals, and a properly mounted slow-moving vehicle emblem as required K.S.A. 8-1717, and amendments thereto.
(h)Golf carts must have basic equipment originally supplied by the manufacturer, including a vehicle identification or serial number. Such equipment must include all safety devices as originally installed by said manufacturer. If a mechanical turn signal indicator is not installed, then hand signals are required on turns in accordance with Kansas law.
(i)Any violation of this Article of the Code pertaining to golf carts shall be considered and treated as a violation of Section 114.4 or other relevant provisions of the Standard Traffic Ordinance (including any amendments or substitutions therefor) as then in effect in the City.
(Ord. 020-2026-193)
14-503 Registration, inspection and fees prior to usage.
(a)Before operating any golf cart on any public highway, street, road or alley within the corporate limits of the City, the vehicle must be registered with the police department and display a valid registration decal or tag affixed and displayed in such a manner as to be clearly visible from the rear of the vehicle. The application shall be made upon forms provided by the City and each application shall contain the name of the owner, the owner's residence address, or bona fide place of business, a brief description of the vehicle to be registered (including make, model number, and serial number, if applicable). A $25.00 one-time registration fee shall be collected by the City for the registration of any golf cart which will at any time be operated by an Operator with a Driver’s License.
(b)Registration of a golf cart shall be non-transferable.
(c)Each owner seeking to register a golf cart must have proof of ownership and a completed Waiver of Liability, releasing the City from any liability that may arise as a result of operation of a golf cart inside City. Operators with a Driver’s License must show proof of Financial Responsibility.
(d)Lost or stolen registration tags or decals are the responsibility of the owner and must be re-registered with payment of any applicable registration fee before the golf cart is operated on a public street
(Ord. 020-2026-193)