(A) For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
GOLF CART. Any self-propelled vehicle that:
(a) Is designed for the transportation of players or maintaining equipment on a golf course, while engaged in the playing of golf, supervising the play of golf, or maintaining the condition of the grounds on a golf course;
(b) Has a minimum of four wheels;
(c) Is designed to operate at a speed of not more than 35 mph;
(d) Is designed to carry not more than six persons, including the driver;
(e) Has a maximum gross vehicle weight of 2,500 pounds;
(f) Has a maximum rated payload capacity of 1,200 pounds; and
(g) Meets the federal motor vehicle safety standards for low-speed vehicles set forth in 49 C.F.R. § 571.500.
SLOW MOVING VEHICLE. A vehicle or a group of vehicles which are generally always operated on a street, highway, or roadway at a speed slower than that of other motorized traffic and vehicles. SLOW MOVING VEHICLES include golf carts, lawn and garden equipment, utility type vehicles, ATVs, and other off-road vehicles. SLOW MOVING VEHICLES do not include farm vehicles, farm equipment, bicycles, mopeds, disabled vehicles, or personal mobility devices, such as motorized wheel chairs.
(B) A golf cart operated pursuant to this section on a designated public roadway shall:
(1) Be issued a permit for the golf cart by the city;
(2) Display a sticker or permit that identifies that the golf cart is allowed to be operated on specific roadways within the city; and
(3) Be inspected by a certified inspector designated by the County Sheriff and certified through the Department of Vehicle Regulation to ensure that the golf cart complies with the requirements of KRS 189.286. The inspection fee under this division (B)(3) shall not exceed $5 with an additional fee not to exceed $10 per trip charged if it becomes necessary for the certified inspector to travel to the site of the golf cart rather than having the golf cart brought to the Sheriff’s inspection area.
(C) A person may operate a golf cart on a public roadway pursuant to this section if:
(1) The posted speed limit of the designated public roadway is 25 mph or less;
(2) The operator of the golf cart does not cross a roadway at an intersection where the roadway being crossed has a posted speed limit of more than 25 mph;
(3) The operator has a valid operator’s license in his or her possession;
(4) The golf cart is being operated between sunrise and sunset; and
(5) The golf cart displays a slow-moving vehicle emblem in compliance with KRS 189.820.
(D) A golf cart operating on a public roadway under this section shall be ensured in compliance with KRS 304.39-080 by the owner or operator, and the proof of insurance shall be inside the golf cart at all times of operation on a public roadway.
(E) 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.
(F) (1) The following roadways are designated and open for golf cart use: Center Street, Oak Street, Seventh Street, Fifth Street, Claridge Street, N. and S. Park Street, and Ferry Street.
(2) Golf cart use is prohibited on all other roadways.
(G) A golf cart operating on a public roadway designated by the city under this section is not considered to be a motor vehicle and is exempt from:
(1) Title requirements of KRS 186.020;
(2) Vehicle registration requirements of KRS 186.050; and
(3) Emissions compliance certificates pursuant to KRS 224.20-720.
(H) The Transportation Cabinet may prohibit the operation of a golf cart on a public roadway designated under this section that crosses a state-maintained highway under its jurisdiction if it determines that such prohibition is necessary in the interest of public safety.
(I) No person shall operate a slow moving vehicle on a street, highway, or roadway within the city limits from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
(Ord. 2016.09.2, passed 9-19-2016; Ord. 2018-12.01, passed 12-17-2018) Penalty, see § 73.99