(A) For the purpose of this section, the following definition 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 miles per hour;
(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) Is equipped with the following:
1. Headlamps;
2. Tail lamps;
3. Stop lamps;
4. Front and rear turn signals;
5. One red reflex reflector on each side as far to the rear as practicable, and one red reflex reflector on the rear;
6. An exterior mirror mounted on the driver's side of the vehicle and either an exterior mirror mounted on the passenger's side of the vehicle or an interior mirror;
7. A parking brake;
8. For each designated seating position, a seatbelt assembly that conforms to the federal motor vehicle safety standard provided in 49 C.F.R, § 571.209; and
9. A horn that meets the requirements of KRS 189.080.
(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 Hancock County Sheriff and certified through the Department of Vehicle Regulation to ensure that the golf cart complies with the requirements of this section. 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 division (B) this section if:
(1) The posted speed limit of the designated public roadway is 35 miles per hour 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 35 miles per hour;
(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 insured 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:
Emerson Lane, Rachel Court, Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington Avenue, Holland Avenue, Hillcrest Avenue, Fieldcrest Avenue, Lincoln Road, Morton Lane, Roberts Road, Meadowlane Drive, Riverview Drive, Taylor Avenue, Market Street, Pell Street to Morton Lane, Old Mill Road, Homer Young Street, Curtis Street, Melanie Drive, Robin Circle, Bob White Way, Sands Drive, Toler Avenue, Williams Avenue, Little Avenue, Beech Avenue, Fifth Street, Fourth Street to Bluegrass Drive, Third Street, Second Street, First Street, Community Center Drive, New Front Street, Caroline Street, High Street, Nancy Avenue, Lake Street, Bluegrass Drive, Mockingbird Lane, Eagle Way and Sixth 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) The provisions of this section shall not apply to a golf cart that is not used on a public roadway except to cross a roadway while following a golf cart path on a golf course.
(Ord. 13-3, passed 8-22-13; Am. Ord. 19-06, passed 12-12-19)