(A) Definition. 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. Taillamps;
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. § 571.500; and
9. A horn that meets the requirements of KRS 189.080.
(B) Requirements. In order to be operated within the City of Wickliffe, a golf cart shall:
(1) Be issued a permit for the golf cart by the City of Wickliffe;
(2) Display a sticker or permit that identifies that the golf cart is allowed to be operated on specific roadways within the city;
(3) Be inspected by a certified inspector designated by the Ballard County Sheriff's Office 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 shall be $5 if the inspection occurs at the Sheriff's inspection site or $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 site;
(4) Display a slow-moving vehicle emblem in compliance with KRS 189.820;
(5) 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;
(6) Be operated only between sunrise and sunset;
(7) Be operated by a person with a valid operator's license in his or her possession; and
(8) Be restricted such that the operation of a golf cart does not cross any roadway at an intersection where the roadway being crossed has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour and does not cross any state route that has been prohibited by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
(C) Designated roadways. Golf carts that otherwise comply with the provisions of this section and KRS 189.820 may be operated on any city roadway where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less.
(D) Traffic regulations. Any person operating a golf cart on a public roadway under the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to all traffic regulations of KRS Chapter 189 and any other applicable provisions of this Code of Ordinances pertaining to the operation of vehicles upon county streets and roadways.
(E) Exemptions.
(1) Golf carts operating on a public roadway are not to be considered a motor vehicle and are exempt from:
(a) Title requirements of KRS 186.020;
(b) Vehicle registration requirements of KRS 186.050; and
(c) Emissions compliance certificates pursuant to KRS 224.20-720.
(2) The provisions of these sections 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.
(F) Penalty and enforcement.
(1) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall, upon conviction of a first offense, be guilty of a violation and be fined not less than $100 and not more than $250. Any person convicted of a subsequent violation of this section within two years of a prior conviction under this section, shall be fined not less than $250 nor more than $500.
(2) Enforcement of this section shall be delegated to the Ballard County Sheriff's Department.
(Ord. 605, passed 8-6-13; Am. Ord. 651, passed 11-10-21)