House Bill 1698

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES OF THE CITY OF OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI, TO ALLOW THE OPERATION OF GOLF CARTS ON CERTAIN PUBLIC ROADS AND STREETS WITHIN THE CITY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. As used in this act, unless a different meaning clearly appears in the context, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(a) "City" means the City of Oxford, Mississippi.

(b) "Governing authorities" means the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Oxford, Mississippi.

(c) "Golf cart" means a motor vehicle that is designated and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes and that is not capable of exceeding speeds of twenty (20) miles per hour and is equipped with a parking brake.

SECTION 2. (1) The governing authorities of the City of Oxford, Mississippi, may, in their discretion, authorize the operation of golf carts only on certain public roads and streets that are within designated residential neighborhoods within the city limits of Oxford, Mississippi. Such authorization must be recorded on the minutes of the city and may include all or as many of the subdivided, residential neighborhoods as the governing authorities determine to be appropriate. Such authorization may be accompanied by conditions not inconsistent with any approved local and private legislation related to this matter in the city, and may be revoked, in whole or part, by the governing authorities of the City of Oxford at any time.

(2) Golf carts may not be authorized in the nonresidential area of the City of Oxford. Golf carts may not be authorized on urban interstate highways, urban freeways and expressways, urban principal arterial streets, urban minor arterial streets, Mississippi Department of Transportation or US Highways as defined by the compressive plan of the city.

(3) Any person operating a golf cart on the public roads and streets under this act must have in his or her possession a valid temporary driver's license or a valid driver's license and proof of financial responsibility as required under Section 63-15-1 et seq., Mississippi Code of 1972.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.