Senate Bill 2274

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES OF THE CITY OF NEWTON, MISSISSIPPI, TO ALLOW THE OPERATION OF LOW-SPEED VEHICLES, GOLF CARTS AND MOTORIZED WHEELCHAIRS ON CERTAIN PUBLIC ROADS AND STREETS WITHIN THE CITY OF NEWTON; TO REQUIRE INDIVIDUALS OPERATING A LOW-SPEED VEHICLE, GOLF CART OR MOTORIZED WHEELCHAIR TO HAVE A VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE AND PROOF OF INSURANCE; TO REQUIRE LOW-SPEED VEHICLES, GOLF CARTS AND MOTORIZED WHEELCHAIRS TO BE REGISTERED WITH THE CITY; TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY TO CHARGE A REGISTRATION FEE; 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 Newton, Mississippi.

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

(c) "Golf cart" means any 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, headlamps, tail lamps, seat belts and front and rear turn signals.

(d) "Motorized wheelchair" means any mobile seat with a back that is mounted on wheels and powered by a motor for the purpose of assisting the movement of nonambulatory persons.

(e) "Low-speed vehicle" means any four-wheeled electric or gasoline-powered vehicle that is not capable of exceeding speeds of twenty (20) miles per hour and is equipped with a parking brake, headlamps, tail lamps, seat belts and front and rear turn signals.

SECTION 2. (1) The governing authorities may, in their discretion, by ordinance, authorize the operation of low-speed vehicles, golf carts or motorized wheelchairs only on public roads and streets with a speed limit of twenty (20) miles per hour or less in the City of Newton, Mississippi. The authorization must be embodied in an ordinance and recorded on the minutes of the Board of Aldermen. The authorization may be accompanied by conditions not inconsistent with this act and may be revoked, in whole or in part, by the governing authorities at any time.

(2) Any person operating a low-speed vehicle, golf cart or motorized wheelchair on the public roads and streets in the city under this act must have in his or her possession a valid driver's license from this state or another state and proof of insurance, and follow the applicable requirements of Section 63-15-1 et seq., Mississippi Code of 1972.

SECTION 3. (1) Any person operating a low-speed vehicle, golf cart or motorized wheelchair as authorized under this act on a public road or street shall be required to register the vehicle with the city. The owner of the low-speed vehicle, golf cart or motorized wheelchair shall be issued a registration decal by the city that must be displayed as determined by the city. The registration shall remain valid for as long as the registering owner owns the low-speed vehicle, golf cart or motorized wheelchair. The operator shall be required to have proof of insurance and a valid driver's license in his or her possession at all times while operating the low-speed vehicle, golf cart or motorized wheelchair on public roads and streets of the state.

(2) The city may, by ordinance, establish a registration fee for low-speed vehicles, golf carts and motorized wheelchairs. The registration fee shall be retained by the municipal clerk and deposited into the municipal general fund.

SECTION 4. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.