House Bill 1774

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES OF THE CITY OF PASCAGOULA, MISSISSIPPI, TO ALLOW THE OPERATION OF GOLF CARTS ON CERTAIN PUBLIC ROADS AND STREETS WITHIN THE CITY; TO REQUIRE INDIVIDUALS OPERATING A GOLF CART TO HAVE A VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE OR TEMPORARY DRIVER'S PERMIT; 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 Pascagoula, Mississippi.

(b) "Governing authorities" means the City Council of the City of Pascagoula, 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-five (25) miles per hour and is equipped with a parking brake, head lamps, tail lamps, seat belts, and front and rear turn signals.

SECTION 2. (1) The governing authorities of the City of Pascagoula, Mississippi, may, in their discretion, authorize the operation of golf carts only on public roads and streets that are within residential neighborhoods and other areas designated by ordinance within the city limits of the City of Pascagoula, Mississippi. Such authorization must be embodied in an ordinance and recorded on the minutes of the city council. Such 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 golf cart on the public roads and streets under this act must have in his or her possession a valid driver's license or temporary driver's permit and proof of financial responsibility as required under Section 63—15—1 et seq., Mississippi Code of 1972.

(3) Golf carts may not be operated on urban interstate highways, urban freeways and expressways, urban principal arterial streets or urban minor arterial streets as defined by the comprehensive plan of the city except for the crossing of these streets, in which case the shortest travelling distance to do so shall be required. Drivers are required to operate golf carts only in the outside lane of multi—lane streets and roads, when applicable.

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