House Bill 1655

(As Sent to Governor)

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES OF THE CITY OF OCEAN SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI, TO ALLOW THE OPERATION OF GOLF CARTS AND LOW-SPEED VEHICLES ON CERTAIN PUBLIC ROADS AND STREETS WITHIN THE CITY; TO REQUIRE INDIVIDUALS OPERATING A GOLF CART OR LOW-SPEED VEHICLE 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 Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

(b) "Governing authorities" means the Board of Aldermen of the City of Ocean Springs, 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.

(d) "Low-speed vehicle" means any four-wheeled electric or gasoline powered vehicle that has a top speed greater than twenty (20) miles per hour but less than twenty-five (25) miles per hour and is equipped with safety equipment as required under 49 CFR Section 571.500.

SECTION 2. (1) The governing authorities of the City of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, may, in their discretion, authorize the operation of golf carts and/or low-speed vehicles only on public roads and streets as designated by ordinance, within the city limits of the City of Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Such authorization must be embodied in an ordinance and recorded on the minutes of the board of aldermen. 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 or low-speed vehicle 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 and low-speed vehicles may not be operated on interstate highways or highways as designated by the comprehensive plan of the city except for the crossing of these streets, in which case the shortest traveling distance to do so shall be required. Drivers are required to operate golf carts and low-speed vehicles only in the outside lane of multi-lane streets and roads, when applicable.

SECTION 3. The governing authorities may, pursuant to ordinance, require registration of golf carts and/or low-speed vehicles with costs to be determined.

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