Senate Bill 3036

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES OF THE TOWN OF SUMRALL, MISSISSIPPI, TO ALLOW THE OPERATION OF GOLF CARTS ON CERTAIN PUBLIC ROADS AND STREETS WITHIN THE TOWN; TO REQUIRE INDIVIDUALS OPERATING A GOLF CART TO HAVE A VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. As used in this act:

(a) "Town" means the Town of Sumrall, Mississippi.

(b) "Governing authorities" means the Board of Aldermen of the Town of Sumrall, 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 the safety equipment as required under 49 CFR Section 571.500.

SECTION 2. (1) The governing authorities 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 corporate limits of the town. The authorization must be embodied in an ordinance and recorded on the minutes of the city council. The authorization may be accompanied by conditions, guidelines and penalties 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 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 state-maintained highways in the town except for the crossing of these highways, in which case the shortest traveling distance to do so shall be required. Drivers are required to operate golf carts only in the outside lane of multilane streets and roads, when applicable.

SECTION 3. (1) Every golf cart to be operated, as authorized under this act, on a public road or street shall be required to register the vehicle with the town. Upon payment of a reasonable fee that may be charged by the town to cover the costs of administration, and upon presentation of proof of financial responsibility and presentation of a valid driver's license, the owner of the low-speed vehicle or golf cart shall be issued a registration decal by the municipal tax collector that must be displayed on the left rear fender of the vehicle. The registration must be renewed annually. The city shall provide the registrant with a map of the areas where golf carts may be operated at the time of registration. The operator shall be required to have proof of financial responsibility and a valid driver's license in his or her possession at all times while operating the low-speed vehicle or golf cart on public roads and streets.

(2) The registration fee imposed under subsection (1) of this section shall be retained by the tax collector and deposited into the municipal general fund.

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