Council votes to allow golf carts, utility vehicles on public streets

Golf carts and utility vehicles will soon be joining motor vehicles on public streets within the Guthrie city limits after the city council unanimously approved to amend an ordinance.

With a 7-0 vote, Ordinance No. 3339 was amended to regulate the use of golf carts and utility vehicles upon the public streets. The ordinance was reviewed and approved by the Chief of Police, Fire Chief and City Attorney.

Carts and utility vehicles permits will become available on October 8.

Every golf cart or utility vehicle that is driven on City streets and highways must have a valid permit issued by the City. The permit will be valid for one year and may be renewed annually on January 1.

The police department will issue a sticker as visible proof of compliance, which shall be valid for a period of one year from January 1 to December 31, and which must be displayed on the left rear of the golf cart or utility vehicle at all times.

The following conditions must be met for a golf cart and/or utility vehicle to be issued a permit:

The cart or utility vehicle must be registered and inspected with the police department to ensure that it has the required equipment.

A $100 fee must be paid to the City of Guthrie for a new permit or to renew an expired permit.

Here are the conditions for golf carts and utility vehicles to be operated on City streets and highways:

1. The golf cart or utility vehicle must have all the required equipment;
2. The operator of the golf cart or utility vehicle is at least 16 years of age and possesses a valid driver’s license;
3. Standard hand signals for turning if golf cart or utility vehicle not equipped with turn signals;
4. A lap safety belt must be used by each passenger of a golf cart or utility vehicle;
5. No passenger under 13 years old is allowed to ride on a golf cart or utility vehicle unless the driver of the golf cart or utility vehicle is 21 years or older;
6. All passengers under 13 years of age shall be required to wear a helmet which complies with the standards established by 49 C. F. R. Section
   571.218.;
7. Golf cart or utility vehicle may not be driven faster than 25 miles per hours;
8. Golf cart or utility vehicle may not be operated on any street or highway with a posted speed limit greater than 35 miles per hour;
9. A golf cart or utility vehicle may operate on a state highway within the boundaries of the City of Guthrie only if making a perpendicular crossing of the state highway;
10. Drivers of golf cart or utility vehicle must comply with all federal, state, county, local laws, regulations and ordinances governing the rules of the road, traffic and operation of motor vehicles;
11. All golf cart or utility vehicle must have a valid permit issued by the City which is prominently displayed on the golf cart or utility vehicle;
12. The headlight of a golf cart or utility vehicle must be illuminated at all times while operating on City streets and highways;
13. Proof of Liability Insurance covering the golf cart or utility vehicle must be carried in the golf cart or utility vehicle at all time and produced upon request of a police officer;
14. The operation of a golf cart or utility vehicle may not generate any dust or fumes which cross over to an adjoining or adjacent property that would interfere with the reasonable use of and enjoyment, whether inside or outside, of the property; and
15. The operation of a golf cart or utility vehicle may not emit excessive noise that would interfere with the reasonable use of and enjoyment, whether inside or outside, of adjoining or adjacent property.

Any person who fails to have a valid permit and/or fails to have it prominently displayed on the golf cart or utility vehicle upon conviction shall be punished with a $150 fine for the first offense, $250 for a second offense and $500 for a third offense along with any court costs and statutory penalties.