GOLF CARTS

Southaven Code of Ordinances tit. IX, ch. 3

in effect

Southaven Code of Ordinances § 9-171 Definitions.

Sec. 9-171. - Definitions. The following term and phrase, when used in this chapter, shall have the meaning ascribed to it in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: City means the City of Southaven, Mississippi. Governing Authorities means the mayor and the board of alderman of the City of Southaven, Mississippi. Golf Cart means a motor vehicle that is designated and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes, is not capable of exceeding speeds of twenty (20) miles per hour and is equipped with safety equipment as required under 49 CFR Section 571.500, as set forth in exhibit A from the ordinance from which this chapter derived. (Res. of 5-3-22(1))

Southaven Code of Ordinances § 9-172 Permissible operations.

Sec. 9-172. - Permissible operations. (a) Golf carts may only be operated on city streets with a posted speed limit of twenty-five (25) miles per hour or less and/or a city street section that is part of a controlled intersection with a pedestrian crosswalk. Golf carts shall not be operated on any state highways or federal highways that are not interstate highways. (b) Drivers are required to operate golf carts only in the outside lane of multi-lane streets and roads, when applicable. (c) Any person operating a golf cart on the city streets 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 MCA 1972 § 63-15-1 et seq. (d) Operation of golf carts is subject to all other applicable laws of the State of Mississippi and city related to traffic and parking, along with corresponding penalties, not addressed herein. (e) The city police department shall monitor the permissible operations and regulations of golf carts. (Res. of 5-3-22(1))

Southaven Code of Ordinances § 9-173 Registration of golf carts.

Sec. 9-173. - Registration of golf carts. (a) Every golf cart operated, as authorized under this chapter, on a city street shall be required to be registered with the city police. (b) A registration fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for each golf cart shall be payable at the time of registration, along with presentation of a valid driver's license or temporary driver's permit. The city police shall provide the owner of the golf cart a registration decal that must be displayed on the left rear fender of the golf cart. The registration shall remain valid for as long as the registering owner owns the golf cart. The decal is non-transferrable meaning upon sale or transfer of the golf cart, the new owner must register the vehicle with the city within fifteen (15) days of the transfer of ownership. A new decal will be issued to the new owner. (c) To register the golf cart, the owner of the golf cart shall make an appointment with the city police by calling the non-emergency city police to schedule such appointment. (d) The city police shall provide the registrant with a map of the areas, as set forth in Exhibit B, 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 golf cart on the city streets. (e) Operating a golf cart in violation of this chapter shall subject the golf cart owner to a fine of twenty-five ($25.00) per occurrence. However, before a citation is issued for any fine, a warning shall be given. (f) The registration fee imposed under this section shall be deposited into the municipal general fund. (Res. of 5-3-22(1))

Southaven Code of Ordinances § 9-174 Liability disclaimer.

Sec. 9-174. - Liability disclaimer. This chapter is adopted to address the interest of public safety. Golf carts are not designed or manufactured to be used on the public streets and the city is no way advocates or endorses their operation on public streets or roads. The city, by regulating this operation, is addressing obvious safety issues, and adoption of this chapter is not to be relied upon as determination that operation on public streets is safe or advisable if done in accordance with this chapter. All persons who operate or ride upon golf carts on public streets or road do so at their own risk and peril and must be observant of an attentive to the safety of themselves and others, including their passengers, other motorist, bicyclists and pedestrians. The city has no liability under any theory of liability and the city assumes no liability, for permitting golf carts or to be operated on the public streets and road under this legislation granted by the Mississippi Legislature. (Res. of 5-3-22(1))

Source: City of Southaven, Mississippi, Code of Ordinances (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ms/southaven/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_TITIXMOVETR_CH3GOCAFetched: 11/1/2026