Golf cart regulations in Warren County

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – If you enjoy driving a golf cart around town, there are a few things you need to know before taking the cart to the streets.

Golf cart operators must have a valid drivers license with them at all times and follow all traffic regulations.

Brett Hightower, sheriff of Warren County, says, “We have seen some neighborhoods where kids are out riding around on them, and we’ve had some instances where they run through stop signs, almost been hit by motor vehicles, just kind of unsafe driving practices.”

A 2011 Bowling Green city ordinance limits the operation of golf carts to city streets with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less and only during the hours between sunrise and sunset.

Karen Foley, neighborhood services coordinator, says, “The law enforcement can pull you over on a golf cart just as they can pull someone over if they’re riding a horse. Obviously, you want to comply with law enforcement instructions in all circumstances.”

Your cart must be inspected by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. Proof of both insurance and the inspection must be kept in the cart while driving on city streets.

A slow-moving vehicle emblem should also be displayed on the back of the cart, authorities say.

Sheriff Hightower says, “The main thing is considering safety; you definitely don’t want is kids operating golf-carts on any roadways. Because like I say there is a great risk factor in that.”

Foley says, “We’re all trying to implement as much good common sense and safety practices as possible, to avoid a tragedy taking place.”