The Knox City Council will consider an updated golf cart ordinance when they meet this evening. It mirrors the county’s policy for the operation of battery-operated vehicles on public roads. Headlights and taillights are required for nighttime operation.
The proposed ordinance will also require annual inspections and stickers for golf carts operated within the city limits. The policy mirrors the one Starke County has on the books. It also requires rearview mirrors and slow-moving vehicle signs on the back of golf carts. Knox City Police Chief Harold Smith says the city will honor the county’s permits. He adds operators will be given copies of the city ordinance when they register their golf carts.
Operation of golf carts on sidewalks and walking trails is not allowed. Neither is the operation of a golf cart on U.S. 35 or State Road 8.
All golf carts must carry liability insurance and be operated by a licensed driver unless the city council approves a waiver of that provision on a case-by-case basis. Operators seeking waivers must come before the council to request them.
The ordinance limits golf cart seating to the manufacturer’s capacity.
The Knox City Council will consider the policy on first reading during their 7 p.m. meeting. They will also review the Selected Furniture tax abatement for compliance if a representative from the company shows up.
