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Council gives first reading to golf‑cart ordinance after amendment; registration and equipment compliance phased to March 1, 2026
Summary
Council gave first reading to Ordinance 658 to authorize regulated golf‑cart operation on certain public roadways (pursuant to KRS 189.286). An amendment made driver's‑license enforcement effective on passage while requiring equipment and registration compliance by March 1, 2026; amendment passed 5–1 with Councilor Sandra Leonard opposed.
The Prospect City Council on Nov. 17 gave a first reading to Ordinance 658, which would authorize and regulate the operation of golf carts on certain public roadways pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) 189.286 and would create a new Chapter 75 in the city code.
Mayor Evans moved first reading and David Holmes seconded. Council debated several elements: driver's‑license requirement, lighting and safety equipment, annual inspection and the logistics of conducting cart inspections. Council also discussed whether the ordinance would apply to carts used only on private club property; presenters clarified that the ordinance applies only to golf carts operated on public streets.
David Holmes proposed — and the council adopted — an amendment that makes the state's driver's‑license requirement effective on passage (noting that state law already requires a license to operate a vehicle on a public roadway) and phases the equipment and registration requirements to take effect March 1, 2026. The amendment passed on roll call (Yes: Dr. Fuhrman, John Clark, Mayor Evans, David Holmes, Don Gibson; No: Sandra Leonard). Council members said a phased approach will give residents time to bring carts into compliance and allow staff to establish inspection procedures.
Council members and residents discussed enforcement and technical details, including the three common charger/charging levels for EVs (discussed elsewhere) and seat belt retrofits for older carts. Police leadership said they would work with county sheriffs and the club to schedule initial inspections and that annual inspections could be structured to avoid large crowds.
The ordinance received a first reading; the council corrected a drafting typo at the meeting. No final adoption or fee schedule was approved at this session; council indicated it will return with final wording and implementation details before the second reading.
