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Paducah commissioners introduce golf-cart ordinance, defer details for public input and study
Summary
The commission introduced an ordinance to allow golf carts on streets posted 25 mph or below (crossings up to 35 mph) with inspection, permitting, insurance and daytime operation; commissioners voiced concerns about enforcement, minors, hours and designated-area approaches and agreed to study options including ad hoc citizen input and a public survey.
The Paducah Commission introduced an ordinance Nov. 25 to allow golf carts to operate on city streets with posted speed limits of 25 miles per hour or less, with crossings allowed on roads up to 35 mph. The proposed rules would require inspection by the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office, a $25 permit administered by the Paducah Police Department, proof of insurance, display of a slow-moving emblem and a valid driver’s license; the draft limited operation to sunrise through sunset.
Commissioners and staff debated key details including whether to allow after‑sunset operation (staff noted the old KRS provision limiting carts to daylight had been repealed), enforcement challenges (minors driving carts and parental responsibility), neighborhood-specific designations, and whether to pilot the program in a defined area. Staff displayed a GIS map showing which roads would be allowable under the 25/35-mph approach and discussed options used by other cities: citywide speed-threshold rules or designated-street approaches with a neighbor petition process.
Multiple commissioners urged further study rather than rushing to adopt the ordinance; the mayor proposed forming an ad hoc citizen committee to vet options and staff said it could also solicit public feedback through a survey. The ordinance was introduced and seconded; staff will follow up with a community input process and return with refined language.
