Westville council adopts stricter golf-cart rules, requires visible registration sticker

The Westville Town Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 20-25-3 on a motion to suspend the rules, tightening how golf carts are registered and operated on town streets.

Town staff said the amendment to Ordinance 20-13-6 requires a current registration inspection sticker to be affixed to the slow-moving vehicle emblem on the back of each golf cart so an officer can quickly see whether it is registered. The ordinance also limits operation to times between one-half hour before sunrise and one-half hour after sunset unless the cart has two headlights and two taillights visible from 500 feet.

"Golf carts have exploded as far as usage goes," Town staff (speaker 4) said, arguing the sticker placement will allow officers to verify registrations without having to search or circle the vehicle. "It's universal that way, and you'll be able to see that from 500 feet away."

Albert moved to approve the ordinance on first reading; Mrs. Deagle seconded and the vote for first reading was 5-0. The council then voted to suspend the normal three-reading rule and adopt the ordinance that same night; that motion also passed 5-0.

The adopted ordinance revises Section 5 (hours and light requirements) and Section 13 (sticker placement) of Ordinance 20-13-6 and states that all other provisions of the earlier ordinance remain in force. The ordinance text as presented notes that if any portion is held invalid by a court, other parts stay effective.

Council members said the change aims to improve enforceability as cart usage increases. Staff clarified that existing renewals for the current year will not be retroactively enforced but the new sticker placement requirement will apply at renewal.

The council did not set a separate effective date beyond the language that the ordinance takes effect following adoption and any legally required procedures.