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Clayton staff present golf-cart ordinance to address underage operators; council to consider Dec. 15
Summary
Town staff presented a proposed golf cart ordinance aimed at curbing complaints—chiefly juvenile operators—and creating a registration, decal and enforcement process; the measure is set for council consideration on Dec. 15 with a proposed Jan. 1 effective start and a $300 three‑year registration fee.
Town staff presented a proposed golf-cart ordinance at the council meeting to formalize longstanding local practice and address safety complaints, particularly in the Glen Laurel community. Chief Tarrke told the council the measure responds to "a considerable amount of complaints" including "underage kids operating golf carts, creating traffic problems and potential wrecks." He said police and the town attorney drafted a proposal drawing on other municipal ordinances and that the town plans to start with the Glen Laurel area before extending the program on petition from other neighborhoods.
The proposal would require owners to register golf carts, display a decal and meet equipment requirements consistent with North Carolina general statutes. Staff described a $300 registration fee billed in three‑year increments (roughly $100 per year) with proration for midterm additions and said decals will help officers identify registered carts. Chief Tarrke recommended a Jan. 1 effective date to allow one full calendar year for the first registration cycle.
Council members pressed staff on enforcement and logistics. One council member asked whether police would perform equipment inspections or require training; the chief said applicants would sign a compliance packet and there is no formal training program for inspectors. On penalties, staff noted criminal penalties remain subject to constraints from recent state criminal‑justice reforms and that the town would apply the most severe applicable sanction but will confirm compliance with those statutory limits. Council discussion also raised options for revoking registrations for repeated violations and whether to run a trial or phase rollout to additional communities.
The ordinance is placed on the council agenda for Dec. 15. Staff said they will return with any refined language, an implementation plan for decals and registration logistics (including potential community‑based registration events) and a timeline for public notification if the council adopts the measure.
