Cherryville council bans towing behind golf carts, gives 30-day education period before fines

Cherryville's City Council unanimously approved an amendment to the city's golf cart ordinance on May 10 that expressly bans golf carts from towing or pulling items while operating on public roadways.

Councilmember Malcolm Parker, who moved to add the language, told the council he had observed a golf cart crossing Highway 150 while pulling a baby stroller and said, "I'm afraid someone is going to get hurt." The ordinance text now states: "Golf Carts are prohibited from towing or pulling any items behind them while in operation on any roadway." Councilmember Jon Abernethy seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

The ordinance (Chapter 28, Article II) also sets operator and equipment rules: drivers must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver's license, carts may not operate on or alongside roadways with posted speed limits greater than 35 mph (though crossings at lighted intersections are allowed in certain places), and carts must meet basic manufacturer safety equipment requirements. Registration and inspection will be handled by the Cherryville Police Department for a $25 fee, renewable annually.

Enforcement will begin with an education period. City Manager Jeff Cash said the police department, led by Police Chief Cam Jenks, will issue warnings for 30 days and then begin issuing fines per the ordinance. The ordinance sets escalating fines: first offense $50, second $100, third $200 (plus at least 30-day loss of privileges), and fourth $250 plus loss of operating privileges for at least six months.

The council adopted the amendment as part of the regular meeting; no public commenters spoke on the item.