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Groves council adopts temporary ordinance allowing golf carts, UTVs and ROVs on city streets
Summary
The Groves City Council on June 9 approved Ordinance 2025‑10, a temporary amendment to the traffic code permitting golf carts, utility task vehicles (UTVs) and recreational off‑highway vehicles (ROVs) subject to licensing, insurance and equipment requirements; police said enforcement and reporting will begin after the ordinance is published.
The Groves City Council voted June 9 to adopt Ordinance 2025‑10, a temporary amendment to Chapter 25 of the city code that permits operation of golf carts, utility task vehicles (UTVs) and recreational off‑highway vehicles (ROVs) on city streets under specified conditions.
Council members said the change responds to residents who use golf carts regularly and asked the police department to clarify enforcement. Marshall explained the ordinance requires a valid driver’s license, license plate, liability insurance, lighting and safety gear and compliance with traffic laws. "If you don't signal at any time there would be a potential violation," Marshall said, adding officers will have authority to stop suspected violations and the city will post the ordinance online after publication.
The ordinance applies equipment and passenger limits, requires use of seat belts where provided, and treats UTVs and ROVs differently by acknowledging their built‑in safety features. Marshall said the city will track violations, report wrecks as required by the ordinance, and that some administrative adjustments will be needed in the city's systems. He said the ordinance would be effective after publication and noted a likely effective date of Thursday following publication.
Council Member Holmes pressed for clear enforcement language; Marshall confirmed officers are authorized to stop and investigate suspected violations and that standard traffic laws will apply. The council discussed whether certain lighting or slow‑moving vehicle markings should be required in daylight and whether the sunset‑lighting reference should be clarified for enforcement.
The measure passed after a motion, second and recorded vote. Council members and staff said the ordinance is written to be temporary and adjustable; the council indicated it could revisit wording and enforcement details before adopting a permanent rule.
The council also received public comment during the meeting from residents who had asked the council to allow regulated use of golf carts; multiple speakers described vehicles with lights, mirrors and insurance and urged reasonable regulations that preserve safety for older residents.
