Monroe council repeals city rules on low-speed electric vehicles and golf carts, defers to state law

Monroe — The City Council voted unanimously to repeal and recreate chapter 10-7 of the Monroe City Code, removing municipal regulations for neighborhood electric vehicles, low-speed vehicles and golf carts and leaving regulation to state law, council members said.

The ordinance, introduced by a council member during the judiciary and ordinance review committee’s presentation, was the subject of a public hearing with no registered speakers. Speaker 5 read the ordinance text and moved for approval; the motion was seconded, discussed and approved by roll call. Mayor Donna Douglas presided over the meeting.

Committee members and staff explained the practical effect: under state law, low-speed vehicles that meet federal standards carry a 17-character vehicle identification number and can be registered with the state as low-speed vehicles and therefore are bound by the state rules of the road. As one council speaker summarized, striking the city chapter removes duplicate local rules and allows state registration and equipment standards to govern operation in Monroe.

"If we just don't bother trying to regulate it ourselves and let the state regulate it then we're getting exactly what we're asking for," said Chief Kelly, explaining the committee and staff recommendation to remove local regulation because state law already covers equipment and where vehicles may operate.

Council members asked whether vehicles without a 17-character VIN—such as traditional golf carts—would be prohibited from city registration; staff answered that such carts typically lack the VIN and the associated safety equipment and therefore would not qualify for state registration as low-speed vehicles. The ordinance removes the city’s registration requirement for golf carts and neighborhood electric vehicles, meaning those vehicles without the state VIN cannot be registered and would remain restricted by other code sections (for example, ATVs/UTVs rules), speakers said.

The ordinance text states it will be "in full force on the day following passage and official publication," dated January 2026.

The council’s action was procedural—no residents signed up to speak—and the measure passed on a unanimous vote.

What it means: Residents who want to operate low-speed vehicles on city streets will need a vehicle that meets state VIN and registration requirements. Traditional golf carts without that VIN and without required safety equipment will no longer be subject to a local city registration program; enforcement will rely on existing code sections and state vehicle regulations.

The council moved to the next agenda item after the vote. The ordinance record shows it will take effect following official publication in January 2026.