The Monmouth City Council on Monday approved an ordinance that regulates the operation of golf carts and slower-moving, non-highway vehicles within the city.
Aldermen approved the ordinance on first reading by a 6-2 vote.
The city ordinance requires these vehicles to meet a minimum safety standard for equipment and include things like windshields, seatbelts, reflectors, headlights, tail lamps, and turn signals.
City Administrator Lew Steinbrecher tells WGIL that the vehicles cannot operate on East and West Broadway Avenue, North and South Main Street, West 11th, South Sunny Lane, Highways 34 and 67, Harlem Avenue, the Public Square, and North 6th Street.
Steinbrecher adds that these vehicles are not permitted on any route that is designated a truck route. He also added that UTVs and golf carts will be allowed to cross non-permitted streets if needed.
Steinbrecher adds that UTVs, such as a John Deere Gator, are also allowed under the ordinance.
Residents will be required to pay an annual $50 registration fee and a one-time $50 inspection fee, to be done by the Monmouth Police Department. The safety-equipment inspection and registration fee will need to be paid before the vehicle can be operated on the streets.
During the city council meeting, Mayor Rod Davies told Aldermen that he had heard more public feedback regarding this ordinance than any other ordinance the city has considered during his tenure with the city.
The ordinance goes into effect 10 days after its approval.
