By a narrow 4-3 vote, the Wichita City Council approved a new ordinance that would allow golf carts to be operated in certain areas of the city.
Wichita's core, bounded by Murdock on the north and Kellogg to the south, and between Seneca on the west and Hydraulic to the east, is off-limits.
The carts are prohibited on public highways, arterial streets, and other streets with a posted speed limit of greater than 30 mph. They are also prohibited on sidewalks, bike paths and walking trails.
Drivers must be 18 or older and the carts must display a slow-moving vehicle emblem, along with proof of registration with the city, a fee which costs $75 per year. They must provide proof of insurance and are not allowed to be driven at night.
The new ordinance will go into effect around April 1. If you are caught driving a golf cart illegally, you will be subject to a fine not exceeding $500.
At the beginning of Tuesday’s meeting, the council selected District 5 Council member JV Johnston as the new vice mayor for 2025. Johnston will serve as second in command of the council if Mayor Lily Wu is absent. Maggie Ballard served as vice mayor in 2024.