The Wichita City Council has voted 6-1 to allow golf carts on city streets, with Council member Becky Tuttle casting the lone dissenting vote due to safety concerns.
Before making their decision, council members gathered feedback from district advisory boards and examined how neighboring municipalities have structured their golf cart ordinances. Based on this information, they instructed city staff to revise Wichita's proposed regulations.
The newly approved ordinance clearly distinguishes between golf carts, ATVs, micro-utility trucks, and worksite utility vehicles. Under the new rules, golf carts will only be permitted on streets with speed limits of 30 mph or lower. While they may cross roads with higher speed limits, they can only do so at controlled intersections.
Golf carts are prohibited from sidewalks, jogging paths, trails, pedestrian areas, bike trails, on-street bike lanes, and areas designated for cyclists.
The ordinance establishes several operator requirements: drivers must be at least 16 years old, possess a valid non-restricted driver's license, and maintain liability insurance coverage.
For street-legal status, golf carts must be equipped with brake lights, tail lights, rear reflectors, functional brakes, and at least one working rearview mirror. Operation between sunset and sunrise requires lighting that meets state motorcycle regulations and a properly mounted slow-moving vehicle emblem.
Additional safety measures include requirements that golf carts must stay to the far right of the roadway and yield to pedestrians, bicycles, and other vehicles. Passenger capacity is limited to factory-installed seating, with bench seats accommodating no more than three people. Passengers cannot ride on the driver's or another passenger's lap.
The regulations do not apply to golf carts used exclusively on golf courses or private property. Violations of the ordinance may result in fines up to $200.
