2014 Tennessee Code
Title 55 - Motor and Other Vehicles
Chapter 8 - Operation of Vehicles -- Rules of the Road
Part 2 - Operation of Vehicles -- Rules of the Road -- Continued [Effective until July 1, 2015]
§ 55-8-201 - Pilot program on use of certain golf carts on certain highways. [Effective until July 1, 2015.]

(a) In order to evaluate providing municipalities with the authority to allow the use of certain golf carts on highways within the jurisdiction of the municipality, there is established a pilot program as described in this section.

(b) (1) This section shall only apply in municipalities having the following populations, according to the 2010 federal census or any subsequent federal census: Click here to view image.

(2) Until January 1, 2014, the governing body of any municipality to which this section applies may authorize and regulate the operation of a golf cart on any public roadway within such municipality that is not a part of the county highway system or the state system of highways or the interstate and national defense highway system upon the governing body of such municipality adopting an ordinance by a two-thirds (2/3) vote specifying each roadway that is open for golf cart use.

(c) The ordinance shall require that a golf cart operated on a designated public roadway:

(1) Be issued a permit for the golf cart by the municipality;

(2) Display a sticker or permit that identifies that the golf cart is allowed to be operated on specific roadways within the municipality; and

(3) Be inspected by the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality, or his designee, to ensure that the golf cart complies with the requirements of this section. The inspection fee under this subdivision (c)(3) shall not exceed ten dollars ($10.00).

(d) Following the adoption of such an ordinance, a person may operate a golf cart on a public roadway pursuant to subsection (b) if:

(1) The posted speed limit of the designated public roadway is thirty miles per hour (30 mph) or less;

(2) The operator of the golf cart does not cross a roadway having a posted speed limit of more than thirty miles per hour (30 mph);

(3) The golf cart is being operated between one-half (1/2) hour after sunrise and one-half (1/2) hour before sunset;

(4) The operator and any passengers in the front seat are restrained by a safety belt at all times the golf cart is in forward motion;

(5) The golf cart is equipped with the following:

(A) Headlights;

(B) A tail lamp, stop lights, reflectors or an emblem or placard for slow moving vehicles;

(C) A mirror; and

(D) Brakes;

(6) The headlights of the golf cart are displayed during operation;

(7) The driver possesses a valid driver license; and

(8) The driver possesses valid liability insurance for such golf cart.

(e) Any person operating a golf cart on a public roadway under this section shall be subject to this chapter.

(f) The department of transportation may prohibit the operation of a golf cart on a public roadway designated under subsection (b) that crosses a highway which is part of the state system of highways if it determines that such prohibition is necessary in the interest of public safety.

(g) This section shall not apply to a golf cart that is not used on a public roadway except to cross a roadway while following a golf cart path on a golf course.

(h) Each municipality participating in such pilot program shall submit a report to the department of safety and the transportation committee of the house of representatives and the transportation and safety committee of the senate no later than the fifth of each month after the governing body enacts the ordinance authorizing golf carts on certain roadways detailing the program in such municipality. In addition to such monthly report, each municipality participating in the pilot program shall submit a cumulative report to the transportation committee of the house of representatives and the transportation and safety committee of the senate no later than February 1 of each year, detailing the program in such municipality. Each monthly and cumulative report shall include:

(1) The total number of golf carts approved under this section;

(2) The amount of citations issued to owners or drivers of such golf cars;

(3) The number and severity of any incidents or accidents involving such golf carts; and

(4) Any unforeseen effects of the pilot project.

(i) (1) Notwithstanding any ordinance or any other law to the contrary, if any municipality fails to submit a total of three (3) monthly reports or a cumulative report as required by subsection (h), the department of safety shall revoke the municipality's authority under this section to allow golf cart use on public roadways designated in subsection (b). Revocation of authorization shall be made in writing and sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the chief law enforcement officer and the mayor of the municipality no less than twenty (20) days prior to the effective date of the revocation of authority.

(2) No municipality participating in the pilot program shall issue any permit, registration or sticker for the operation of any low speed vehicle or medium speed vehicle, as defined in § 55-8-101.

(j) This section shall terminate on July 1, 2015, unless reenacted or extended by the general assembly prior to such date.