News Summary
Kansas City recently hosted its annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, showcasing a vibrant presence of golf carts. However, residents should familiarize themselves with local laws governing golf cart use on city streets and highways. While legal during events and on golf courses, regulations differ across Missouri cities. Additionally, a recent fire incident at RMI Golf Carts reminds operators of safety considerations. Understanding the rules ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for golf cart enthusiasts in Kansas City.
Kansas City Residents Embrace Golf Carts: What You Need to Know
Kansas City became a lively scene this past weekend, drawing in thousands of enthusiastic visitors for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade on Broadway Boulevard. Among the colorful floats and festive shouts, golf carts made quite the appearance, carrying excited participants from local businesses, community organizations, and proud families. But before you hop into your golf cart and take it out for a spin around the city, it’s key to understand the local laws surrounding their usage.
Golf Carts on Parade: A Legal Perspective
In Kansas City, it is perfectly legal to operate a golf cart during designated events like the St. Patrick’s Day parade and, of course, on golf courses themselves. However, when it comes to navigating Kansas City streets or venturing onto highways, things get a bit trickier. According to Missouri state law, golf carts are prohibited from being driven on state or federal highways unless they intersect with a local street where the speed limit is under 45 mph. This means that if you come across a highway with a higher speed limit, you’ll need to find an alternative route.
What Happens If You Break the Rules?
Driving a golf cart too slow on highways or impeding the flow of traffic can lead to infractions. It’s important to be mindful of your speed – even in a golf cart, you could get pulled over! Interestingly, the laws about golf cart operation can vary from city to city within Missouri. This means that what is permissible in Kansas City might not be the same in nearby cities like Independence or Blue Springs.
Kansas City’s Unique Regulations
It’s key for golf cart enthusiasts to be aware that, while the city allows golf carts, it has specific regulations in place. For example, Kansas City prohibits all-terrain vehicles from being driven on city streets, sidewalks, parks, and public properties, which does not extend to golf carts. However, operators of golf carts must adhere to section 70-137, which requires valid license plates issued by the Missouri Department of Revenue. Both adults and teenagers over the age of 15 can be ticketed for not complying with this requirement. It’s critical to know that golf cart owners aren’t required to prove financial responsibility, as golf carts are not classified as registered vehicles.
Minors and Golf Cart Operation
There’s also a special note about minors: children under the age of 15 cannot be prosecuted in Municipal Court for traffic violations. However, adults can face charges if they allow an unlicensed minor to operate a golf cart on city streets. So, if you’re thinking of giving your kids a little joyride, think again unless they meet the legal requirements.
A Recent Incident at RMI Golf Carts
Meanwhile, Kansas City’s golf cart scene encountered a hiccup earlier this month when the Olathe Fire Department had to respond to a fire at RMI Golf Carts. The fire broke out around 5 a.m. on November 3, 2024, damaging approximately 60 gas and electric golf carts in an outside storage lot. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, but the cause of the fire is still under investigation and damage estimates have yet to be determined. This incident serves as a stark reminder to stay cautious and look after your equipment.
Final Thoughts
So, as you see golf carts zooming by during festive occasions in Kansas City, remember that there are some important rules to keep in mind before you take the wheel. Understanding the legalities of golf cart usage can ensure a fun and safe experience for everyone – from parade-goers to neighborhood drivers. Whether you’re just cruising around or participating in local events, a little awareness goes a long way in enjoying all that Kansas City has to offer!
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Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
