Bill Permits Golf Carts on Mississippi City Streets

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A bill that would allow golf carts on the streets of Diamondhead has been sent to Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant, who has until today, May 3, to act on the bill.

The Sea Coast Echo reported that House Bill 1670 would allow the city council to authorize the operation of low-speed vehicles on the roads and streets within Diamondhead.

As a local and private bill, it applies to just one locality or entity.

Diamondhead Mayor Chuck Ingraham said people use the golf carts to get around the city. He said the majority of roads in Diamondhead are privately owned by the Property Owners Association. When the roads and rights of way are transferred to the city, they will become public.

He said without the bill, operation of low-speed vehicles on city streets would have ceased under state law.

The bill would allow any four-wheeled gas or electric vehicle with a top speed of less than 25 mph to operate in residential areas, but not in nonresidential areas or to cross the Interstate 10 overpass. The vehicles must register with Diamondhead for a fee, and drivers must have valid license or permit and proof of financial responsibility.