Golf Carts on Certain Paducah Streets

Contact

Paducah Police Department

1400 Broadway Street

Paducah, KY 42001

Phone:

Overview and Where Golf Carts are Allowed

The City of Paducah adopted a new ordinance in February 2026, effective April 1, 2026, allowing golf carts to operate on City of Paducah streets with posted speed limits of 25 miles per hour or less. Golf carts cannot operate on state-maintained roads, but they may cross city and state roadways at intersections where the speed limit is 35 mph or lower.

Map - Paducah Streets for Golf Cart Operation

Ordinance and State Laws

Paducah’s ordinance, Code of Ordinances Chapter 110-345 through 110-352, establishes regulations, permitting requirements, safety rules, and exemptions for golf cart use within the city. The ordinance is authorized under Kentucky law (KRS 189.286), which permits cities to allow golf carts on public roads when regulated by local ordinance.

Below is a packet of reference materials which include Paducah's and State laws: KRS 189.286, KRS 304.39-080, KRS 189.820, and KRS 186.010.

Reference Materials - City Ordinance and Kentucky Laws

Operating Requirements

To legally operate a golf cart on city streets, the following rules apply.

Inspection and Permit

The golf cart must be inspected by a designated McCracken County Sheriff inspector to ensure it complies with City ordinance and KRS 189.286. Please note there are inspection fees in addition to the permit application fee outlined below. [Requirements in KRS 189.286 include headlamps, tail lamps, front and rear turn signals, exterior mirrors, parking brake, seatbelts, maximum grow vehicle weight of 2500 pounds, and designed not to carry more than six people including the driver.]
The golf cart must be issued a permit by the Paducah Police Department. (see permit information below)
The permit and proof of inspection must remain in the golf cart during operation.

Insurance - Golf carts must be insured in accordance with KRS 304.39-080.

Driver Requirements - The operator must have a valid driver’s license.

Operating Hours - Golf carts may only be operated between sunrise and sunset.

Safety Equipment - Golf carts must display a slow-moving vehicle emblem as required by state law, KRS 189.820.

Traffic Laws - Operators must follow all Kentucky traffic laws (KRS Chapter 189) and city ordinances, including parking and nuisance regulations.

Golf Cart Permits through Paducah Police Department

A valid permit from the Paducah Police Department is required before operating a golf cart on public streets. Permit applications will begin April 1, 2026. An image of a sample permit is provided for reference.

In addition to the permit application, applicants must provide the proof of inspection from the McCracken County Sheriff’s Department, proof of insurance, a valid driver’s license, and a $25 non-refundable permit fee. Please submit all information to the Paducah Police Department located at 1400 Broadway. If there is a question, call 270-444-8548.

Upon approval, the Police Department will issue a permit decal that must be placed in a clearly visible location on the rear exterior of the golf cart. The permit is valid until the golf cart is sold or transferred to another owner, at which time the new owner must apply for a new permit.

Prohibited Areas for Golf Carts

Golf carts may NOT be operated on

Sidewalks.
Bike lanes.
Multi-use paths.
The Greenway Trail.
Roads with speed limits greater than 25 miles per hour unless crossing a street that has a posted speed limit of no more than 35 miles per hour.

Special Event, Tourism, and City-Owned Exceptions

The ordinance does not apply to golf carts used in the following manner:

Special Events – Golf carts can be used by special event staff, organizers, and vendors is operated only within the permitted event area and approved as part of the city event permit.
Riverfront Tourism – Golf carts can be used by the Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau and by river cruise operators to assist passengers at the Paducah riverfront (Foot of Broadway).
City-Owned Golf Carts - Golf carts owned by the City of Paducah are exempt from permit and inspection requirements if used for official municipal business, properly maintained, and not used for personal or recreational purposes.

Permit Suspension, Revocation, or Denial

The city may suspend, revoke, or deny a permit for violations of the ordinance, reckless operation, public safety concerns, failure to meet permit requirements, and/or unsafe vehicle conditions.

To appeal a suspension, renovation, or denial, appeals must be submitted in writing within 10 business days of receiving notice of the denial, suspension, or revocation. The City Manager or designee will review the appeal and issue a decision within 15 business days. The decision is final.

Any person who violates the ordinance, for which no penalty is otherwise provided, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be subject to a of not less than twenty dollars ($20.00) nor more than hundred dollars ($500.00), or imprisonment for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days, or both such and imprisonment.