Golf Carts
City of Ocean Springs
Oceans Springs Police Department
Golf Cart and Low Speed Vehicles (LSV) Use on Public City Streets
City of Ocean Springs Ordinance Chapter 14, Article V, sets forth the requirements and parameters for the operation of golf carts on public streets within the City limits. These rules apply and must be followed
- Every golf cart and low speed vehicle to be operated on an Ocean Springs public street must be inspected and registered with the City of Ocean Springs, at City Hall. The annual cost is $51.00 ($50.00 for registration and inspection plus a $1.00 records fee). Both registration and inspection must be renewed every year in January. Once your golf cart is inspected and registered, City Hall will provide a new decal which must be displayed on the left rear fender of the vehicle at all times.
- Golf cart registration is non-transferable.
- A valid Driver’s License and proof of current golf cart liability insurance is required at the time of inspection and registration, as well as during operation of the golf cart.
- Driver’s License and Permit laws apply. Unlicensed drivers are NOT permitted to operate a golf cart on public streets.
- The City allows only golf carts and low speed vehicles to be registered and operated per this ordinance. The City does not allow registration and operation of ATVs or UTVs including but not limited to Honda Pioneer, Polaris RZR, Can-Am, Maverick, Arctic Cat, Big Horn, Bobcat, John Deere Gator, Kawasaki Mule, Yamaha, Rhino, on public streets.
- To be operated on a public street, a golf cart must have a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), seat belts for all seats, a parking brake, headlights, taillights, brake lights, front and rear turn signals, a windshield, side and rear reflectors, horn, and an interior rearview mirror.
- Golf carts and low speed vehicles may be operated ONLY on streets with a speed limit of 30 mph or lower, except when crossing a road with a higher speed limit. Golf carts may NOT travel on Highway 90 or Highway 609 except when crossing the road.
- Golf carts and LSV are only permitted to cross higher-speed roads only at intersections. Golf carts must use the shortest possible distance to cross these roads; for example, not diagonally.
- On 4-lane roads, the golf cart and low speed vehicle must use the right lane.
- Traffic and parking laws do apply. Citations, towing, arrest, and other legal enforcement may apply. This includes seat belt use by all occupants, including child safety seats. This also includes the prohibition any lighting outside state regulations while golf cart or LSV is in motion. MS Code Statute 1972 Title 63 Motor Vehicle and Traffic Regulations.
- YES, golf cart and low speed vehicle operators can be arrested for DUI.
- Road closures do apply to golf carts. Do not enter areas that are closed to traffic for events, weather, emergency, or any other reason. This includes, but is not limited to, Cruisin’ the Coast and the Peter Anderson Festival.
Subject: 2025 Notice: Golf Cart Permit Renewal
I hope this letter finds you well. We appreciate your continued support in maintaining a safe and enjoyable community within the City of Ocean Springs. Since it is March, you may have come in and renewed, but if you have not, this notice serves as a friendly reminder. Due to elections, the city is behind schedule in sending the January reminder.
Golf carts are subject to police ticketing for non-compliance. The fine for operating an unpermitted golf cart on public roadways is $420. To avoid this penalty, please ensure that you complete the renewal process including the mandatory on-site inspection at City Hall located at 1018 Porter Ave, Ocean Springs, MS. Hours for inspection 8:00 – 4:30 Monday-Friday.
The annual inspection will verify the following safety features to be considered street legal:
• Headlights, Taillights, and Brake lights
• Front and Rear Turn Signals
• Horn
• Reflectors (one per side, one on the rear of the vehicle) City Hall has strips for $1.00
• Parking Brake
• Windshield
• Seatbelts for all seats
• Rear-view mirror
A valid driver’s license and a current golf cart insurance policy are also required. The renewal fee is $50, plus a $1 records fee. All golf cart owners must adhere to these guidelines to maintain the safety and well-being of our community members. Only licensed drivers can operate golf carts. Golf cart registration is non-transferable, but if you purchase a different cart, the city will give you a new sticker if you bring the old sticker in to finish the year.
We urge you to address this matter promptly to avoid any inconvenience or fines, if you no longer have a golf cart, please call to have it removed. Should you have any questions or need further assistance, contact our office at 228-875-4236.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.
Respectfully,
City Clerk Patty Gaston