News Briefs

St. Louis Board of Aldermen takes a swing at regulations for golf carts

St. Louis Public Radio | By Rachel Lippmann

Published October 31, 2025 at 11:56 AM CDT

Hector Gonzalez drives his golf cart outside his family’s home in the Benton Park neighborhood with his Staffordshire bull terriers in tow, Spuds, 5, left, and Cookie, 10, right, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, in south St. Louis. Gonzalez said he supports safety regulations on golf carts, but emphasized that residents should not have to pay the consequences for a few bad actors — only adding to law enforcement’s plate. “I think that these type of restrictions can hurt some businesses, because people get on their golf carts and go and support them,” he said. “I'm not against enhanced safety measures by way of an ordinance. I think my concern is limiting those responsible drivers to be able to move around safely while adhering to the rules of the road.” — Hector Gonzalez, pictured outside his Benton Park home on Tuesday, often takes his Staffordshire bull terriers, Spuds, 5, left, and Cookie, 10, to the park in his golf cart. Gonzalez said he and his wife also use the cart to quickly visit nearby businesses, including bars and restaurants. Gonzalez said he supports safety regulations on golf carts, but emphasized that residents should not have to pay the consequences for a few bad actors — only adding to law enforcement’s plate. “I think that these type of restrictions can hurt some businesses, because people get on their golf carts and go and support them,” he said. “I'm not against enhanced safety measures by way of an ordinance. I think my concern is limiting those responsible drivers to be able to move around safely while adhering to the rules of the road.”

The City of St. Louis is a step closer to adopting new regulations for golf carts on the city’s streets.

The Board of Aldermen on Friday adopted 5th Ward Alderman Matt Devoti’s bill by a 10 to 5 vote. Mayor Cara Spencer’s office is reviewing the legislation – the rules would take effect immediately if she signs it.

Devoti said the legislation simply legalizes what is already happening on city streets.

Alderwoman Sharon Tyus of the 12th Ward said she was not opposed to regulating golf carts. But she said language in the bill conflicts with state statute, opening the city up to court challenges or to have its authority to regulate the carts in the first place stripped by the Missouri General Assembly.

The regulations limit golf carts to streets where the speed limit is 25 mph or lower, with a few exceptions. Carts would have to be equipped with safety features such as working front and back lights, rearview mirrors and turn signals. All drivers would have to be at least 16 years old and have a valid Missouri license. Golf carts would also be prohibited in city parks except for Forest Park.

First-time offenders would face a $250 fine.