The Knoxville Police Department is reminding the community and those visiting of golf cart and UTV requirements.

For golf carts that are utilized in the City of Knoxville, they need to be insured and have a 2025 city permit and can only be operated dawn to dusk by those 18 years old or older with a valid drivers license. Golf cart operators also can’t drive down Highway 14 and must have a bicycle flag and slow moving vehicle triangle. All riders also need to be 42” or taller. 

In addition to everything that is required for golf carts, UTVs can’t be driven faster than 35 mph, and must have operational headlights, tail and brake lights, and horn and rearview mirrors. Seatbelts must be worn when operating or riding in a side-by-side, and a passenger must be able to place both feet flat on the floorboard with their back resting against the seat back. Knoxville Police Chief Aaron Fuller says citizens have grown accustomed to these vehicles.

“At some level here in Knoxville we are lucky enough to kind of have that culture of golf carts and UTVs, so I think it has been standard to expect them especially during the warmer months and it is just kind of another vehicle on the road. Other towns may not have them so much that it is a surprise when you see one.”

Golf carts need to be registered at the Knoxville Police Department, while UTVs should be registered at the Marion County Courthouse.