Complaints about golf carts on Lexington roads are rising. Is it legal to drive there?

As temperatures rise, so have the number of complaints about golf carts on Lexington roads.

Lexington-Fayette Urban Councilwoman Liz Sheehan, who represents the Chevy Chase area and neighborhoods around Richmond Road, said Tuesday she has received an uptick in concerns and complaints about golf carts.

“It’s largely around our major parks like Ecton and Lansdowne Merrick,” Sheehan said.

Lexington Police Commander Matthew Greathouse reminded the public during a council work session Tuesday that no golf carts are allowed on Lexington streets or sidewalks.

No one under age 16 is allowed to drive a golf cart, he said.

Sheehan said she has also received complaints about young kids and teens driving golf carts. That’s a no-no.

“We are concerned about unsafe situations,” Sheehan said.

There has been a lot of confusion online and on social media about the legality of golf carts on Lexington roads, she said.

A Kentucky state law allows cities to regulate golf carts on city streets but Lexington has not opted to set its own regulations, Sheehan said.

“To do that, you have to list each street individually,” Sheehan said. Lexington police have expressed concerns that no roadway in Lexington is safe for golf carts.

Greathouse suggested if people see golf carts on roadways, they can call the Lexington Police Department’s non-emergency line at 859-258-3600.