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OT: Tailgaters with Golf Carts...

Arthur2478

Arthur2478

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Oct 17, 2010
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I'm thinking about getting a cart for football season and have some questions. I know campus is very golf cart friendly on gamedays (golf cart parking, access thru closed roads, etc), but what is Starkville PD like towards golf carts? Would I have issues driving it down University to get to campus? If I get one with headlights and blinkers, does the state of Mississippi consider that street legal (i.e., could I get a tag for it)?


Thanks!
 
57stratdawg

57stratdawg

Heisman
Dec 1, 2004
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My understanding, which isn't based on first hand experience, is that SPD is pretty accommodating to golf cart. However, you can get a DUI on a golf cart just like you can in a vehicle. Just for future reference.
 
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Optimus Prime 4

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May 1, 2006
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I'm actually looking into this now. A law just passed

Allowing Light Electric Vehicles in most places (I assume mississippi). If you get tags, blinkers, tail lights you should be good about anywhere. Most cart dealers sell the street legal version, though they cost a lot more.
 
The Peeper

The Peeper

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Feb 26, 2008
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They are pretty friendly about it on gamedays, BUT, in writing it also says you can't use the sidewalks, closed streets, and have to buy a parking pass for it. That said, after 2 in our group went completely compliant with all of the requirements, they are seldom enforced.
 
Dawgbite

Dawgbite

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Nov 1, 2011
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I went through this a few years ago when I bought a new cart which is street

Legal. University policy states that the cart must follow all state rules and regulations. Sounds easy but it's not really that simple. State regulations require headlights, tail lights, turn signals, brake lights, windshield, wipers, and seat belts. It then must be inspected at a highway patrol office just as a rebuilt/ salvage vehicle is to get a certificate to prove its roadworthy. You then take this to your county tax collector to get a tag. You will need an inspection sticker also, plus at least liability insurance just as an automobile. The low speed vehicle is then only legal on roads with a posted speed limit no higher than 30mph. I started all this and the lady at my tax collector told me to save my money until somebody forced me to register it because once it's registered, I would be subject to all laws pertaining to operation of an automobile up to and including DUI. If I was on just a golf cart, the worst I could get was public drunk and operating a illegal vehicle on a public road. I don't know if she knew what she was talking about or just didn't want to do the paperwork but I still haven't registered it and have had zero issues with campus police or game day staff. You aren't required to get a parking pass for the cart but if you park your truck and trailer on campus, you will have to get a pass for both the truck and trailer. If you park off campus you will not need a parking pass. We generally go to Starkville Station, Corkeys, and BWW with no issues from SPD and occasionally go downtown but that's usually on Friday nights. As long as nobody gets hurt, shows there ***, or uses the carts for a baby sitter, then the University is going to let the registration thing slide.
A couple of years ago, I saw a 8 yr old drive daddy's cart into the side of a quarter million dollar motorhome. That could have gotten ugly but dad was very apologetic and the MH owner was very understanding but it wasn't long after that they cracked down on underage drivers in golf carts.
 
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Optimus Prime 4

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May 1, 2006
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she was wrong about the DUI, you can get one on a bicycle. Or a lawnmower, or a motorized cooler, even a horse. If it moves, you can probably get a DUI on it
 
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Optimus Prime 4

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May 1, 2006
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Even a parked car. Even a car that's not running

It's ridiculous. But yes, horse duis have happened in many states. Feel free to google. In a minute I found Colorado, Florida and Kentucky, all since 2013, kinda sad, right?
 
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DaRealistDawg

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Mar 3, 2008
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How can u get a tag with no vin #? Are U saying a beer cooler with engine, headlights, etc could get a tag? I think that is where the law is unclear statewide. Please explain if u have the answer. Thanks.
 
Dawgbite

Dawgbite

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Optimus Prime 4 said:
she was wrong about the DUI, you can get one on a bicycle. Or a lawnmower, or a motorized cooler, even a horse. If it moves, you can probably get a DUI on it
Click to expand...
You are probably right, at least pertaining to the golf carts but I know a guy who lost his license due to several DUI's and ended up on a bicycle. He never got another DUI but got locked up several time for public drunk. It probably just depends on the cop. As long as everybody acts like they got some smarts, they ain't messing with the golf carts on campus. It's part of our identity, a small part, but a part none the less.
 
Dawgbite

Dawgbite

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DaRealistDawg said:
How can u get a tag with no vin #? Are U saying a beer cooler with engine, headlights, etc could get a tag? I think that is where the law is unclear statewide. Please explain if u have the answer. Thanks.
Click to expand...
I had a home built trailer that I needed a tag for. Obviously it had no VIN or serial number so I had to make up a number and either engrave it on the trailer or affix a permanent plate. I pop riveted a brass plate with my dad's telephone number on it. Voila, a VIN number. I got a title and several tags over the years until I sold it.
 
jakldawg

jakldawg

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May 1, 2006
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Behold: riding under the influence. From my old stomping grounds.
View attachment 622
(big pic here)

"You been drinkin' tonight?"
"Neigh"
"Not you, the guy in the hat"

The story would have really maxed out it's "Kentuckyness" if the guy had been trying to use the liquor store drive-up window on his horse.
 
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esplanade91

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Dec 9, 2010
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It has to have a motor for you to get a DUI. Bicycles are a go!

I'm pretty sure you can get a reckless endangerment, public drunk, and the works, but my understanding is that in Mississippi it MUST have a motor. I've known someone who's gotten a public drunk on a bike. Can't see why they would have been let off easy.
 
Philly Dawg

Philly Dawg

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I've heard of people getting them on law mowers, but I'd think that a bicycle would be ok?
 
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Dog316

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Aug 21, 2012
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My neighbor got ticketed by SPD two years ago for driving a non-street equipped golf cart down University towards the campus on a football game day. Fine: $178.50. Maybe ok on campus. Not so on Starkville city streets.
 
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OneAndDone.sixpack

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Jun 25, 2013
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MStateDawg said:
I'm thinking about getting a cart for football season and have some questions. I know campus is very golf cart friendly on gamedays (golf cart parking, access thru closed roads, etc), but what is Starkville PD like towards golf carts? Would I have issues driving it down University to get to campus? If I get one with headlights and blinkers, does the state of Mississippi consider that street legal (i.e., could I get a tag for it)?


Thanks!
Click to expand...

There are signs on University Drive that say only street legal vehicles. I have used my cart on campus for years, but would never drive it off campus. SPD would love to give you a DUI. I usually just pay the extra $20 and park at the Vet school with my trailer. On the plus side, that shouldn't be a problem this year. Lost my cart in a divorce. #cheatingwhoreonacart
 
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