Contact: Sid Salter

STARKVILLE, Miss.— Over the last five years, crowds have grown at Mississippi State University sporting events. With growing concern for public safety and for ensuring a positive game day experience for fans and visitors, MSU reminds fans and visitors of the university’s existing policies regarding the use of private golf carts on game days.

MSU Police Chief Vance Rice reminds game day patrons that privately owned golf carts are expected to operate in the same manner as would a car or other motorized vehicles. The driver of any golf cart must possess a valid driver’s license and proper insurance.

“We’ve already seen accidents this season involving golf carts on campus that have produced significant injuries,” said Rice. “In response to that, MSUPD and state and local law enforcement will be more vigilant in strictly enforcing our existing golf cart regulations for the rest of this season. If safety regulations continue to be ignored, it’s probable that stronger regulations will be adopted by the university.”

Privately owned golf carts are only to be operated on streets that are open for public traffic. Privately owned golf carts will not be allowed to access those streets that close prior to game time such as Creelman, B.S. Hood, and Stone Blvd., Rice said.

Golf carts are absolutely prohibited in tailgating areas such as the Barnes and Noble lawn, the FanFair area, the Junction, the West Lawn tent area, or other areas accessed by roads that are closed during game day.

Golf carts may not be driven along closed roads or on any sidewalks.  Golf carts may be driven across sidewalks into non-prohibited tailgating areas to load and unload supplies or to park on the perimeter.

Rice reiterated that golf cart drivers are prohibited from drinking and driving, that carts should not be overloaded and that carts cannot be operated on Highway 182 if not properly tagged.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.