HB473 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve McMillan

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Harry ShiverAlan BakerDickie DrakeJoe Faust

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Municipalities, golf carts, limited operation on streets authorized, restrictions, liability insurance

Summary

HB473 would let municipalities allow limited golf cart use on certain streets, with required registration, insurance, safety checks, and enforcement rules.

What This Bill Does

The bill lets a municipality designate streets for golf carts after a safety review and require posting signs. It requires golf cart owners to register their cart and carry liability insurance, and the city must inspect safety equipment before issuing a permit (with possible permit fees). It sets rules such as a 25 mph speed limit on designated streets, operation from sunrise to sunset, required safety equipment, a valid driver's license, and lane-use restrictions, with civil penalties for violations. It also allows municipalities to enact more restrictive ordinances and to specify enforcement details, with an effective date several months after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Golf cart owners who want to operate on designated municipal streets: must register the cart, carry liability insurance, obtain a permit, and meet safety and licensing requirements.
• Municipal governments, local law enforcement, and residents in municipalities that adopt the program: responsible for safety determinations, inspections, permitting, enforcement of speed and equipment rules, and collection of permit fees or civil penalties.

Key Provisions

• Municipality may designate municipal streets or public roads for golf carts after determining it can be done safely, considering traffic factors, and must post signs when designation occurs.
• Owners must register the golf cart and carry liability insurance (e.g., homeowner's policy or rider) covering operation on designated streets; liability limits must be the same as for motor vehicles.
• Municipality must inspect carts for required safety equipment and verify insurance before issuing a permit, and may set a permit fee; a designated department may handle inspections and permitting.
• Carts may not operate on streets with posted speed limits over 25 mph; operation may be limited to sunrise to sunset.
• Carts must have headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield; driver must have a valid driver's license.
• Municipalities may enact stricter rules and must post notice of such ordinances.
• Carts have full use of a lane; overtaking, driving between lanes, or driving two-abreast in a lane is restricted; unauthorized operation can incur a civil penalty of up to $50.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles