HB203 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve McMillan

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

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

Summary

HB203 would let Alabama municipalities authorize limited golf-cart use on local streets, with registration, insurance, safety equipment, and penalties.

What This Bill Does

The bill lets a municipality designate certain streets for golf carts after confirming safe travel, and requires posting signs. It requires inspections of designated golf carts for safety equipment and proof of liability insurance, with liability limits equal to motor vehicles, and issue of a permit (with a possible permit fee). It also imposes rules such as maximum speed of 25 mph, operation only from sunrise to sunset, required safety equipment (headlights, brake lights, turn signals, windshield), and that the operator hold a driver's license, plus potential civil penalties for violations.

Who It Affects

• Golf cart owners and operators within municipalities that designate streets for golf-cart use, who must register their cart, carry liability insurance, equip the cart with specified safety features, obtain a municipal permit, and follow speed, timing, and licensing requirements.
• Municipalities and local residents, who gain authority to designate streets for golf-cart use, inspect carts for safety and insurance, enforce the rules, post signage, and impose civil penalties for violations.

Key Provisions

• Municipality may designate municipal streets or public roads for golf carts after determining safety, considering traffic speed, volume, and other factors; must post signs once designation is made.
• If designated, the municipality must inspect the golf cart for required safety equipment and verify the operator has liability insurance; liability limits must be the same as for motor vehicles; permit issued upon payment of a permit fee.
• The municipality may assign inspection/permit duties to a specific department and may adopt rules for permitting, including permit fees.
• Golf carts may not operate on streets with posted speed limits over 25 mph.
• Operation may be limited to daylight hours (sunrise to sunset).
• Golf carts must have headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield.
• Operators must hold a valid driver's license to operate on designated municipal streets or roads.
• Municipalities may enact stricter ordinances than those specified and must post or inform residents of the stricter rules.
• Golf carts have full use of a lane, with other vehicles not allowed to deprive them of lane use; penalties include civil penalties up to $50 for unauthorized operation.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and Governor 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