HB456 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Steve McMillan
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2016
Title: Baldwin Co., golf carts, operation on public streets, municipality may authorize, const. amend.
Summary: A constitutional amendment authorizing Baldwin County municipalities to allow limited golf cart use on designated streets with registration, insurance, safety requirements, and penalties.
What This Bill Does
It would let a Baldwin County municipality designate certain streets for golf carts after a safety review. Owners must register the cart, carry liability insurance (covering operation on municipal streets), and have required safety equipment; the municipality will inspect and issue a permit (with a possible fee). Operation is subject to rules such as a 25 mph speed limit, sunrise-to-sunset hours, and license and equipment requirements, with civil penalties for violations and the possibility of more restrictions by ordinance. There is also a provision allowing up to 80 hours of limited use for civic events under less restrictive terms.

Who It Affects
Golf cart owners and operators in Baldwin County who want to use carts on designated municipal streets: they must register, insure, meet safety equipment requirements, have a valid driver's license, and follow the municipality's rules.
Municipalities in Baldwin County: they gain authority to designate streets, inspect carts, issue permits, enforce rules, post signs, and collect penalties for violations.

Key Provisions
Municipalities in Baldwin County may designate municipal streets or public roads for golf carts after determining it is safe to do so, considering traffic factors and posting signs to show authorization.
Carts used on designated streets must be registered and insured; the liability limits must be the same as for motor vehicles; the municipality will inspect for required safety equipment and verify insurance before issuing a permit (with a permit fee).
Driver must have a driver's license; carts must have headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield; liability insurance must cover operation on municipal streets.
Operation on designated streets is limited to 25 mph or less; may not operate on roads with higher speed limits; hours are sunrise to sunset unless the municipality enacts stricter rules and posts signage.
Carts have full lane use, but operators may not overtake in the same lane, operate between lanes, or drive two abreast in a single lane; civil penalties up to $50 may be imposed for unauthorized operation.
Municipalities may enact less restrictive or more restrictive rules and may require permit fees; there is a provision allowing up to 80 hours of golf cart use for civic events or similar purposes under the ordinance.
A designated municipal department may handle inspections and permitting, and the municipality may post and inform residents about the rules.

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