HB456 Alabama 2016 Session

Under existing law, low speed vehicles as defined by federal regulation are registered in the same manner as any other motor vehicle and may be operated on the public roads and highways of the state. Under existing law, a low speed vehicle that is registered to operate on the public roads and highways must be covered by liability insurance.

Under existing law, golf carts that do not meet the definition of a low speed vehicle may not be registered or operated on the public roads and highways.

This bill would propose an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, relating to Baldwin County, providing a process by which a municipality in the county could permit limited operation of golf carts on municipal streets or public roads within the municipality. This bill would require the owner of a golf cart operating on a municipal street or public highway within a municipality in the county to register the golf cart and to carry a liability insurance policy such as a homeowner's policy or special rider which covers operation of the golf cart on the municipal streets or public roads within the municipality.

This bill would require the municipality to inspect the golf cart for the presence of required safety equipment and to verify that operation of the golf cart is covered by a policy of liability insurance.

This bill would authorize the municipality to assess a civil penalty for violations.

Relating to Baldwin County; to propose an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, authorizing a municipality in the county to permit the limited operation of golf carts on a municipal street or public road; to provide limitations; to require the driver to have a driver's license; to require the operator of a golf cart on a municipal street or public roadway to be covered by liability insurance; and to authorize the municipality to assess a civil penalty for violations.