HB54 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve McMillan

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

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

Summary

HB54 lets municipalities allow limited golf cart use on local streets with registration, insurance, safety checks, and enforceable rules.

What This Bill Does

Allows a municipality to designate certain streets for golf carts after safety review. Requires cart owners to register the cart, carry liability insurance, and have required safety equipment; the city must inspect and issue a permit after inspection and payment. Sets conditions such as no operation on streets with speed limits above 25 mph, driver license requirement for operators, and mandatory safety features like headlights and turn signals. Enables civil penalties for violations and lets municipalities adopt more restrictive rules, with an option for limited use up to 80 hours for civic events.

Who It Affects

• Golf cart owners and operators within municipalities: must register the cart, carry liability insurance, ensure required safety equipment, obtain a municipal permit, and have a valid driver's license to operate on designated streets.
• Municipal governments and their public safety or inspection departments: gain authority to designate streets, inspect carts, issue permits, enforce rules, and impose civil penalties for violations.

Key Provisions

• Municipality may designate municipal streets or public roads for golf carts after a safety determination considering traffic factors, and must post signs.
• Carts must be inspected for required safety equipment and verified to be covered by liability insurance; liability limits must match those for motor vehicles; a permit is issued upon inspection and payment of a permit fee.
• Operating streets must have a posted speed limit of 25 mph or less; operation may be limited to daylight hours unless other restrictions are adopted by ordinance.
• Golf carts must have headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield; operators must have a valid driver's license; municipalities may enact more restrictive rules.
• All golf carts have full use of a lane; overtaking, operating between lanes, or riding two abreast in a lane is restricted.
• Unauthorized operation can incur a civil penalty up to $50; municipalities may allow less restrictive use for up to 80 hours for civic events or funding activities.
• The act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and 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