SB44 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Clyde ChamblissSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Class 6 municipalities, golf carts, mun. may authorize on mun. streets, regulation, more restrictive ordinances authorized, penalties

Summary

SB 44 would let Class 6 municipalities designate streets for golf carts and set operating rules, including equipment, licensing, and insurance, with penalties for violations.

What This Bill Does

Allows a Class 6 municipality to designate municipal streets for golf carts after a safety check. Requires inspection of golf carts, verification of liability insurance, and issuance of a permit (with possible permit fees). Establishes safety equipment and driver licensing requirements, a speed limit cap of 25 mph, lane-use rules, and penalties of up to $50 for violations; municipalities can enact more restrictive rules and post signs. Also allows limited, less restrictive use for up to 80 hours for civic events, and includes a constitutional funding exemption discussion regarding local expenditures.

Who It Affects

• Golf cart owners and operators in Class 6 municipalities, who must meet equipment, insurance, licensing, and permit requirements to operate on designated streets.
• Residents, motorists, and municipal authorities in Class 6 municipalities, who will encounter new golf-cart street designations, follow the rules, and face enforcement and fines for violations.

Key Provisions

• Class 6 municipalities may designate municipal streets or roads for golf carts after determining safety (considering speed, traffic, and road characteristics).
• Municipalities must inspect carts, verify liability insurance with the same limits as motor vehicles, and issue a permit upon payment of a permit fee; the municipality may adopt inspection rules.
• Golf carts may not operate on streets with posted speed limits above 25 mph.
• Required equipment: headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and high-visibility markings as determined by the municipality.
• Operator must have a valid driver's license.
• Golf carts on designated streets get full use of a lane; other vehicles must not deprive them of lane usage; overtaking and passing restrictions apply within the same lane.
• Carts may not operate between lanes or two abreast in a single lane; municipalities may enact more restrictive ordinances and must post signs.
• Unauthorized operation is a traffic infraction in municipal court with a fine up to $50.
• Municipality may enact a less restrictive ordinance for up to 80 hours for civic or similar events.
• The bill is exempt from certain constitutional requirements regarding local funds expenditure, due to defining a new or amended crime.
• The act becomes effective immediately upon the governor's signature.

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

Subjects

Municipalities