HB311 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mike Jones

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Covington Co., golf carts, operation on public streets, municipality may authorize, const. amend.

Summary

HB311 would let Covington County municipalities officially allow limited golf cart use on select streets, with safety checks, licensing, insurance, and penalties, through a constitutional amendment.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, a municipality in Covington County could designate certain streets for golf carts after a safety review. Golf carts would need proper safety equipment and to be insured, with the operator holding a driver's license, and a permit would be issued (with a possible fee). The designated streets could not exceed 25 mph, and operation might be limited to daylight hours; penalties for violations could be civil, up to $50, and municipalities could adopt stricter local rules, including allowing some hours for events.

Who It Affects

• Golf cart owners and operators in Covington County municipalities who wish to use designated streets and must meet safety, insurance, and licensing requirements to obtain a permit.
• Other drivers, residents, and local government officials in the municipality who share the streets with golf carts and are involved in enforcement, signage, and any local ordinances.

Key Provisions

• Municipality may designate municipal streets or public roads for golf carts after a safety determination considering speed, traffic, and road characteristics, and must post signs once designated.
• The municipality must inspect golf carts to verify presence of required safety equipment (headlights, brake lights, turn signals, windshield) and confirm the owner has liability insurance with limits equal to those for motor vehicles; a permit with a fee may be issued, and the municipality may designate a department to handle inspections and permit rules.
• Designated streets may have a speed limit of no more than 25 mph.
• Operation may be limited to sunrise to sunset, and the golf cart must be equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield.
• The operator must possess a valid driver's license.
• Municipalities may enact stricter ordinances and must post or inform residents about them within the jurisdiction.
• Golf carts have full use of a traffic lane; other vehicles must not impede them, and overtaking within the same lane is prohibited; no operation between lanes or two abreast.
• Unauthorized operation of a golf cart on designated streets is a civil penalty of up to $50.
• Municipalities may authorize limited golf cart use for up to 80 hours for civic events or activities related to fundraising, economic development, or similar purposes.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments