These regulations don’t manage
cart use on private land, howev-
er, though in this circumstance,
roads on or near golf courses
do count as public roads.
The city further stated that carts
can only be operated between
sunrise and sunset and must
have headlights on at all times,
regardless of the level of light
present during operation.
And, importantly, once a golf
cart has been upgraded for
use on public roads, any driver
must adhere to all of the State
and municipal laws regulating
driving motor vehicles.
These rules include following all
speed limits and not operating
while under the influence of
alcohol.
Carts also cannot overtake and
pass in the same lane as a vehi-
cle being overtaken and cannot
operate between lanes of traffic
or rows of drivers.
Carts must also yield the right of
way to any vehicle when on the
road. Such strict regulations of
traffic help to protect not only
the cart driver but those drivers
of more traditional vehicles.
As mentioned previously, carts
must also possess seat belts for
every occupant.
If a driver tries to fit more peo-
ple on a cart than it has seat
belts, they may be prosecuted
by municipal or state authori-
ties.
And no child under the age
of five can be driven on a golf
cart on public roads for safety
reasons.
32
WWW.GOLFCAROPTIONS.COM
Alabama Low-Speed Vehicle
Regulations
Low-speed vehicles are any mo-
torized vehicle that meets basic
safety standards and power and
control standards.
Golf carts may meet these stan-
dards if they are upgraded in a
variety of ways.
As mentioned previously, they
need headlights, reflectors, seat
belts, and other changes to their
design to make them powerful
enough to be considered low-
speed vehicles.
Carts also need mirrors and
directional signals to be consid-
ered low-speed vehicles.
Engine and four-wheel brake
upgrades are crucial, as it must
be capable of hitting at least 15
miles per hour for safety pur-
poses.
And, according to Alabama state
law, any low-speed vehicle must
possess a 17-digit Vehicle Identi-
fication Number or VIN.
These numbers should be pres-
ent on most golf carts, though
it may be necessary to register
for one.
Speak with your municipal or
state authorities to learn more
about this legal aspect.
Disclaimer
Even though our guides are
thorough and researched, it is
highly recommended that you
perform your own research and
check with your local municipal-
ity on rules as well. v
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