Golf Car Options Magazine March 2020 GCOptions Mar20 MAGZTER | Page 23

GOLF
CART
LAWS
A
laska is a unique state
because its distance from
the rest of the United States of
America often makes its state
laws much different than those
in other areas.
In some cases, state laws may
have more of an impact on the
day-to-day lives of residents
than federal laws.
The same is true for golf cart use.
The federal government typical-
ly leaves such rules and regula-
tions to the state, which makes
it crucial to take this information
into account before you start
your upgrades to a cart.
Alaska Laws Regarding Cart Use
Alaska state law currently does
not go into great detail re-
garding golf cart use on public
roads.
However, the laws do currently
have various regulations for
certain types of vehicles, partic-
ularly those designed for more
off-road purposes.
These rules are important to
take into account if you want to
change up your cart to use on
Alaska Golf Cart Laws
& Regulations
(What You Need To Know)
public roads.
Though state laws are impre-
cise, this information should
help you stay within proper
legal bounds when riding your
golf cart on the city or state
roads.
Definition of a Golf Cart
Alaska’s state laws currently do
not define golf carts specifically
for riding on public roads.
However, state law does strictly
define motor vehicles as “any
vehicle which is self-propelled
except a vehicle moved by
human or animal power” or “an
electrical motor vehicle” that is
used as an “electrical personal
assistive mobility device” that
uses a self-balancing system
and two or more non-tandem
wheels that transport only one
person.
By these laws, golf carts qualify
for the first but not the second
element.
Further reading of the Alaska
Administrative Code makes it
clear that golf carts are, very
likely, considered off-highway
vehicles.
These vehicles are defined as
those vehicles incapable of
reaching high levels of speed
and which are not designed for
highway use.
All vehicles of this type need a
permanent seat on which the
driver can sit and which is de-
signed to manage safety for all
riders on the cart.
However, municipal rules may
vary depending on what specific
cities or counties signify.
These laws do not supersede
state rules and must take them
into consideration when con-
trolling carts on various Alaskan
public roads.
Private roads or cart use on
private property is up to the
owner of the property to man-
age, though legal ramifications
for accidents or injuries will fall
on their shoulders when they
occur.
Municipal Laws May Vary
Although state laws are not
specific when it comes to golf
cart use, many cities and coun-
ties have specific regulations to
control them.
MARCH 2020
23