HB473 Summary

• Authorizes Alabama municipalities to designate municipal streets or public roads for limited golf cart operation after determining safe travel is possible based on traffic speed, volume, and character.

• Requires golf cart owners to obtain a permit by passing municipal inspection for required safety equipment (headlights, brake lights, turn signals, windshield) and providing proof of liability insurance with limits equal to motor vehicle requirements.

• Restricts golf cart operation to streets with posted speed limits of 25 miles per hour or less and allows municipalities to limit operation to sunrise-to-sunset hours only.

• Requires golf cart operators to hold a valid driver's license and establishes operational rules prohibiting lane switching, passing in same lane, side-by-side operation, and requiring full lane usage.

• Authorizes municipalities to assess civil penalties up to $50 for unauthorized golf cart operation and permits more restrictive local ordinances with proper notification to residents.