Following state and local laws regarding golf carts is necessary so you, your passengers, and others around you remain safe. Understanding these laws and staying compliant with them can help you avoid accidents, fines, and run-ins with the law.
Quick Facts About Golf Cart Laws in Georgia
Are golf carts street-legal in Georgia?
Yes, golf carts are street-legal in Georgia if they meet specific requirements and aren’t driven on major highways, roadways, and interstates. Specific requirements include having a reverse warning device, tail lamps, a proper braking system, a side horn, and hip restraints.
You are allowed to drive golf carts on designated roads that have lower speed limits. Street legal golf carts also need safety and compliance upgrades, including following the maximum gross vehicle unladen weight of 1,300 pounds.
Are there driver’s license requirements for golf cart drivers in Georgia?
In Georgia, golf cart drivers must be at least 16 years old (15 with a learner’s permit) and have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit to operate a cart by themself. However, children as young as 12 can drive a cart if there’s a licensed adult in the front seat who is at least 18.
Do you have to have your golf cart licensed and insured like you do with a vehicle?
Having insurance can save you from unexpected expenses if and when golf cart accidents take place.
If you plan to drive your golf cart on approved public roads within city limits, you must register it with your local police department. This process requires you to be a licensed driver, have proof of ownership, and follow specific equipment standards. As you might have guessed, liability and property damage insurance are also required.
Standard golf carts don’t require registration in Georgia, but you can register yours for road use if it’s manufactured and certified as a low-speed vehicle. A low-speed vehicle has these criteria: electric, four-wheeled, and can reach a top speed of 20–25 mph on a paved roadway.
Local authorities may have additional requirements. For instance, some municipalities offer a $15 registration fee that lasts five years. You must renew this registration before January 1 of the year after it expires, and registered owners receive a decal for the front windshield.
Are there any restrictions I should be aware of?
In Georgia, street-legal golf carts are restricted to a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour and are only permitted on roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or lower.
As with any other motorized vehicle, you should strive to drive responsibly. For instance, you’ll still need to follow all applicable traffic regulations, including not driving under the influence, signaling, and keeping an eye out for others on the road.
Are Golf Carts Street Legal in Georgia?
In Georgia, a street-legal golf cart is a low-speed vehicle that meets state safety requirements and is permitted on designated roads. While local governments determine specific areas of use, motorized vehicles should meet the following requirements to be legally operated on public streets:
- A functional braking system capable of supporting the cart’s weight with passengers
- A reverse warning signal
- Properly working tail lights
- A horn and secure safety restraints
- A total weight of no more than 1,300 pounds
- A top speed limit of 20–25 mph
- Turn signals, a windshield, brake lights, and headlights
Insurance and Liability Requirements
Georgia law requires you to have at least $30,000 bodily injury coverage per accident, $15,000 bodily injury coverage per person, and $10,000 property damage coverage per accident.
Your coverage options could involve these types of policies:
- Property damage liability covers repairs if your golf cart damages someone’s property, such as a vehicle or home.
- Bodily injury liability helps pay medical bills if you cause an accident that injures someone.
- Collision coverage pays for repairs to your golf cart if it collides with another cart or object.
- Comprehensive coverage covers damage from theft, fire, hail, or other incidents not involving a collision.
Certain policies may include some extras, such as coverage for custom parts like headlights or a stereo system.
Local Ordinances and Community Rules
In Georgia, people routinely use golf carts to get around their community, neighborhood, and property. Different cities and municipalities issue local ordinances governing use.
For example, Peachtree City, Georgia, has an extensive network of more than 100 miles of multi-use paths. Because of this, it’s one of the most golf cart-friendly areas in the state.
Residents of Peachtree are required to register their golf carts—and while insurance is recommended—it’s not mandatory. Even without a driver’s license, you can operate a cart in Peachtree City if you’re 16 or older. Fifteen-year-olds can also drive, provided they have a learner’s permit. Additionally, children 12 and older can operate a golf cart with adult supervision from the front seat. These requirements largely mirror those we’ve previously listed state-wide.
Communities like St. Simons Island have their own rules regarding designated golf cart paths and speed limits. Tybee Island, for example, mandates that golf carts be equipped with proper lighting and restricts their use on busy highways.
Other cities, like Augusta, enforce strict parking regulations and limit golf cart access to certain streets. To avoid legal issues, it’s always good to check with local authorities or the police department for rules specific to your area.
Safety Guidelines for Golf Cart Owners
Safety should always be a top priority. Stay alert, obey traffic laws, and always yield to pedestrians. When using a golf cart, you should also use turn signals whenever necessary to ensure clear communication with other vehicles.
Proper maintenance of your golf cart is also important. Regularly check your brakes, tires, and lights to keep your golf cart in great condition. If you’re considering modifications, make sure they follow local regulations.
How Diamond Golf Cars Can Help
Diamond Golf Cars is your trusted source for high-quality golf carts that comply with Georgia’s regulations. We offer top street-legal brands like Evolution and Atlas that help ensure durability, smooth handling, and reliable parts for easy maintenance. Our extensive product range meets safety and performance standards that meet (and even exceed) federal regulations.
Additionally, our team of experts will guide you through local laws and requirements for street legal golf carts in Georgia and help with custom upgrades to ensure you’re fully compliant.
Conclusion
Understanding Georgia golf cart regulations is critical for staying safe and avoiding run-ins with the law. The good news is that we can help you understand what makes golf carts street legal and even build one of your own.
At Diamond Golf Cars, we offer industry advice, top brands you know and love, and customized options to ensure your golf cart fully complies with your state’s requirements.
Shop online or schedule a consultation to find the perfect golf cart for your needs!