HB54 By Representatives McMillan, Drummond and Boothe RFD Public Safety and Homeland Security Rd 1 02-FEB-16

SYNOPSIS: Under existing law, low speed vehicles as defined by federal regulation are registered in the same manner as any other motor vehicle and may be operated on the public roads and highways of the state. Under existing law, a low speed vehicle that is registered to operate on the public roads and highways must be covered by liability insurance. Under existing law, golf carts that do not meet the definition of a low speed vehicle may not be registered or operated on the public roads and highways.

This bill would provide a process by which a municipality could permit limited operation of golf carts on municipal streets or public roads within the municipality. The bill would require the owner of a golf cart operating on a municipal street or public highway within a municipality to register the golf cart and to carry a liability insurance policy such as a homeowner's policy or special rider which covers operation of the golf cart on the municipal streets or public roads within the municipality.

This bill would require the municipality to inspect the golf cart for the presence of required safety equipment and to verify that operation of the golf cart is covered by a policy of liability insurance.

This bill would authorize the municipality to assess a civil penalty for violations.

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT

To authorize a municipality to allow limited operation of golf carts on a municipal street or public road; to provide limitations; to require the driver to have a driver's license; to require the operator of a golf cart on a municipal street or public roadway to be covered by liability insurance; and to authorize the municipality to assess a civil penalty for violations.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:

Section 1. (a) A municipality may designate municipal streets or public roads within the municipality for use by golf carts. Before making that designation, the municipality shall first determine that golf carts may safely travel on or across the street or road. The municipality making the safety determination shall consider factors including, but not limited to, the speed, volume, and character of motor vehicle traffic using the road or street. Upon a determination that golf carts may be safely operated on the designated street or road, the municipality shall post appropriate signs to indicate that the operation of golf carts is authorized.

(b) A municipality that authorizes the use of golf carts pursuant to subsection (a) shall inspect any golf cart that an owner wishes to use pursuant to subsection (a) to determine if the safety equipment required by subsection (e) is present on the golf cart and shall verify that the operator of the golf cart on a municipal street or public road is covered by a policy of liability insurance held by the owner of the golf cart. The liability limits for operation of the golf cart shall be the same as for operation of a motor vehicle. If the proper safety equipment is present and the golf cart is covered by liability insurance, the municipality shall issue a permit to the owner upon payment of a permit fee. The municipality may designate the appropriate department of the municipality to inspect and permit golf carts and may adopt rules for permitting golf carts, including providing for a permit fee.

(c) A municipality may not allow a golf cart to operate on a municipal street or public road where the posted speed limit exceeds 25 miles per hour.

(d) A municipality may limit the operation of a golf cart pursuant to this section to only between the hours of sunrise and sunset.

(e) The golf cart shall be equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield.

(f) No person may operate a golf cart on a public street or road without a driver's license.

(g) A municipality may enact an ordinance regarding golf cart operation and equipment that is more restrictive than the restrictions enumerated in this section. Upon enactment, the municipality shall post appropriate signs or otherwise inform residents that the ordinance exists and will be enforced within the jurisdictional limits of the municipality.

(h) All golf carts shall be entitled to full use of a lane, and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such a manner as to deprive any golf cart of the full use of a lane.

(i) The operator of a golf cart may not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.

(j) A golf cart may not be operated between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.

(k) Golf carts may not be operated two or more abreast in a single lane.

(l) The unauthorized operation of a golf cart on a municipal street or public road is a violation for which the municipality may collect a civil penalty of up to fifty dollars ($50).

(m) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a municipality may enact an ordinance regarding golf cart operation and equipment that is less restrictive than the restrictions enumerated in this section authorizing the use of golf carts for periods not to exceed 80 hours by the municipality or a civic organization in conjunction with civic events or events to raise funds, promote economic development, or similar purposes as authorized in the ordinance.

Section 2. This act shall become effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.

Motor Vehicles

Golf Carts

Municipalities

Insurance

Highways, Roads, and Bridges