As communities in North Georgia grow, some neighborhoods have seen a rise in the popularity of golf carts in recent years.
Currently, the state of Georgia does not have a law in place to govern what roads such vehicles can and cannot be driven on, leaving such decisions up to individual cities and municipalities.
The city of Flowery Branch approved an ordinance in 2018 that allows golf carts on small neighborhood roads and a few roads in the downtown area. The roads are marked with signs designating them as personal transportation vehicle paths.
Flowery Branch Police Sgt. Dalton Hall said when golf carts are on roads, they're subject to the same rules and regulations as normal vehicles such as cars and trucks.
"The driver of the golf cart has to be at least 17 years old and possess a valid Georgia drivers' license. You also have to able to provide proof of liability insurance," Hall said.
Hall said, fortunately, the city has not seen any incidents of vehicles colliding with golf carts. He did say, however, that those driving golf carts should be careful around pedestrians because an electric cart can often be hard to hear, making it easy for a pedestrian to miss.
"The most important thing to remember is you don't want to park on any of the roadways. You don't want to be racing or horse playing," Hall said. "Again, just make sure you operate safely."
The carts also need to be properly equipped with reflectors and safety stickers and Hall said it is important to have rearview mirrors and horns installed if you intend to drive the carts on roads.
Other nearby cities like Braselton have similar golf cart laws in place, but those looking to drive them should check with their local jurisdictions.
To hear more from Flowery Branch Police Sgt. Dalton Hall about golf cart safety, click play on the video above.
