People love riding around their neighborhoods in golf carts and around small towns. Though they are fun to ride around in, there are also dangers associated with driving on roads with a speed limit over 25 mph. Golf carts are not designed to keep passengers safe on roads and highways. We recommend that golf cart owners understand the laws associated with driving outside of a neighborhood setting.
Under Georgia Law a golf cart is defined as:
40-1-1(17.2) "Golf car" or "golf cart" means any motorized vehicle designed for the purpose and exclusive use of conveying one or more persons and equipment to play the game of golf in an area designated as a golf course. For such a vehicle to be considered a golf car or golf cart, its average speed shall be less than 15 miles per hour (24 kilometers per hour) on a level road surface with a 0.5% grade (0.3 degrees) comprising a straight course composed of a concrete or asphalt surface that is dry and free from loose material or surface contamination with a minimum coefficient of friction of 0.8 between tire and surface.
All golf carts must have braking systems, a reverse warning device, tail lamps, a horn and hip restraints and must weigh less than 1,300 lbs and not top speeds of 20 mph. Golf carts that are operated between sunrise and sunset must be equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield. Golf carts that do not meet these additional standards shall only be operated during the hours between sunrise and sunset. Any laws enacted by the state associated with golf carts are designed to keep people safe. Make sure you understand the laws associated with your golf cart to keep yourself and others on the road safe.