The Robertsdale Police Chief recently had to remind citizens that golf carts are not allowed on the sidewalks and most roadways in their community. Chief Kendrick added a section of the Alabama Motor Vehicle Code that stated: 

Alabama Code: 32-5A-52 prohibits driving any motor vehicle upon sidewalks. A golf cart is defined as a “motor vehicle” within the definition of section 32-1-1.1(32) of the Alabama Code.  As far as operating a golf cart on the roadways in Robertsdale, I must refer to Section 32-6-51 of the Code of Alabama: “Every motor vehicle operator who operates a motor vehicle upon any city street or other public highway of or in this state shall at all times keep attached and plainly visible on the rear end of such motor vehicle a license tag or license plate as prescribed and furnished by the Department of Revenue, at the time the owner of operator purchases his license.”

Throughout each town in Baldwin County the local governments have been updating laws to stay ahead of the LSV (low speed vehicle) that are showing up on the roads. Orange Beach and Gulf Shores have implemented safety standards and areas where LSV's are allowed to be driven.

The main question is the difference between a regular golf cart and an LSV, as described by the State. A golf cart has a maximum speed of 20 mph.  “Low-Speed Vehicles” (LSV’s). A LSV differs from a golf cart in that it:
• Has a 17 digit vehicle identification number (VIN) that conforms to the National Highway Safety and Traffic Administration

 • Has a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) that states that the vehicle complies with safety standards set for LSV’s. LSV’s are built with greater specifications than golf carts. Also, golf carts CANNOT be retrofitted to become LSV’s as they will not have this MSO from the manufacturer.

A Low Speed Vehicle must have the following in order to be street legal:

• Basic standard that meets safety requirements (the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin)

• A minimum threshold of 20 mph and a top speed of 25 mph

• Headlamps

• Front and rear turn signal lamps

• Tail lamps

• Stop Lamps Reflex reflectors: one red on each side as far to the rear as practicable, and one red on the rear

• Exterior mirror mounted on the driver’s side of the vehicle and either an exterior mirror mounted on the passenger’s side of the vehicle or an interior mirror

• Parking brake

• Windshield that conforms to the Federal motor vehicle safety standard (AS-1 or AS-5 composition)

• A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

• Type 1 (lap belt) or Type 2 (shoulder belt)

Some areas have restrictions on where LSV’s can be driven based on a set speed limit – most state that LSV’s cannot be driven on roadways where the speed limit exceeds 35 mph. Alabama does not have a law that directly states a speed limit. However, State law does specify that a LSV cannot be driven on a roadway where it impedes traffic and law enforcement officers do interpret this as being on a roadway with a maximum speed of 35 mph.

It also important to point out that a LSV is a vehicle and is to be handled as one:

• If your child is not old enough or not licensed to drive a car, he/she is not old enough or licensed to drive a LSV

• You cannot drive a LSV on the sidewalk or stand on the side and drive– all traffic laws that apply to your personal vehicle, apply to your LSV!

• Like your vehicle, your LSV must be tagged/registered and be driven by a licensed and insured driver