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Covington County voters will decide whether to allow an Alabama Constitution Amendment for local municipalities to create laws related to the use of golf carts on public roadways.

The Local Amendment, Act 2021-80, will appear on the Nov. 8 ballot.

If the amendment is passed by voters, local municipalities will be allowed to proceed with creating their own rules regarding golf cart usage, including limitations. If a municipality allows for golf carts on public streets, the driver of the cart will be required to have a driver’s license and be covered by liability insurance. The municipality must establish penalties for violations.

The proposed amendment states that municipalities must determine that golf carts may safely travel on or across a street and road. The amendment also states that the municipality will post appropriate signage stating that golf carts are authorized.

Cities allowing golf carts on public streets will inspect the cart to determine whether it meets safety requirements. A cart being used on public roads must be equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signals and a windshield. Once the safety check is completed, and the owner provides a valid driver’s license and proof of liability insurance, the city can issue a permit to the owner upon payment of permit fee.

Based on state law, a golf cart is not allowed on any street where the speed limit exceeds 25 miles per hour. A city can only limit golf cart usage between the hours of sunrise and sunset.

If the amendment is passed, municipalities can pass an ordinance that is more restrictive than those already in place by the state.

The amendment was written by Rep. Mike Jones as House Bill 311.

Voters in favor of allowing municipalities to allow for golf cart usage on city streets will vote “yes” while those against will vote “no.”