Recently, amid concerns on the use of golf carts on the streets and property, the Douglas City Commission passed a new ordinance pertaining to golf carts within the city limits of Douglas. Effective Jan. 8, 2018, all golf carts must be registered through the City of Douglas Marshal’s Office. Once registered, owners will receive a decal that must be affixed to the cart for its use on a city street.
State law mandates that golf carts weigh less than 1,300 pounds and cannot exceed 20 miles per hour. If the vehicle does not comply, it cannot be legally registered or used on paths. Drivers of permitted golf carts must have a valid state issued driver’s license as well as adhere to all traffic laws. When registering for a golf cart permit, owners must provide VIN number, cart year model, make, and color. Before operating the cart on authorized roads, proof of minimum insurance coverage on auto insurance must be provided: Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident; Property damage liability $25,000 per person; Uninsured motorist bodily injury $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
Golf carts may only be operated on City approved 2 lane roads where there is one lane of traffic for the direction of travel and have a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. Golf carts may not be operated on any road that has been designated a part of the state or federal highway system (Peterson Ave., Madison Ave., Ward St., Ashley St., Baker Hwy, Willacoochee Hwy, 206 Connector, and Bowens Mill Rd.) The City of Douglas Police Department will begin issuing citations for persons operating golf carts on city streets and property without the proper permit/decal.
For a full copy of the new ordinance, please stop by the Douglas Police Department, Douglas Marshal’s Office, or go online to www.cityofdouglas.com.