SILVERHILL, Alabama — Residents who use golf carts to get around in the Town of Silverhill are being warned that the golf carts must comply with state law.
At the Silverhill Town Council meeting …
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SILVERHILL, Alabama — Residents who use golf carts to get around in the Town of Silverhill are being warned that the golf carts must comply with state law.
At the Silverhill Town Council meeting on July 18, it was announced that residents will receive a letter from Chief of Police Kevin Brock with their utility bills warning that it is illegal to drive golf carts on sidewalks or cross Highway 104 or County Road 55.
There have been “numerous complaints, violations and misconceptions about the operation/use of golf carts on public roads,” Brock states in the letter, “this letter is being sent out to educate the public as to the State of Alabama laws concerning this matter.”
On July 11, Brock said, a golf cart was stopped by an Alabama State Trooper while crossing Highway 104 to Café Acadiana.
“They were given a warning and told that they could face a minimum fine of $700,” Brock said. “There is no ordinance pertaining to golf carts in Silverhill and until there is, we must comply with the state statutes.”
According to the state statute, Brock states in the letter, only golf carts that are tagged and insured (with a licensed driver) are allowed to be driven on public roads with a speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less.
To be driven on an approved roadway, he said, golf carts must be equipped with headlights, taillights, blinkers and seatbelts, Brock said at the July 18 meeting. A complete copy of applicable laws and guidelines to tag golf carts, will be attached with the letter sent to residents.
Other cities that have specific ordinances concerning golf carts have included crossing areas for major highways, Brock said.
“That is something the town could consider doing in the future,” he said. “This is something we are doing for the good of public safety. The intent of this letter is to educate the public so that enforcement action is not necessary.”
In other business July 18, the council:
• Approved the surplus of police vehicles and equipment and discussed the purchase of two additional vehicles, along with other equipment, needed for the police department.
• Voted to approve a resolution for the vacation of right-of-way to This Generation for Christ Inc., on behalf of the Christian Faith Assembly Church, to allow for church expansion.
• Reviewed the town’s personnel policy and the town’s travel ordinance, which will be presented for approval at the next council meeting Aug. 1.
