Georgia Golf Cart Laws (2025)

Yes, but only if a city or county has passed an ordinance allowing it. Georgia state law lets local governments authorize motorized carts (PTVs) on certain roads. Without a local ordinance, you cannot drive a golf cart on public streets in Georgia.

Yes. Georgia requires golf cart operators on public roads to be licensed drivers (at least 16 years old). Learners permits are allowed at age 15 only if a licensed adult is in the cart. Unlicensed drivers (including children under 15) cannot drive golf carts on public streets.

While Georgia law doesn’t mandate separate insurance for PTVs statewide, many localities that allow golf carts do require liability insurance. For example, Roswell, GA insists on proof of insurance when registering a cart. It’s wise to carry insurance, and if your cart is an LSV (low-speed vehicle) registered with the DMV, insurance is required just like a car.

If the golf cart is classified as a low-speed vehicle (LSV) or personal transportation vehicle, it should have seat belts for each seating position. In designated golf cart communities, carts often come with seat belts for safety. State law doesn’t explicitly require seat belts on all golf carts, but any cart manufactured to federal LSV standards must have them.

By law, personal transportation vehicles in Georgia are designed for speeds less than 20 mph. They are restricted to roads with speed limits of 35 mph or lower. So a street-legal golf cart in Georgia typically tops out around 20 mph.

On public roads, the driver must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver’s license. Georgia does allow 15-year-olds with a learner’s permit to drive a cart if an adult (18+) with a license is in the front seat. There is no age restriction for driving on private property (like a golf course), but public road use requires a licensed (or permitted) driver.

Georgia does not require state DMV registration for PTVs/golf carts. Instead, if your city allows golf carts, you’ll register it with the local authorities. For example, Peachtree City and Roswell issue local decals or permits for golf carts. Check with your city hall or police department – you’ll usually need to fill out a form, show your driver’s license and insurance, and pay a small fee to get a permit or sticker.

If permitted by local law, the golf cart (PTV) must have certain safety equipment: headlights, brake lights, turn signals, a horn, rearview mirror, reflex reflectors, parking brake, and a slow-moving vehicle emblem if driven on public streets. It must stay on roads with ≤35 mph speed limits. The driver needs to be licensed and obey all traffic laws. Also, local jurisdictions may impose extra requirements (e.g. registration decals, insurance, or specific hours of operation).