If you are a frequent visitor to downtown Woodstock, you may have noticed what appear to be golf carts being driven down the road. During the past several years, residents have begun to operate these types of vehicles on public roads, prompting Mayor Donnie Henriques and the city council to direct the community development staff to develop a local ordinance to provide common sense and practical safety regulations for Personal Transportation Vehicles (PTV), shown here, also known as modified golf carts. Unlike standard golf carts, which are prohibited on public streets, PTVs can operate on public streets under certain provisions. Modified golf carts are golf carts that are mechanically altered to meet the definition of a PTV.
The process of drafting this new ordinance began in the summer of 2017 and was adopted in September 2018 after intensive research, which included reviewing applicable state law as well as ordinances from other jurisdictions around the state and nation, examining best practices of implementation, and reviewing studies and industry standards related to golf cart and PTV safety. Staff members worked in collaboration with the Woodstock Police Department, receiving valuable input and recommendations. PTVs must be street legal with certain fully functioning automotive-style safety equipment.
The state has certain regulations in place but leaves most other regulatory aspects up to local municipalities. For example, state law requires PTVs to stay on roads with a speed limit of 25 mph or less. These state laws are included in the new city ordinance, along with enhancements from police and community development staff including the seatbelt requirement for passengers age 15 and younger, and a restriction on operating them on a sidewalk or trail. Seatbelts for these vehicles was one of the most researched topics when determining safety regulations. Staff proceeded diligently and carefully with recommendations, considering PTVs would be sharing the road with other motor vehicles.
A registration process also was built into the ordinance, which is designed to aid PTV owners with compliance certification, while assisting the police department in enforcing the regulations. Registration is free and simple. Anyone intending to drive a PTV in the Woodstock city limits can come into our office, located on Highway 92, and fill out a short form providing personal, vehicle and insurance information to receive a decal with a registration number. A full PTV and Modified Golf Cart Ordinance and other helpful information also will be provided. Make sure to bring a photo of your PTV with you and register before enforcement begins March 1. If you have any questions, contact me at dcarruthers@woodstockga.gov.
-Dakota Carruthers, the process planner for Woodstock’s Community Development Department.
To Register Your PTV
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Mondays-Fridays
Woodstock City Annex- Development Services Offices
12453 Highway 92, Woodstock 30188
Have the make, model, color, serial number, photo of the PTV and insurance documents ready when registering. Registration runs through February, enforcement begins March 1. Failure to register PTVs is punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000.
Questions: Call 770-592-6036, email dcarruthers@woodstockga.gov or visit
www.woodstockga.gov.
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