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During the Feb. 1 Demopolis City Council meeting, Councilmember Jim Stanford reported that children under 16 years old have begun driving golf carts in the city streets. 

Stanford said that children he has seen recently operating a golf cart were under the age of 16, and that some looked as young as nine years old.

“We just don’t want to see an accident,” said Stanford.

Stanford said the weather will be getting warmer soon, and many young children are going to take their family’s golf carts into the streets. Potential hazards or accidents could happen, she added. 

Stanford has brought up the topic of golf carts several times in the past, but the problem persists.

Alabama laws pertaining to golf carts state that it is illegal to drive unmodified golf carts on public roads in Alabama without certain modifications. Standard golf carts don’t meet the speed and safety requirements for driving on public roadways.

The laws also require golf cart drivers to be at least 16 years old and have a driver’s license. In 2021, the Council introduced a golf cart ordinance mandating that only licensed drivers are allowed to operate golf carts on city streets. The ordinance prohibits more passengers than carts are designed to transport. 

Under the ordinance, underage drivers and parents would receive a ticket if they are caught violating the ordinance. Both parties would be required to appear in city court.

“We are going to truly start enforcing those laws because of the safety aspect,” said Mayor Woody Collins. “I couldn’t live with the fact that a young child got hurt.”