This ordinance will not be in effect until July 1, 2023 or later. A registration form will be available here then. This page may be further edited as the date ordinance implementation approaches. 

The City of Madison permits the use of “Personal Transportation Vehicles” or “PTVs” as a form of transportation when used in compliance with Code of Madison and the laws of the State of Georgia.

REGISTRATION

PTVs/Golf Carts must be registered with the City of Madison Police Department before it can be operated on public roads within the City. Registrations are good for five years. Two decals will be provided upon registration. Decals should be displayed on the front windshield and rear fender area of the vehicle.  The registration fee is $15.00 for 5 years.   

Click here for the Golf Cart Registration Form. (pending)

WHAT IS NEEDED ON MY PTV/GOLF-CART TO BE ON PUBLIC ROADS?

In order to operate on public roads, a PTV/Golf Cart must be equipped with the following:

• Head lamps
• Tail lamps
• Brake lights
• Reflex reflectors
• Turn signals
• Windshield
• Horn
• Rearview mirror
• Seat belts for all passengers
• Braking system sufficient for the weight and passenger capacity of the vehicle, including a parking brake
• Reverse warning device
• Safety warning labels
• High-mounted amber strobe light approved by GA Dept. of Public Safety

This is a PTV:

This is NOT a PTV:

RULES FOR THE ROAD

PTVs shall not be operated on any public roads having a posted speed limit in excess of thirty-five (35) miles per hour, nor shall PTVs be operated on Federal or State Highways, regardless of the posted speed limit, unless otherwise designated by the Georgia Department of Transportation.

This Guide includes a map showing the authorized crossing points over State Highways. Approved crossings and intersections of State Highways are designated for that purpose by the Georgia Department of Transportation. These approved crossings can be identified by the posting of cart crossing signs. Use of an unauthorized crossing point or an unauthorized road or highway shall be deemed a violation subjecting the owner and/or operator to penalties. Additionally, this Guide provides a list of State Highways where the operation of a PTV is expressly prohibited; however, this list is not exhaustive of the public roads where the operation of PTVs is prohibited.

PTVs shall not be driven on sidewalks. The maximum occupancy of a PTV while operating within the City of Madison is one person per designated seat.

All Uniform Rules of the Road applicable to regular motor vehicle traffic apply to the operation of PTVs. PTVs operating on public roads are entitled to full use of a lane. Under no circumstances shall the operator of a PTV overtake and pass another vehicle using the same lane as the vehicle being overtaken, nor shall a PTV be operated between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. Lastly, PTVs shall not be operated with two or more abreast in a single lane.

All laws and ordinances relative to alcohol and its use, including open container laws, apply to personal transportation vehicles.

PENALTIES

Any person who violates the terms of the Code of Madison related to the ownership and/or operation of a PTV on the public roads, recreational paths, or other public property within the City of Madison shall be cited to appear before the Municipal Court.

Any violation by the operator may be charged against the owner and/or operator of the PTV. Upon conviction, penalties shall be in the form of a fine not to exceed $1,000.00.

An owner convicted of three or more violations within a two-year period may have their PTV registration revoked and be prohibited from registering a PTV for a period of two years and may be prohibited from operating any PTV within the City for two years.