Low-Speed Vehicle Drivers Would Need License in Avondale Estates

Avondale Estates is moving ahead with a new city law that, in the beginning, was called a "golf cart ordinance."

Don't call it that now. The cart you drive up and down the country club fairways won't be allowed, and a bunch of other restrictions have been added.

The most recent change specifies that only people with valid driver's licenses can drive one of these vehicles.

That differs from other cities; golf cart haven Peachtree City, for example, allows kids as young as 13 to drive a cart with a parent or guardian in the front seat.

Also, the city decided these vehicles cannot be driven across U.S. 278, the busy main drag running through the city that's known as  North Avondale Road and East College Avenue. Previous versions would have allowed that at certain crossings.

The ordinance has been discussed more than a year. The Avondale Estates City Commission gave it a first reading on Oct. 22. After two more readings, it can be voted into law.

Clai Brown, the city manager, said the ordinance was changed to make the streets safer and the air cleaner.

The ordinance will allow you to drive "motorized carts," "personal transportation vehicles" and "low-speed vehicles" in the city, but only if your ride has safety features such as front and rear lamps, a horn, a rearview mirror, hip restraints and hand holds.

Plus, these vehicles must be registered with the city and bear a city-issued sticker.

The prohibition on driving across U.S. 278 may be reconsidered when the planned redevelopment of downtown Avondale Estates takes place, Brown said.

The city commission said educational materials will be circulated when the ordinance goes into effect so the public understands what is allowed.