Personal Transportation Vehicles (PTVs), commonly referred to as golf carts, may be operated on designated public roadways within the City of Roswell in accordance with City ordinance and Georgia law. Before operating a PTV on City streets, owners and drivers must meet the applicable vehicle, driver, insurance, and permitting requirements outlined below.

Have a question? Contact the Roswell Department of Transportation at (770) 594-6420 or TransCustomerServiceTeam@roswellgov.com.

PTV Requirements Maps Designated Service Areas PTV Safety PTV Registration

PTV Requirements

The City of Roswell has incorporated State Law, (O.C.G.A. 40-6-330(a)), in its requirements. These include:

  • A braking system
  • A reverse warning system
  • A removable main power switch
  • Head lamps
  • Reflex reflectors
  • Tail lamps
  • Horn
  • Rear view mirror
  • Safety warning label
  • Hip restraints/Seat belts

Brake lights are required by the City of Roswell if the golf cart will be operated at night.

Drivers must be 16 years of age or older and be a licensed driver to operate a golf cart. Proof of insurance is also required.

A permit fee of $15 is required every five years. Applications are submitted through the City’s Permitting & Licensing HUB.

Maps of Designated Service Areas

Review the maps below to locate the streets in your area where the use of golf carts are allowed. Updated on July 17, 2023.

Where Can I Drive a Golf Cart?

  • Area 1 (PDF) – North (north of SR 92 and Hardscrabble Road)
  • Area 2 (PDF) – North-Central (north of SR 92, south of Hardscrabble Road, west of SR 9/120)
  • Area 3 (PDF) – West (south of SR 92, west of SR 9/120)
  • Area 4 (PDF) – Central (east of SR 9/120, west of Old Alabama Road)
  • Area 5 (PDF) – East (east of Old Alabama Road)

In addition to the streets shown on the maps above, golf carts may be allowed on certain multi-use paths around the City.

Golf cart use will be prohibited on: any State Route (i.e. SR 92, SR 9, SR 120, SR 140); streets with posted speed limits of 25 or higher; any sidewalk; trails within any park (including Riverfront Trail/Park); and, facilities labeled with signs stating the use of golf carts is prohibited.

PTV Safety

  • Drive courteously. Obey all vehicle traffic laws and rules of the road.
  • Avoid distractions while operating the golf cart/PTV just as you would in an automobile.
  • The driver and all occupants should use seatbelts and/or handholds any time the vehicle is in use.
  • Only carry the number of passengers for which there are seats.
  • Drivers and all passengers should keep all body parts (arms, legs, feet) inside cart while vehicle is in motion, except when signaling a turn.
  • Do not allow anyone to ride standing in the vehicle or on the back platform of the vehicle. Do not put vehicle in motion until all passengers are safely seated inside vehicle.
  • Always use hand signals to indicate your intent to turn due to the small size and limited visibility of the turn signals on a golf cart/ PTV.
  • Check blind spots before turning. When making a left-hand turn, yield to the thru traffic lane and merge into that lane before turning left.
  • Carefully turn and look behind golf cart/PTV before backing up.
  • Avoid sharp turns at maximum speed, and drive straight up and down slopes to reduce the risk of passenger ejections and/or rollover.
  • Do not leave keys in golf cart while unattended and make sure the parking brake is set.
  • Always yield to pedestrians and be aware of motor vehicles.
  • Use extreme caution in inclement weather. Although a golf cart may shield you from the rain, it may not protect you from a lightning strike.

PTV Registration

If you’re registering a PTV, applications must now be submitted through the City’s Permitting & Licensing HUB.

How to Register

  1. Visit the Permitting & Licensing page.
  2. Create an account or sign in.
  3. Select Personal Transportation from the list of application types.
  4. Complete and submit your PTV Permit application.
  5. Permitting & Licensing HUB
  6. Apply for a Personal Transportation Vehicle (PTV) Permit

The previous Residential and Business PTV Registration PDF forms have been discontinued.

Existing PTV Registrations

The following forms are still available for changes to an existing registration or to request new PTV infrastructure.

Request a PTV Crossing

If you would like to travel beyond your subdivision or neighborhood, you may request a designated PTV crossing.

The Roswell Department of Transportation (RDOT) accepts written requests to evaluate potential PTV crossings. After a request is received, RDOT will review the proposed location to determine whether it meets applicable safety standards. If the location is determined to be appropriate, the request will be submitted to the Mayor and City Council for consideration. Under Georgia law, PTV crossings must be formally designated, typically through the installation of official signage.

FAQs

What are the rules for driving golf carts (PTV)?

The Georgia Motor Vehicle Operators Manual that enables a driver to obtain a driver’s license provides the rules for operation of vehicles (including golf carts) on the road. Golf carts (PTVs) may not be used for racing, blocking public roads, or parking (i.e. loitering) on bridges or underpasses.

Where can I drive a golf cart (PTV)?

After July 1, 2015, a licensed driver may drive a golf cart (PTV) on any 25 MPH or less street in Roswell. The PTV cannot be driven on any State Highway, roadways with a posted speed limit of 30 MPH or higher, any sidewalk, or any path within the City parks including the Riverfront Path.

What are City safety standards for golf carts (PTVs)?

State law (O.C.G.A.40-6-330(a)) states all golf cart/PTVs used on City streets must have the following: (1) a braking system; (2) a reverse warning device; (3) a removable main power switch; (4) head lamps; (5) reflex reflector; (6) tail lamps; (7) horn; (8) rearview mirror; (9) safety warning label; and, (10) hip restraints (i.e. seat belts) and handholds or a combination of both. Brake lights are required if the golf will be operated at night.