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OCILLA, Ga. (WALB) - The Ocilla Police Department (OPD) reminds residents they must meet several requirements to drive golf carts in the city.

“The Ocilla Police Department will enforce the (city’s) ordinance, and it can include a citation and towing the cart. We ask that citizens please read, familiarize yourself, and abide by the ordinance.”

According to the police department, several residents have witnessed children driving, carts without a tag, carts being operated after daylight hours and on private property. Officials said these situations could result in citations and impoundment.

“It has become apparent that some rules are not being observed in many cases,” OPD said. “We do not want any injuries because of rule violations.”

Ocilla Golf Cart Ordinances

In Ocilla, golf cart drivers must follow several rules, including:

• The golf cart must have at least three wheels.
• Cannot be operated faster than 20 mph.
• Golf carts can only be operated on the city’s public streets.
• Be driven by people 16 years old or older who have a valid driver’s license.
  • 15-year-olds can drive, given they are accompanied by a guardian who is at least 18 years old and has a valid driver’s license.
• Golf carts cannot be driven in public parks or on sidewalks in the city.
• Golf carts shall not be driven on state or federal highways.
  • Drivers can cross State Route 32 at Alder Street and at Cherry Street.
  • U.S. Highway 129 can be crossed at Eighth Street (Hudson).
  • State Route 90 can be crossed at Brushy Creek Road and at South Oak Street.
• Golf carts can only operate during daylight hours.
• The owner is responsible for the actions of the cart.
  • Insurance is optional for the owner.

Registration

Golf cart owners are required to register their carts with the city of Ocilla. The form can be completed at the municipal building at 111 North Irwin Avenue. The owner will be issued a decal and a tag to be placed on the cart. Additionally, a slow-moving vehicle tag must be placed on the rear of the cart. Under Georgia law, this tag must be mounted in the center of the back of the golf cart. It must remain on the cart at all times.

Fines

According to OPD, violators of these laws could be charged a $25 fine for a first offense. A second violation will result in a $50 fine. A third violation within one year of the second will result in a $100 fine and revoked golf cart registration. If the city-issued tag is not returned within 10 days of conviction, the owner will face a $5 fine for each day the tag is not returned. The registration can be reapplied for after two years.

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