Fayette studies changes to golf cart rules; solo 15-year-olds could drive

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Changes are afoot for the golf cart ordinance governing unincorporated Fayette County. At its March 27 meeting, the county commission is expected to adopt a new ordinance that would “more closely mirror the existing ordinance in Peachtree City.”

As a result, county residents will need to register their golf carts and purchase a decal that must be displayed on each cart.

The new ordinance will allow 15-year-olds to drive a cart without an adult, so long as they have a valid learner’s permit. The new regulations will also allow kids as young as 12 to operate a golf cart as long as a licensed adult is in the vehicle with them.

The idea is to get the county, Peachtree City, Tyrone and Fayetteville on the same page when it comes to golf cart regulations, county officials said. As a result, the ordinance calls for the county to honor permits issued by the county’s cities, and the cities will need to approve a reciprocal agreement for it to be enforceable.

Commission Chairman Steve Brown, a former Peachtree City mayor, said the county hopes to get input from residents at the March 27 meeting, which will be at 7 p.m. at the county government complex in downtown Fayetteville.

“We need supporters of these changes to come to the meeting and let their voices be heard as this is a significant quality of life issue and a big step toward allowing the students at Starr’s Mill High School to ride golf carts to school,” Brown said.

A copy of the proposed ordinance will be available by Friday on the county’s website at www.fayettecountyga.gov, officials said.