At the conclusion of the Orange Beach City Council meeting July 20, Mayor Tony Kennon made the announcement that residents need to be aware and prepare for new golf cart regulations. Details have not been finalized but all golf cart owners within the city will be subject to inspections and registration.

“Based on Alabama state law, we are moving forward an ordinance,” Kennon said. “It will be in the fall, but your golf cart will have to meet Alabama state regulation and be street legal, so please start educating yourself. We’re going to try to get everything together, so you have access to what you need and how much it’s going to cost you.”

Golf carts must meet certain safety requirements such as having headlights (mounted below steering wheel level), brake lights, turn signals and a windshield. Drivers need to be 16 years or older and possess a valid driver’s license.

Kennon also asked residents to spread the word to neighbors and friends who have golf carts but are not full-time residents.

“We can’t have unregistered carts running around while our local folks who live here are registered and playing by the rules. So spread the word if you would,” Kennon said.

City officials are currently working on finalizing the ordinance and plan to share details in the coming weeks.