Gulf Shores Expands Areas of Golf Cart Travel
By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News
June 26, 2025
GULF SHORES, Ala. Requests by residents and visitors to be allowed to operate their golf carts in more areas of the city prompted a study by Jacobs Engineering in the area of Gulf Pines and the study came back favorable so now the Gulf Shores City Council will be expanding golf cart access through a park and neighborhood.
Officials said they hope to provide residents and visitors with more safety and convenient ways to travel in specific areas of the city.
The new golf cart routes include:
E Canal Drive (portion from E 3rd Street to the Pedestrian Bridge Plaza)
E 24th Avenue (from E 2nd Street to E 10th Street)
E 23rd Avenue (portion from E Gulf Avenue to E 2nd Street and from E 2nd Street to E 10th Street)
W 22nd Avenue and E 22nd Avenue (from W 1st Street to E 10th Street)
E 21st Avenue (portion from E 2nd Street to the cul-de-sac in the E 500 block)
Dolphin Avenue (portion from 400 Dauphin Avenue to E 15th Avenue)
E 15th Avenue (portion from E 3rd Street to the terminus at the Ecotourism Center)
E Gulf Avenue (from E 22nd Avenue to E 24th Avenue)
E 3rd Street (portion from E 15th Avenue to E 16th Avenue and E 21st Avenue to Canal Drive)
E 4th Street (portion from E 22nd Avenue to E 24th Avenue)
E 5th Street (portion from Dolphin Avenue to E 24th Avenue, including golf cart/bike/pedestrian access only from Dolphin Avenue to E 21st Avenue)
E 6th Street (portion from E 22nd Avenue to E 24th Avenue)
E 8th Street (from E 22nd Avenue to E 24th Avenue)
E 9th Street (portion from E 22nd Avenue to E 24th Avenue)
E 10th Street (portion from E 22nd Avenue to E 24th Avenue)
Officials said they have worked closely with city offices to make sure these routes are safe for golf carter riders to travel.
Mayor Robert Craft stated, “Our residents have expressed a strong interest in having more golf cart access in our neighborhoods, and this initiative is a direct response to that feedback. Expanding these routes is an important step toward enhancing connectivity and providing additional transportation options beyond traditional vehicles.”
Police remind you that in Alabama, street-legal golf carts, known as Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs), require a license plate and registration.
To be street legal, a golf cart must meet specific requirements, including a 20-25 mph speed range and certain safety features, and be registered as an LSV. Traditional golf carts are generally not permitted on public roads unless modified to meet LSV standards.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
LSV Definition:
In Alabama, an LSV is a four-wheeled vehicle with a top speed of 20-25 mph and a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 2,500 lbs.
Registration:
LSVs must be registered with the local county’s Probate Office.
License Plate:
A license plate is required for LSVs, similar to regular vehicles, and they also need a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Street Legal Requirements:
To be considered street legal, a golf cart (LSV) must have a VIN, registration, insurance, and meet certain safety standards.
Safety Features:
These include headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, a windshield, mirrors, a horn, seat belts, and a parking brake.
Operator Requirements:
The operator of an LSV must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license.
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