The Bainbridge City Council is considering new rules pertaining to who can drive motorized carts on city streets and how they must be operated.

The Bainbridge Low Speed Motor Vehicle Ordinance would prohibit operation of golf carts, four-wheelers, Mules, Gators, or similar vehicle on any street in the city limits on which the speed limit exceeds 35 miles per hour.

The ordinance would also prohibit anyone under the age of 15 years old from operating a golf cart or similar vehicle within city limits.

Under the proposed rules, any cart or ATV drivers over the age of 16 must have a valid driver’s license and any operator who is 15-years-old must be accompanied in the front seat by a person at least 18-years-old who has a valid driver’s license.

Additionally, the proposed ordinance prohibits anyone under the age of eight from riding in such a vehicle unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

“I am happy that the council is addressing the operation of such vehicles,” said Eric Miller, Director of Bainbridge Public Safety. “If we didn’t do something, someone would have gotten hurt. I have seen many times, these vehicles where they shouldn’t have been, driven by people that shouldn’t be driving them.”

All motorized carts must comply with equipment regulations as spelled out by the Georgia Commissioner of Public Safety. For example, the cart would have to have head lights, tail lights, and safety belts.

The council voted unanimously to hold a public hearing on passage of this ordinance at the next meeting on June 18. After the public hearing, the council would vote to formally adopt the ordinance.