Starting July 1, 2024, golf cart owners may operate golf carts on City of Albemarle streets if the golf carts are registered with and permitted by the City of Albemarle. The Albemarle Police Department issues annual permits for golf carts and provides owners with an annual registration decal which must be displayed on the driver's side front fender or windshield of the golf cart so that it is easily visible to law enforcement personnel.

To register a golf cart and secure an annual permit from the Albemarle Police Department, golf cart owners must pay an initial registration fee of $20 and meet the following requirements:

    The owner must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver’s license.
    The owner must have proof of ownership and liability insurance.
    The golf cart must not have been modified to exceed a speed of 20 mph.

In order to register a golf cart and secure an annual permit, a golf cart must have the following safety features:

1. Slow moving vehicle emblem on the rear of the cart (triangle reflector); and,
2. Rubber or equivalent tires; and,
3. Adequate steering gear, emergency or parking brake; and,
4. Rear-view mirror and left side mirror, or a wide-angle cross bar rear view mirror; and,
5. Adequately fixed driver' s seat; and,
6. Factory installed safety or mechanical systems, including checking for gasoline or propane leaks; and,
7. Speed governor (if gasoline powered); and,
8. Headlights, rear facing brake lights and turn signals.

Golf cart transportation is limited to those streets and highways within the City limits which have a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. No Golf Carts shall be allowed on US Highway 52, NC 24/27 Bypass, or the Northeast Connector.

Golf cart owners are asked to complete the Golf Cart Registration Application below. To view the City of Albemarle's golf cart ordinance, click here.