Those who drive PTVs in Milton must register their vehicles with the City. You can fill out THIS FORM and return it, with $15, to City Hall. Click HERE to learn more about the PTV registration process. 

Personal Transportation Vehicles, often abbreviated as PTVs (and commonly associated with golf carts), have become increasingly popular in Georgia and beyond. They are allowed in Milton in certain places and conditions, the latter based on the driver and nature of the vehicle. The City has established a PTV registration process to help ensure that such vehicles are safe and legal in accordance with State and City regulations.

Below you’ll find answers to commonly asked PTV-related questions. If you cannot find what you’re looking for here, email Robert Dell-Ross (robert.dell-ross@miltonga.gov) from Milton’s Public Works Department or Milton Police Capt. Shawn McCarty (shawn.mccarty@miltonga.gov). 

What is a PTV?

Milton City Code states:

The term "personal transportation vehicle" or "PTV" means any motor vehicle:

• (1) With a minimum of four wheels;
• (2) Capable of a maximum level ground speed of less than 20 miles per hour;
• (3) With a maximum gross vehicle unladen or empty weight of 1,375 pounds; and
• (4) Capable of transporting not more than eight persons.

The term does not include mobility aids, including electric personal assistive mobility devices, power wheelchairs, and scooters, that can be used indoors and outdoors for the express purpose of enabling mobility for a person with a disability. The term also does not include any all-terrain vehicle or multipurpose off-highway vehicle (as defined in O.C.G.A. § 40-1-1(3) and (33.1)). In July 2023, the City Council voted to add clarifying language to define PTVs to include "vehicles traditionally called golf carts so long as they satisfy the definition and otherwise comply with City Code.”

What must a PTV have to be legally driven on Milton public roads? 

All personal transportation vehicles shall be equipped with:

• A braking system
• A reverse warning system
• A removable main power switch
• Head lamps
• Reflex reflectors
• Tail lamps
• Horn
• Rear view mirror
• Safety warning label
• Hip restraints (Note: Seat belts are not required)

PTVs should be driven safely with all occupants safe and secure. Its driver must be 16 years of age or older and possess a valid driver's license. Driver must comply with the financial responsibility requirements for passenger vehicle operators when operating a PTV on any public street.

Where can a PTV be driven?

• PTVs can be driven on any “public” streets in which the speed limit is 25 mph or lower. (A public street is a roadway accessible to anyone and that is maintained by the City of Milton.)

• These vehicles cannot be driven on or on 5-foot sidewalks or grassy areas adjacent to state routes, including State Route 372 (Crabapple Road and then Birmingham Highway) or State Route 9 (widely known as Highway 9).

• They may or may not be allowed in gated communities and other HOA communities, depending on the corresponding HOA’s covenants. If they're prohibited in that sense, a violation would be handled by the HOA like it would other violations of that subdivision's covenants (i.e. for grass height, paint colors, etc.) 

Are there plans to add more places to drive PTVs?

Yes. On Aug. 1, 2022, Milton City Council passed the Crabapple Area Personal Transportation Vehicle (PTV) Plan. That Plan can be viewed by clicking HERE. The map shown on this page is for the Crabapple area only, with the green indicating roads where PTV use is allowed. This shows where the City plans to add multi-use paths on which PTVs can be driven, though those projects still must be funded and undertaken.

What streets can PTVs cross?

Personal transport vehicles may cross city streets only at crossings or intersections designated for that purpose (except within smaller neighborhoods). No such intersections are currently designated for crossing. And no operator of a PTV shall use a pedestrian crosswalk to cross any street or highway, unless such crosswalk is marked and/or designated by the city as approved for PTV use. 

The City is working with the Georgia Department of Transportation to create PTV crossings across State Route 372 – which includes Crabapple Road and Birmingham Highway. Any such modifications require GDOT’s approval. Currently, no such legal crossings exist on this stretch of road.