What a Veto Pen is For: Georgia Governor Preserves Right to Drive a Golf Cart Without a License

Peachtree City’s golf cart enthusiasts are safe. Or not, depending on your definition.

Late Friday, Gov. Sonny Perdue vetoed SB 519, a bill sponsored by Senate Transportation Chairman Jeff Mullis of Chickamauga intended to require driver licenses for those who operate motorized carts used by delivery companies.

But the legislation would also have applied to the free-wheeling drivers on Peachtree City’s network of cart paths — which allow residents to make short trips without automobiles.

In his veto message, Perdue said the bill would have had a “devastating impact” on such communities. The governor credited two Fayette County lawmakers, Rep. Matt Ramsey (R-Peachtree City) and Sen. Ronnie Chance (R-Tyrone) for helping him find the narrow asphalt path to wisdom.