The Selma Police Department doesn’t have a problem with go-carts and golf carts &045;&045; as long as they’re kept off the streets.

Lt. David Evans, Selma Police Department public information officer, said vehicles like golf carts have no business on the streets.

In an effort to make sure they stay off city streets, police are starting to concentrate their efforts on removing golf carts, go-carts and all terrain vehicles (ATVs) from public roads.

Safety is the main issue, Evans says. A go-cart doesn’t stand much chance against a car, no matter how safe the driver is.

The law is another issue. The Alabama Criminal Code stipulates that all motor vehicles on public roads must have registration tags. Motor vehicles are defined as any self-propelled devices that can carry drivers &045;&045; cars, motorcycles, golf carts and go-carts all meet that description.

To obtain tags, vehicles must meet certain conditions: They must have lights, a horn, at least two ways to apply brakes and rear view mirrors, among other devices.

In addition to staying off the roads, golf carts, go-carts and ATVs also need to steer clear of public right-of-ways. That’s generally 30 feet beyond the edge of the road.

Go-carts should only be driven on private property, and only with the permission of the property owner. Juvenile violators can be cited with a moving traffic violation and could even go to juvenile court, Evans said.

Parents of offenders can get into trouble, too, Evans said. Parents who are not taking proper steps to stop their child’s illegal go-cart use could be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.