GULF SHORES — It is no longer allowed to open a rental business for golf carts, state-tagged carts and low-speed vehicles.

An ordinance prohibiting the rentals in Gulf Shores was passed at the Aug. 12 city council meeting. According to the ordinance, golf carts cannot be rented or provided for temporary hire with the intention of operation.

Privately or personally owned golf carts or other low speed vehicles are still permitted on previously designated public roadways. A previous ordinance contains a list of "Designated Cart Streets" and can be found on the government page of the City of Gulf Shores' official website.

"This does not impact any special event that we may need golf carts or LSVs for. This is just strictly for any rental companies coming in wanting to rent LSVs or golf carts in Gulf Shores," said Layla Andrews, revenue supervisor.

The purpose of the ordinance is to prevent someone who does not regularly operate a golf cart or low-speed vehicle in the city from violating the current golf cart regulations without knowing it. According to the ordinance, this action is for the safety of the operator, passengers, pedestrians and operators of motor vehicles that could be present on public roadways.

A resident asked if people can drive golf carts in Gulf Shores that they rented in Orange Beach.

"This is for anybody trying to get a business license as a rental in Gulf Shores so they could come from Foley, and we wouldn't issue them a business license, or Orange Beach, and so on and so forth."

All council members agreed to amend the code of ordinances concerning business licenses for rentals and were in favor of prohibiting the temporary hire with intent for operation of a golf cart or low speed vehicle.