 ATVs & Off-Road Vehicles
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Under both Georgia law (OCGA § 40-7-3) and Brookhaven City Code (Sec. 17-397), ATVs and off-road vehicles belong on private land or designated off-road trails — not our parks, streets, or greenways.
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There's also a rule many people don't know about: it's illegal to operate any off-road vehicle within 1,000 feet of a home, church, business, or public meeting place between 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. That covers most of our neighborhoods and parks entirely.
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Brookhaven officers have the authority to stop and inspect any off-road vehicle at any time (Sec. 17-396). If it's being operated illegally, it can be impounded on the spot.
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 Electric Motors & E-Bikes
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E-bikes are legal in Georgia, but only if they meet specific requirements. A legal e-bike must have working pedals, a motor no larger than 750 watts, and cannot exceed 20 mph on its own (OCGA § 40-1-1). Riders under 16 need a helmet, and Class 3 riders must be at least 15.
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The key thing to understand: if it has no pedals or goes faster than 20 mph, it's not an e-bike under Georgia law, it's a motor vehicle, and it needs a license, registration, and insurance to be on public roads.
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The Simple Rule |
If it doesn't have a license plate and a registered tag, it doesn't belong on a Brookhaven road, sidewalk, or park.
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*Golf Carts* Georgia law (OCGA 40-6-330.1 and 40-8-35) personal transportation vehicles - which includes most golf carts - may not operate on any public roadway.
We'd much rather educate than cite. But when 911 calls come in as they did recently, we respond every time. Because the safety of every person in this community is worth it.
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Questions? Email bpdcommunity@brookhavenga.gov or visit brookhavenga.gov/police.
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Ride smart. Ride legally. Ride Brookhaven.
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Dirt Bikes
