Golf carts will be allowed on local streets across Georgia beginning in January.

Gov. Nathan Deal on Thursday signed legislation that creates a new class of motor vehicles for golf carts. The law allows golf carts with some safety features capable of traveling up to 20 mph on the roads if local jurisdictions allow it.

Georgia is one of the world's largest manufacturers of golf carts. Supporters of the new law say it promotes the use of golf carts and promotes job growth in the state.

Then-Gov. Sonny Perdue vetoed similar legislation last year.