Laws For Driving Golf Carts On Roads
It’s becoming much more common to see golf carts on the road in communities across Florida. They’re convenient, eco-friendly, and easy to use for short trips around neighborhoods, golf courses, and other community spaces. Nevertheless, drivers still have to follow strict laws to ensure the safety of everyone on the road and prevent golf cart accidents.
Golf Carts And Low-Speed Vehicles
As defined under Florida law, a golf cart is a motor vehicle designed for use on a golf course or any other similar recreational area. They’re not built to be driven at high speeds, so they rarely go faster than 20 miles per hour. Golf carts are often seen in residential communities, retirement neighborhoods, and resort-style developments.
Golf carts are often confused with low-speed vehicles (LSVs), but LSVs have the following distinct characteristics:
- They can drive a little faster, often up to 25 miles an hour.
- Drivers must follow the same Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards that apply to regular passenger cars.
- They require registration, a valid license plate, and insurance to be deemed street-legal.
Understanding what sets golf carts and LSVs apart matters because different laws apply depending on the kind of vehicle being driven.
State Laws Governing Golf Carts
Under Florida law, golf carts are generally not allowed on public roads unless they’re specifically designated for use by the local government. These permissions are based on safety evaluations that look at traffic conditions, speed limits, and other factors.
Certain municipalities have local regulations throughout an area like Jacksonville that allow golf carts to be used on public roads, primarily gated communities, or areas with lower speed limits.
When permitted on public roads, golf carts can only be used on streets with posted speed limits of 30 miles per hour or less, though they are allowed to cross intersections with higher speed limits if necessary.
Additionally, golf carts are generally restricted to daytime use unless they have proper lighting by way of any of the following:
- Headlights
- Brake lights
- Turn signals
- Reflectors
Lastly, in Florida, golf cart drivers must be at least 14 years old but do not need a traditional driver’s license. As explained earlier, that’s an important distinction from LSVs, which do require their drivers to carry valid driver’s licenses.
Local Regulations
Where Florida state law provides the basic framework, local law enforcement plays an active role in enforcing golf cart regulations in and around Jacksonville. Officers can issue warnings, fines, or citations to anyone who ignores such rules.
Additionally, law enforcement agencies often work with community organizations to educate the residents about safely using golf carts. Depending on the location, local authorities may do the following:
- Designate specific roads for golf cart use
- Require additional safety equipment
- Mandate permits for golf cart use within their jurisdiction (for example, registration with the local homeowner’s association)
Many areas have embraced the convenience of golf carts while also putting their own rules in place to promote safe usage. Gated communities, for instance, often allow carts on private streets but enforce rules around speed, age limits, and safety equipment. Other neighborhoods that cater to retirees or families have designated golf cart paths and crossing points.
Insurance Considerations
Similar to how golf carts do not require drivers to hold a valid driver’s license, they are not required to have insurance if they’re used solely on private property or within communities that allow for unregistered carts. However, liability insurance is highly recommended to cover any possible damages or injuries, especially if the cart is being used on public streets.
In contrast, insurance is mandatory for LSVs, and it must include both personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability coverage, just as it is for other motor vehicles.
Penalties For Non-Compliance
If the rules surrounding the use of golf carts aren’t followed, drivers could face several types of penalties under Florida law, such as:
- Fines for using a cart on unauthorized roads
- Citations for not having the required safety equipment
- Legal liability for any accidents caused by the negligent use or improper operation of the cart
Adhering to the law not only protects you legally but also helps keep the roadways safe for you and everyone else who uses them.
Golf Cart Safety Tips
Altogether, ensuring a safe golf cart driving experience means remembering the following points:
- Stay alert and watch for pedestrians, bike riders, and other vehicles on the road.
- Don’t use your cell phone or do anything else that might distract you while driving.
- If your cart lacks turn signals, use hand signals to communicate your next moves to your fellow drivers.
- Avoid overloading your cart with passengers or cargo beyond its weight capacity.
Additionally, it is always a good idea to keep up with maintenance on any vehicle. Before you take the cart out onto the road, make sure the brakes, lights, and other systems are always working as they should be.
Follow Golf Cart Laws Responsibly
Golf carts on public streets in Jacksonville, Florida, offer a convenient way to get around over short distances while reducing one’s impact on the environment. They provide unique benefits, but they also come with unique responsibilities. For that reason, it is important to understand and follow both state and local laws to ensure everyone stays safe.
Contact the Jacksonville Personal Injury Law Firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information, please contact the Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra personal injury law firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Duval County, St. Johns County, and its surrounding areas:
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville
9471 Baymeadows Rd #105,
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 396-1100
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Downtown Jacksonville
121 W Forsyth St Suite 1000,
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 822-4225
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Ponte Vedra
480 Town Plaza Ave #130,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081
(904) 675-1167