When you are looking for information about whether or not you can ride a golf cart on the road, there are several things to consider. In addition to legality, you will also need to be aware of safety requirements and local ordinances that you need to abide by.
Legality in California
When you want to take a golf cart out on the road in California, you must make sure you know all the rules. If you don’t, you may end up in legal trouble. In fact, failure to obey traffic laws can cause injury or damage to other vehicles and people.
Golf carts are allowed on roads with a speed limit of 25 miles per hour. However, they are not allowed on sidewalks, bike paths, or roadways with a posted speed limit of more than 25 mph.
Although there are some restrictions, most of the requirements for golf carts are quite simple. For example, you must have an identification number, a license plate with a lighted sign, taillights, working turn signals, and seat belts.
You also need a valid driver’s license and insurance. This is particularly true if you are driving on a public road. Driving under the influence is also illegal. Your license can be suspended if you are found guilty of this offense.
Florida
Golf carts are an excellent way to get around golf courses and other amusement parks. However, if you plan on cruising the roadways in Florida, you need to be aware of all the rules and regulations. You don’t want to end up with a ticket. In fact, 15% of all accidents involve golf carts, and some of those results in death or permanent disability.
One of the most important things to keep in mind is that golf carts are not the same as low speed vehicles (LSVs). This means that you will need to get your cart registered, insured, and titled. Unlike a regular car, you will also need to have a license plate.
Golf carts are also not permitted to drive on highways that have a speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour. The only exceptions are on roads that have been designated as golf cart roads, which have a posted speed limit of 30 mph.
Local ordinances
Local ordinances on riding a golf cart on the road vary between cities. Some municipalities have established an ordinance to permit golf carts to drive on specific streets, while others have no regulations at all.
In Wentzville, the Board of Aldermen amended an existing golf-car ordinance in 2021. It allows golf carts to travel up to one mile on public roads. Golf carts must have a rear vision mirror, seat belts in all seating positions, and a parking brake. The unladen weight of the vehicle cannot exceed 1,800 pounds.
A driver must be at least twelve years old to drive a golf cart on a street. The cart is not allowed to be towed by other vehicles. Underage drivers will receive a misdemeanor citation.
To operate a golf cart on a highway, a person must be sixteen or older. The person must also have a valid driver’s license. When driving, a person must maintain the speed limit of the street.
Safety requirements
If you are planning on riding a golf cart on the road, you need to ensure that you are familiar with the safety requirements. These can help to mitigate the risk of serious injuries.
The most important safety tip is to obey all traffic laws. In addition, you should never drive recklessly. You should also avoid texting and using cell phones while you are in motion.
Drivers should be aware of their blind spots and make sure to check behind the vehicle before turning. They should also keep an eye on any pedestrians near the roadway. When making a left turn, drivers should always yield to other vehicles.
Golf carts should be equipped with seat belts for the driver and passengers. It is also recommended that you use helmets if you are going to be driving on public roads.
Golf carts should not be overloaded. This can reduce the stability of the cart and can cause passengers to be ejected.
Chris is a passionate learner and writer. When he’s not working on his blog or learning something new, he’s a full-time systems administrator and father of two beautiful girls. Chris loves spending time with his family, reading, writing, and playing hockey.