
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart?
Mar 17, 2021 · You need to be at least age 14 to drive a golf cart in most states. However, Texas only allows drivers who are above 16 years of age. So, in a simple answer, it depends on your state of residence.
Are there age restrictions when buying a golf cart in Texas?
Nov 27, 2018 · In most states, a child has to be at least 14 years of age to be able to drive a golf cart. In other places such as Texas, the driver has to be around 16 years old. Then, there are states such as California and South Carolina that allow children above the age of 13 to drive golf carts. The Definition of a Golf Cart
Can you drive a golf cart on the street in Texas?
Examples of Age Requirements by State: Florida’s minimum age is 14-15. For Texas, you have to be a licensed driver to operate a golf cart, except on private property and on golf courses. California’s minimum age is 13. South Carolina’s minimum age also 13.
What are the restrictions on driving a golf cart in Florida?
A city can pass a local ordinance allowing for the use of golf carts on certain roads. The road must be within the boundaries of the city and have a speed limit of 35 mph or lower. The golf cart must be insured (with minimum liability insurance) and have the following equipment: a slow-moving vehicle emblem.

Can a 14 year old drive a golf cart in Texas?
In most states (including Florida), a child has to be at least 14 years of age to be able to drive a golf cart. In other places such as Texas, the driver has to be around 16 years old. Then there are states such as California and South Carolina that allow children to drive golf carts at the age of 13.
Do you need a license to drive a golf cart in Texas?
Yes, an operator of a golf cart or off-highway vehicle must possess a valid driver's license (or learners permit with adult present) to drive on a public roadway.Apr 12, 2021
Can you legally drive a golf cart on the street in Texas?
The Golf Cart must display a Golf Cart license plate when operated on roads authorized by the city or county. Operation may be authorized only on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. If operated on the roads at a speed of 25 mph or less, a Golf Cart is required to display a slow-moving vehicle emblem.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart around?
Most of the time, this age is set at about 16 in most states. And any time a child goes out on the road using a cart, they need to follow appropriate driving restrictions. Since most drive around 15-25 miles per hour, you may have to add a “Slow Moving Vehicle” sign to the cart to ensure driver safety.
Can a 13 year old drive a golf cart in Texas?
Legal age of the driver is 16 years. In Texas, golf carts can be driven on local roads when permitted by the local or country government.Jun 9, 2021
Who can drive a golf cart in Texas?
Additionally, you must have a driver's license to operate a golf cart. Driving on a sidewalk or public trail is strictly prohibited. Failure to adhere to these laws is a ticketable offense. If the speed limit is more than 35 miles per hour, golf carts are not allowed.
Can I drive a golf cart around my neighborhood?
A golf cart that is not street legal will not be eligible for driving on the neighborhood. And, there are ways to ensure that your golf cart is street legal. One way to do that is by adding the essential components that are found in a car. These elements include safety belts, lights, horns, mirrors, and speed monitors.
Can you drive a golf cart at night in Texas?
TC 551.403 permits golf carts to be driven on a public highway for which the posted speed limit is not more than 35 miles per hour, and “during the daytime.” Note that this provision of state law does not permit driving a golf cart on public streets at night.Sep 26, 2019
Are quads street legal in Texas?
ATV/ROV/SXS's cannot be ridden on any public street, road, or highway, including right-of-way. If you are crossing at a divided highway, you must cross only at an intersection. – If you break the law, you can be charged with a Class C Misdemeanor, which could mean a fine up to $200.
Can a 12 year old drive a golf cart in Florida?
Under Florida law, golf carts are designed for use on golf courses and for certain recreational purposes. They may not be operated on public roads or streets by anyone under age 14. Also, these motorized carts are not allowed on roadways where the posted speed limit is greater than 35 mph.Sep 19, 2017
Can a 14 year old drive a golf cart in Arizona?
Most states require operators to be at least 14 years old in order to legally operate a golf cart on public property. Other states require you to be 16 years old and some even require a valid driver's license. Insurance may also be required in some states for operation on public property.Dec 3, 2020
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in Alabama?
(1) No person who is not a driver licensed by the State of Alabama or, in the case of a non-resident, by his or her home state or country or who is less than eighteen (18) years of age may operate a Cart on a designated Cart Street. in operation on Designated Cart Streets regardless of the time of operation.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart?
In most states, a child has to be at least 14 years of age to be able to drive a golf cart. In other places such as Texas, the driver has to be around 16 years old. Then, there are states such as California and South Carolina that allow children above the age of 13 to drive golf carts.
Can you be fined for driving a golf cart?
Also, you can be fined if you are driving in an area that does not allow golf carts, such as sections of the highway.
Do you need a license to drive a golf cart?
In most areas, you are not required to have a driving license to operate a golf cart. However, it should be noted that this stipulation is only in place for vehicles that are legally defined as golf carts. If the golf cart that you wish to drive is heavier or faster than what is deemed acceptable, then other state laws come into play.
Is a golf cart considered a motor vehicle?
If a golf cart is heavier or faster than the local law, then it may be classified as a motor vehicle. In this case, the driver would be expected to follow the regulations typically reserved for cars and trucks. This includes the legal driving age as well.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart?
For most states, the minimum age to drive a golf cart is 14 years old. Some states allow the driver to be as young as 13. Each state has their own set of rules for driving a golf cart though, so you’ll want to make sure you are following the law in your state.
What are the safety rules for golf carts?
It’s also a good idea to remind them of simple golf cart safety rules that include: No Joy riding or reckless driving. Yield to pedestrians. Only operate from the driver’s side of the golf cart. Stay focused while driving and remove distractions. Check your blind spots often.
Can you put seat belts on a golf cart?
Golf Cart Safety. If you want your younger kids to drive, but want a little more safety for them, you can install golf cart seat belts while they’re driving and golf cart bars for them to hold onto if they’re passengers.
How fast can a golf cart go?
Since golf carts don’t typically go faster than 15-20 mph, most people don’t think anything wrong with kids driving them. Unfortunately, every state has a specific age requirement for driving a golf cart.
Who is Chris Slocum?
Chris Slocum is the main author of Golf Cart Go. She loves traveling to state parks and finding the latest ways to customize her golf cart. You can find more about her here.
Do you need a driver's license to drive a golf cart?
Most of the laws are for residential roads and you won’t need to have a valid driver’s license. If you try to take a golf cart on a public road, then most agencies require the driver to have a valid driver’s license. If you’re thinking about buying a golf cart, age restrictions are just one of many things to consider.
How fast can a golf cart go in Texas?
Texas law classifies a vehicle as a golf cart if it: has no less than three wheels, has a maximum speed of between 15-25 mph, and. is manufactured primarily for operation on golf courses.
What is the speed limit for a golf cart?
State law allows for use of golf carts with a slow-moving vehicle emblem in the following situations: to cross intersections, including a road or street that has a posted speed limit of no more than 35 miles per hour. A city can pass a local ordinance allowing for the use of golf carts on certain roads.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart?
requiring the golf cart driver to have a valid driver's license, and. only allowing drivers who are at least 14 to 16 years of age to operate a golf cart on a public roadway. To operate on public streets, most states also require that golf carts be equipped with a horn, adequate brakes, headlights, taillights, reflectors, rear-view mirror, ...
What is the speed limit for a golf cart?
Common restrictions include: limiting golf cart operation to only roadways where the posted speed limit is 25 to 45 miles per hour or less. limiting golf cart operation to only during daylight hours or from sunrise to sunset. requiring the golf cart driver to have a valid driver's license, and. only allowing drivers who are at least 14 ...
How fast can a golf cart go?
Definitions vary, but in many states, a golf cart is specifically defined by statute as a vehicle that is designed to: 1 operate on a golf course for recreational purposes 2 carry golf equipment 3 carry no more than two people 4 operate at maximum speeds of 20 miles per hour 5 have at least three wheels in contact with the ground, and 6 have a maximum empty weight of 1,300 pounds.
Can you drive a golf cart on public roads?
Operating a Golf Cart on Public Streets. In most states, golf carts are exempt from registration and insurance requirements. States with these exceptions generally don't permit golf carts to be operated on public roads or streets.
Can you drive a golf cart while under the influence?
Driving a Golf Cart While Under the Influence. In most states, you can be arrested for driving a golf cart while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Many states categorize a golf cart as a motor vehicle and a person who operates a motor vehicle on premises open to the public while under the influence can be charged with a DUI.
Can you get arrested for driving a golf cart?
In most states, you can be arrested for driving a golf cart while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Many states categorize a golf cart as a motor vehicle and a person who operates a motor vehicle on premises open to the public while under the influence can be charged with a DUI. A golf course or resort would generally be considered premises open to the public. Therefore, even if an intoxicated person isn't driving a golf cart on a public street, the driver can be charged with a DUI under the laws of many states. (Read more about how DUI is defined .)
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in Salem Oregon?
One has to be close to a golf course and driving to and from the course. The age limit for the driver is 16 years.
What to do if you are on your own property?
The best thing to do is check local laws. If you are on your own private property, then it is up to you to determine the mental and physical fitness of the person.
Do you have to have a driver's license to drive a golf cart?
As Ben Deneweth said, golf courses set the age requirements for each course. However, to take it further, to drive a golf cart on a public street, the golf cart must be road legal, and therefore the driver must have a driver’s license, the state would mandate the minimum allowable age.
Can a child drive a golf card?
It’s purely a matter of insurance liability some would argue, but having been in and around the business for a lot of years and seen many accidents, some very, very serious , I’d say it should be common sense. If your child wants to drive a golf card at a young have him or her drive your car to and from the course if it doesn’t make sense to you. The overwhelming reason parents allow it is to be a friend to their child. Fess up, it’s true. Now, be a parent and be an adult and say no!
How fast can a golf cart go?
A golf cart may be legally driven on streets with a speed limit of no more than 35 miles per hour as long as it is properly registered and built to attain a maximum speed of no more than 25 miles per hour.
What is the GLO in Texas?
As of 2009, the Texas State Legislature is considering a bill that would grant the Texas General Land Office (GLO) the authority to set rules regarding golf cart use on state beaches.
Can you drive a golf cart off road?
Golf carts are permitted to be driven off-road without needing to be registered. However, they must be operated on or within two miles of a golf course and only during daylight hours.
Is it legal to drive a golf cart in Texas?
Sometimes it's legal, but sometimes it's not. To ensure that you are operating your golf cart legally, certain requirements must be met for their use in Texas.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in North Carolina?
In the state of North Carolina, golf cart drivers must possess a valid driver’s license must be at least sixteen years of age. Golf carts may not be driven on public roads with speeds higher than 35 miles per hour.
Why do people use golf carts?
Whether you’re taking it out to the course, taking family or friends out to the pool, or going to a neighborhood cookout, a golf cart is a great way to enjoy the scenery and build relationships with neighbors. Golf carts are affordable, easy to operate, and just plain fun to drive.
Can a child drive a golf cart?
Keep in mind that young children can be hurt in a golf cart accident and should be allowed to drive golf carts only if they understand the safety measures required to operate a cart carefully.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in Michigan?
Michigan law requires drivers to be a minimum of 16 years old, with a valid driver license to drive a golf cart. For golf cart drivers living in a town with 30,000 or fewer residents, a golf cart may be driven on regular roads.
How fast can a golf cart go?
Vehicles, regardless of type, are treated as regular motor vehicles if their maximum speed exceeds 20 mph, and LSVs are sometimes 25 or even 30 mph. Some other differences are that golf carts don’t have to be registered, while LSV are required to be.
Who is Tyler Rose?
About the Author: Tyler Rose. Tyler Rose has been writing and following the golf cart and low speed vehicle industry since the early 2000's and has covered 100's of stories, news events and more.
Do golf carts have safety features?
First of all, golf carts are not required to have the safety features that LSVs must have, so therefore if an accident were to occur, there is a greater likelihood of serious injury or even death of children younger than 16.
How fast can a golf cart go in California?
If the golf cart is incapable of exceeding a maximum speed of 20 mph, only state and local regulations are in effect. If a golf cart is modified and designed for use at speeds more than 20 mph, they classify as a vehicle under federal law.
How many people can a golf cart carry?
Golf Carts. A golf cart is designed to carry a maximum of two-four people, including the driver, and to carry golf equipment or in some cases, more people if a rear seat is installed. They have a maximum speed of 15 mph, unless manipulated, and a weight of 1,300 pounds when empty.
What is a golf cart?
Golf carts can be electric or gas powered and are used to transport golfers and their gear safely and enjoyably around country clubs and golf courses. Their center of gravity is low to the ground so it is well suited for driving over uneven terrain and in place of where a horn would be in the center of a car’s steering wheel, there is a hanging clipboard for keeping score throughout a game.
What is the difference between a golf cart and an LSV?
When it comes to the main difference between a golf cart and an LSV, it’s mainly in its use and speed capabilities. A golf cart’s primary purpose is for cruising around golf courses transporting golf equipment, whereas an LSV’s is best within neighborhoods, hotel grounds, or communities for transporting people and goods.
How much weight can a LSV carry?
Every LSV has a 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) and has a maximum weight of 3,000 pounds. Where LSVs most strongly differ from golf buggies is in their use and speed. As LSVs are designed for use in neighborhoods, on roads, highways, and public streets, operators need to have a valid California license, insurance, and registration.
Who is Tyler Rose?
About the Author: Tyler Rose. Tyler Rose has been writing and following the golf cart and low speed vehicle industry since the early 2000's and has covered 100's of stories, news events and more.
