How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart?
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.
Do you need a license to drive a golf cart in Florida?
However, in Florida, a low-speed vehicle requires an operator license to drive. A standard cart designed for the course has more lenient rules. The statute in the state of Florida says that a LSV must be four-wheeled, electric and able to go over 20 mph. It must also not exceed 25 mph.
What time can you ride a golf cart in Florida?
The broad, sweeping rule over the state of Florida says a golf cart can only be operated between the hours of sunrise and sunset. However, different local governments can have different laws that can define when you can ride your golf cart.
Are there age restrictions when buying a golf cart in Texas?
If you’re thinking about buying a golf cart, age restrictions are just one of many things to consider. For Texas, you have to be a licensed driver to operate a golf cart, except on private property and on golf courses. If you’re out driving your golf cart on private roads and golf courses, then these age restrictions don’t come into play.
Can a 14 year old drive a golf cart in Florida?
Current Florida Statute On Golf Cart Operation The minimum age requirement to operate a golf cart is 14 years old. However if you are wanting to legally drive your golf cart on roadways where the posted speed limit is up to 35 MPH, you need to make sure your cart meets the standards of a low speed vehicle (LSV).
Is it legal to drive a golf cart in Florida?
In general, Florida only allows you to drive a golf cart on a highway if it divides a subdivision, trailer park, or golf course. You do not have to title or register a golf cart with the state, either.
Do you need a driver's license to operate a golf cart in Florida?
In Florida, you do not need a valid driver's license to operate a golf cart. The state does not impose age restrictions for operating a golf cart while on a golf course. But a golf cart driver has to be over 14 years old when crossing a public road designated for golf carts.
Can a child ride in a golf cart Florida?
(5) A golf cart must be equipped with efficient brakes, reliable steering apparatus, safe tires, a rearview mirror, and red reflectorized warning devices in both the front and rear. (6) A golf cart may not be operated on public roads or streets by any person under the age of 14."
Can a 12 year old drive a golf cart in Florida?
In Florida, a golf cart can be driven on public roads at a speed limit under 25 miles per hour as the driver is at least 14 years old. If the cart is driven over 20 miles per hour, the driver will need to have a special license.
Can you drive a golf cart at night in Florida?
With the prevalence of golf carting communities and towns in Florida, such as The Villages, you can ride your cart around at night so long as it has headlights, turn signals, brake lights, and reflectors on the front and rear sides of the golf car. Some also require windshields for night driving.
What state can you drive at 13?
What is the minimum age to drive in the USA? The minimum age to drive in the USA is just 16 in some states, however other states require you to be at least 18. You can obtain a learner's permit in Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, North and South Dakota at just 14 years old.
Can I drive a golf cart in my neighborhood in Florida?
(1) A golf cart may be operated only upon a county road that has been designated by a county, a municipal street that has been designated by a municipality, or a two-lane county road located within the jurisdiction of a municipality designated by that municipality, for use by golf carts.
How fast can a golf cart go?
between 12 and 14 miles per hourWhat is the Average Golf Cart Speed? The average top speed of a typical golf cart without any upgrades is between 12 and 14 miles per hour. Without any sort of modification or upgrade on a golf cart, the top speed that you will be getting on a golf cart is about 14mph.
Can kids ride on golf cart?
Never allow a baby or children under the age of 6 to ride in your golf cart. Do not allow drivers under the age of 16, or those who are untrained, to operate the cart. Make sure your golf cart is equipped with safety belts and all-wheel brakes.
Can I drive a golf cart on the sidewalk in Florida?
Operating golf carts on public roads, streets, or sidewalks is prohibited in Florida, but there are exceptions: golf carts can use county or municipal roads that have been designated for cart use by the governmental entity that has authority.
Do you need a car seat for a golf cart?
If your kids are of an age where they need to be in a car seat while traveling in your actual vehicle, they should also be in a car seat on your golf cart.
How Old do You Have to be to Drive a Golf Cart in Florida Proper Way?
You can drive a golf cart in locally in your residential area. There is no need to have a driving license for this case. But if you go to drive a golf cart in any public place you should have a proper driving license and also follow the all limitations and rules which is provided by the Govt. law or in local law.
Specific Law of Driving a Golf Cart
According to Florida’s 2020 statutes, “Any person who has a valid driving license easily can operate a low speedy vehicle or mini truck.”
Private Property Laws
Though there are a lot of restriction and rules for driving cart in the public roads. In private properties there rules are a few different from the public place.
Some Other Laws Apply to Drive a Golf Cart
If your teenagers are above 14 years old in Florida they can drive a golf cart in public roads. But they should be aware of the all laws while they driving golf car in a busy public road. You need to make sure that they will follow the traffic rules in public road.
Golf Cart Operation Requirements State to State (USA)
Overall, the minimum age requirement to legally operate a golf cart varies from state to state. Some states, like California, Colorado, and Montana only require individuals to be at least 14 years of age. However, a majority of the other states require golf cart operators to possess a valid state driver’s license.
Is it Legal to Operate a Golf Cart in Your Neighborhood?
Even if you meet the minimum state age requirements for golf cart operation, you will still want to inquire if golf cart operation is legal in your neighborhood. In many states, golf cart operation is legal in neighborhoods that maintain lower speed limits and possess less vehicle traffic.
Characteristics of a Street Legal Golf Cart
A golf cart is normally required to possess a functioning example of the following equipment in order to be deemed street legal. In some states, golf carts are also required to possess their own vehicle identification numbers and state vehicle registrations.
Enjoy Putting Around Town in Your Cart!
Driving a golf cart can be a fun and a rather inexpensive way to commute around town. Operating a golf cart is also a great way for younger drivers to practice their skills before moving on to larger and more dangerous vehicles such as cars and trucks.
How old do you have to be to drive a cart?
Legal age of the driver is 16 years . Driving requires a permit from the local government, a sticker saying that the cart has been approved for use on local streets. The carts can only travel on roads with a posted limit of 35 mph and only during daylight hours. The driver needs to have a driver’s license and insurance.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in Arkansas?
Arkansas. Legal age of the driver is above 14 years. No driver's license is required to drive a golf cart. A person under the age of 14 years will be held responsible in the event of an accident and the responsibility will be transferred to the child’s parents.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in Connecticut?
Connecticut. Legal age of the driver is 16 years . A driver’s license is required to drive a golf cart. All the drivers need to carry their driver’s licenses and put a flag on top of the golf cart to keep other road users alerted of your presence.
How fast can a golf cart go in Nebraska?
Nebraska defines a golf cart as a four-wheeled vehicle with a maximum ground speed of less than 20 miles per hour. We cannot track the official information about the legal age of driving a golf cart in this state. We advise you to check with your local government.
Is it legal to drive a golf cart in Arizona?
Arizona. As Arizona requires a person to make their golf cart street legal when driving on public roads, drivers must follow the standard driving laws. Privately, The driver is under no obligation to obtain a driver's license to operate a golf cart.
Can you drive a golf cart in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire does not allow golf carts on public roads. If you wish to drive a golf cart outside the golf course, then you must meet the specifications laid down by the state. Golf carts must be registered and insured. Drivers must need to have a driving license.
Can you drive a golf cart in Mississippi?
You must need to be of legal driving age to operate a golf cart in Mississippi. If you are not at level driving age, you can only drive under the direction of your parent or legal guardian. It is not allowed to drive a golf cart on federal highways, state highways, and interstate highways.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in Florida?
What Are the Golf Cart Laws in Florida? As soon as a person turns 14 years of age, they are legally allowed to drive a golf cart in the state of Florida. Driving a cart comes with some serious restrictions. Carts are relegated to specific types of roads, and they can only be on the road at certain times.
How old do you have to be to drive a low speed vehicle?
Even when equipped with lights, many communities restrict the use of low-speed vehicles at night. A driver must be licensed and 16 years of age to operate a low-speed vehicle. The vehicle itself must pass inspection first, especially since a lot of people like to modify their vehicle as much as possible.
How fast can a low speed car go in Florida?
The statute in the state of Florida says that a LSV must be four-wheeled, electric and able to go over 20 mph. It must also not exceed 25 mph.
How fast can a car go?
Pushing the limit to over 25 mph can put the vehicle in a different category entirely.
Do golf carts need insurance?
When a golf cart falls under this category , it must have an official tag issued from the DMV. Drivers are also required to carry insurance. Other than the speed of the vehicle, a low-speed vehicle is viewed the same as a car, truck or van (in the eyes of the law).
Is Florida a low speed state?
With many retirement communities scattered around the Sunshine State, Florida is a hotbed for golf carts and low-speed vehicles (LSVs). The state has recently put into place laws for both golf carts and low-speed vehicles. Before a person purchases a new vehicle to get around, it is essential to know all the rules and regulations in the state.
Do you need insurance for a cart in Florida?
The insurance can usually be an add-on to standard Florida minimum requirements for operating registered vehicles. Having coverage is especially necessary for those adults who plan on allowing their teenaged children to operate a cart regularly.
What age do you have to be to drive a golf cart in Florida?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Can you drive a golf cart on private property?
Driving on Golf Courses and Private Property. If you’re out driving your golf cart on private roads and golf courses, then these age restrictions don’t come into play. Just make sure you’re following proper safety precautions while you’re out with the young drivers and you’ll be fine.
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.
What is the legal definition of a golf cart?
The definition of a golf cart is relative to each state laws. The delineation as a golf cart or vehicle is based on overall weight, seat capacity and maximum speed. If any golf cart is faster or heavier than what the state law prescribes, it is classified as a motor vehicle.
Why is a golf cart necessary?
Without a doubt, there are different options to transport our golf clubs such as lightweight shoulder and tripod bags, trolley bags, electric carts and even buggies for those who prefer to save energy to hit.
What are the state age requirements?
Before we get started, it should be noted that most age requirements and other rules and regulations guiding driving a golf cart mainly applies to a public property, these rules do not apply to a private property i.e. driving on a private property is not subject to state age-restrictions, and all other state rules and regulations do not apply.
Driving a golf cart: rules and regulations
Other than age requirements, there are other rules and regulations guiding the driving of a cart. It is important to note that though rules and regulations are set and enforced by the government. The responsibility lies on the individual to put prioritize the safety of the individual driving the cart.
Driving a golf cart: useful tips
Rules notwithstanding, the onus lies on the golf driver to ensure that they prioritize their own safety while driving, this will require that the driver keeps to safety tips such as:
Final Thoughts
In this article, we have provided information on what a golf cart is, what state requirements for driving it are in different states, how to drive these carts on a golf course. We also gave you some useful tips on maintaining your golf cart.
What is the top speed of a golf cart in Florida?
According to the statute, Florida says an LSV (low-speed vehicle) is defined as a four-wheeled electric vehicle whose top speed is greater than 20 mph but less than 25 mph.
Where are golf carts in Florida?
Newer residents may be shocked to find how many golf carts they’ll find on public roads in Florida, especially in the suburban areas surrounding our major cities like Jacksonville, Orlando, Miami and Tampa.
Why are cars so expensive in Florida?
Cars are expensive to maintain, fuel and ensure — not to mention the traffic they create on our public roads lead to pollution and slower commute times. In response to this many Florida residents have found alternative ways of transportation, whether that be a bicycle, public transportation, ride-sharing app or even a golf cart.
Can a golf cart cross a highway in Florida?
Florida statute 316.212 section three says a golf cart can cross a state highway so long as it divides a subdivision, mobile home park or golf course. So for example, if you have to cross a state highway to get from one side of your neighborhood to another you are allowed to do so. Remember, all of this jargon is for GOLF CARTS only.
Can golf carts cross the street in Leesburg?
County portions of Main Street from Canal Street to Dixie Avenue and from U.S. Highway 27 to Ninth Street. However, golf carts are not allowed to cross state roads including North Boulevard (U.S. Highway 441) and Dixie Avenue (State Road 44) in Leesburg, which are maintained by the state Department of Transportation.
Can you get a DUI for driving a golf cart in Florida?
This includes speeding, riding on illegal roads and even DUIs. Yes, you can be issued a DUI for driving a golf cart.
Can you ride a golf cart at night?
However, different local governments can have different laws that can define when you can ride your golf cart. For instance in The Villages, Florida you can operate your golf cart at night if it has headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and reflective warning devices on the front and rear sides of the golf cart.
What are the requirements for a golf cart?
A golf cart must be equipped with efficient brakes, reliable steering apparatus, safe tires, a rearview mirror, and red reflectorized warning devices in both the front and rear. Operating a golf cart on public roads is prohibited unless the road has been determined safe by local jurisdiction to be used by golf carts.
How fast can a golf cart go?
Golf carts may not be operated on public roads or streets by persons under the age of 14. Golf carts are only allowed a max speed of 20 MPH or less. For more information on golf carts and roadways/equipment visit this link HERE. UPDATE (04-16-18), Gulf Breeze: Golf Carts will be allowed to operate on all streets in Gulf Breeze, FL.
What are the requirements for a low speed vehicle?
Guidelines for LSV (Low Speed Vehicle) 1 Reaches speeds of 20 MPH to 25 MPH. 2 Has a vehicle identification number (VIN) 3 Headlamps 4 Front and rear turn signals 5 Taillamps 6 Stop lamps 7 Reflex reflectors, red – one on each side and one on the rear 8 Exterior mirror on the driver side and an interior mirror or exterior mirror on passenger side 9 Parking brake 10 Windshield 11 Seatbelt for each designated seat 12 Not be operated on any roadway with a speed limit above 35 mph.
What equipment is needed for a golf cart?
This equipment includes brake lights, headlights, turn signals, windshields, and reflective devices.
What is the speed limit for a seatbelt?
Seatbelt for each designated seat. Not be operated on any roadway with a speed limit above 35 mph. Any person operating a low-speed vehicle (LSV) must have in their possession a valid driver license. An LSV must also be registered and insured with Personal Injury Protection and Property Damage Liability.
Can you register a golf cart as a LSV?
For LSVs, yes. For Golf Carts, no (unless the golf cart has been modified into a LSV. Registration information on modified Golf Carts can be found HERE and the Affidavit HERE ).
Can you drive a golf cart at night?
Golf cart s may only travel during daytime unless the local government has authorized night driving and the golf cart is equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield. Then, it may be used at night. Golf carts may not be operated on public roads or streets by persons under the age of 14.
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
- Legal age of the driver is 14 years
- In Florida, a golf cart can be driven on public roads at a speed limit under 25 miles per hour as the driver is at least 14 years old.
- If the cart is driven over 20 miles per hour, the driver will need to have a special license.
Georgia