Street legal golf carts are allowed to be driven on Florida roads that have a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or slower. You are allowed to cross roads with a higher speed limit, but not allowed to drive on them. Additionally, golf carts are only allowed to operate in the day if they are not equipped with headlights.
Full Answer
Are golf carts street legal in Florida?
Yes, golf carts are street legal in Florida. They must be registered and have the proper insurance, and are restricted to public streets with a maximum speed limit of 35 mph. You also need a valid driver’s license to operate a golf cart in Florida.
What are the rules of the road when driving a golf cart?
When driving a golf cart in Florida, you still have to abide by the rules of the road, such as yielding the right of way. Florida draws a distinction between golf carts and low-speed vehicles (LSV).
Can I only operate my golf cart in residential neighborhoods?
So can I only operate my golf cart in residential neighborhoods? Essentially the answer to this question is yes, but there are some exceptions. The law in Florida states a golf cart can be operated on roads designed for use by golf carts.
Where can you legally drive a golf cart in Leesburg?
Here is where you can legally drive your golf cart in Leesburg: County portions of Main Street from Canal Street to Dixie Avenue and from U.S. Highway 27 to Ninth Street.
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.
Can a golf cart be street legal in Florida?
Golf carts are not required to be titled or registered and, therefore, are not required to be insured with PIP and PDL insurance coverage. Golf cart operators are not required to have a driver license; however, to operate a golf cart on designated public roadways, a person must be 14 years or older.
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.
Are golf carts street legal?
Yes. GEM is the leader in the LSV (Low-Speed Vehicle) market, and GEM vehicles are street-legal in 47 states. An LSV is a vehicle class that has a maximum speed of 25 mph (40 km/h), and can legally be driven on most roads posted 35 mph (50 km/h) or less. Are GEM vehicles considered golf carts?
Where are golf carts street legal in Florida?
A golf cart may be operated only upon a county road that has been designated by a county, or a unicipal street that has been designated by a municipality, for use by golf carts.
What does street legal mean?
Street-legal, road-legal, or road-going, refers to a vehicle such as a car, motorcycle, or light truck that is equipped and licensed for use on public roads, being therefore roadworthy. This will require specific configurations of lighting, signal lights, and safety equipment.
Do you have to have insurance on a golf cart in Florida?
Florida doesn't require insurance for golf carts. But low-speed vehicles, or LSVs, are a separate category from golf carts in Florida and are required to have minimum liability coverage.
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.
How much is golf cart insurance in Florida?
If your golf cart is not registered with the FL DMV, you should be able to cover your Golf Cart with a simple endorsement to your home insurance or a stand-alone Golf Cart insurance policy. The cost of both options is relatively small (usually between $70-$150 per year), but I'd strongly suggest the stand-alone policy.
Is a golf cart an ATV or UTV?
A golf cart is not a UTV. The two vehicles are designed to do different things. (There is no such thing as a UTV golf cart, unless the golf cart has been souped-up by the owner and turned into an off-road golf cart.). A golf cart is a good choice for transporting people and light loads over smooth terrain.
How fast can golf carts go?
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.
Is driving a golf cart like driving a car?
For the most part, driving a golf cart is very similar to driving a car—it just operates at a legal maximum speed of 25 mph. You'll most likely operate an electric golf cart, although there are gas-powered models too.
How much is golf cart insurance in Florida?
If your golf cart is not registered with the FL DMV, you should be able to cover your Golf Cart with a simple endorsement to your home insurance or a stand-alone Golf Cart insurance policy. The cost of both options is relatively small (usually between $70-$150 per year), but I'd strongly suggest the stand-alone policy.
Can you make a side by side street legal in Florida?
In states like Florida, residents legalizing a UTV for street use have it easy when it comes to mirrors. Under Florida law, motor vehicles need have only one mirror. This mirror must reflect the road 200 feet behind the vehicle to the driver.
Can you make an ATV street legal in Florida?
In Florida, an ATV may be operated on an unpaved public roadway, with a posted speed limit less than 35 m.p.h., during the day. This provision does not apply to UTVs unless authorized by the local authority. You are not permitted to operate an ATV or UTV on any other public road, street or highway.
Are golf carts allowed in Florida state parks?
Golf carts and utility vehicles may be driven on public access roads within Florida State Parks that have a speed limit of less than 30 mph. All golf cart/utility vehicle operators must: Have a valid driver's license and follow all rules of the road (all applicable state laws and local ordinances).
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.
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.
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.
What equipment is needed for a golf cart?
This equipment includes brake lights, headlights, turn signals, windshields, and reflective devices.
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.
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 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.
What is the Florida Statute for Golf Carts?
Florida Statutes 316.212 – Operation of golf carts on certain roadways. (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, ...
What is considered in making a determination of golf carts?
The speed, volume, and character of motor vehicular traffic using the road is considered in making such a determination. Upon its determination that golf carts may be operated on a given road, the department shall post appropriate signs on the road to indicate that such operation is allowed.
How fast can a golf cart go?
The ordinance restricts golf carts to a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour and permits such use on sidewalks adjacent to state highways only if the sidewalks are at least 8 feet wide; 4.
How can a golf cart be used?
(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. Prior to making such a designation, the responsible local governmental entity must first determine that golf carts may safely travel on or cross the public road or street, considering factors including the speed, volume, and character of motor vehicle traffic using the road or street. Upon a determination that golf carts may be safely operated on a designated road or street, the responsible governmental entity shall post appropriate signs to indicate that such operation is allowed.
Can a golf cart cross a street?
Prior to making such a designation, the responsible local governmental entity must first determine that golf carts may safely travel on or cross the public road or street , considering factors including the speed, volume, and character of motor vehicle traffic using the road or street.
Do you need a gate at a mobile home park?
If notice is posted at the entrance and exit of any mobile home park where residents of the park operate golf carts or electric vehicles within the confines of the park, it is not necessary for the park to have a gate or other device at the entrance and exit in order for such golf carts or electric vehicles to be lawfully operated in the park. ...
Can a golf cart be on a public road?
The department may authorize the operation of golf carts on such a road if: 1. The road is the only available public road along which golf carts may travel or cross or the road provides the safest travel route among alternative routes available; and. 2. The speed, volume, and character of motor vehicular traffic using the road is considered in ...
Know The Difference Between Golf Carts, LSVs, and NEVs
Many states (including Florida) make distinctions between these different classifications of vehicles, and have different laws for each.
The Process Of Making Your Golf Cart Street Legal In Florida
Complete an application for registration and title. You’ll turn this in to your local DMV office, along with paying registration, title fees, and applicable taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Make Golf Carts Street Legal In Florida
The bottom line here is that if you want to take your golf cart on public roads in Florida, you must make your golf cart street legal.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve learned more about how to make your Florida golf cart street legal and have simplified the process with this guide.
Low-Speed Vehicles vs. Golf Carts
Before you can understand the regulations for golf carts, you should understand what sets them apart from low-speed vehicles (LSV). Often, these two types of vehicles look identical and are often driven through residential areas.
Registration Requirements
Another important difference between golf carts and LSVs involves registration requirements. An owner has no obligation to title their golf cart or register it with the state. The same is not true for LSVs, however. The owner of an LSV must both title and register the vehicle similar to other motorized vehicles.
Moving Violations
Whether you are operating a golf cart or an LSV, Florida’s traffic laws apply. This is important because you could face a costly fine even while driving a golf cart on a quiet neighborhood road. While all moving violations have the potential to apply to golf carts, some that frequently result in citations include:
Driving at Night
Generally, you may only operate a golf cart during daylight hours. However, the rules regarding operating a golf cart at night vary from one city to another.
Protect Your Rights As a Golf Cart Owner with an Attorney
The regulations and laws regarding golf carts in Florida are extensive. From licensing requirements to the right to drive on public roadways, there are countless laws that apply to the operation of these vehicles. These laws are further complicated by the need to differentiate between golf carts and LSVs.
What is the speed limit for a golf cart in Florida?
Golf carts are defined in section 320.01 (22), Florida Statutes, as “a motor vehicle that is designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes and that is not capable of exceeding speeds of 20 miles per hour.” Golf carts may be operated on roadways that are designated for golf carts with a posted speed limit of 30 mph or less. Golf carts may also cross a portion of a county road which intersects a roadway that is approved for golf carts, or that intersects a golf course or mobile home park. In both examples the roadway should have signs posted that golf carts share the roadway. The operation of golf carts on roads must comply with any more restrictive ordinances enacted by local government and should be verified prior to operating these vehicles.
How fast can a golf cart go in Florida?
LSV’s are any four-wheeled vehicle whose top speed is greater than 20 mph but less than 25 mph and comply with federal safety standards. They look like golf carts, but have safety equipment (headlamps, turn signals, mirrors, etc.) that make them safer on the roads. Florida Statute § 316.2122 governs their use. You have to register an LSV and hold proper insurance for it. Once you have that, they are “street legal” on roads that have a 35 mph speed limit or less UNLESS a governing body prohibits them from specific streets. However, you must have a valid driver license to operate LSV’s in Florida.
What is the minimum age to operate a golf cart?
One more detail: The minimum age for a golf cart operator is 14”.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart?
Golf carts must meet other safety standards to be considered “street legal” as well. And finally, you must be over 14 years of age to operate a golf cart on any road regardless of whether it is a city, county, or state road, according to Taylor & Taylor Law Firm.
What factors are considered when determining a golf cart?
Factors such as the volume and speed of traffic that ordinarily uses the road are considered in making this designation. If the designation is made, the county or municipality in charge is accountable for posting signs that say that golf cart used is allowed. Carts are also permissible for use by municipal and state recreation ...
What is the maximum speed of a four wheeler in Florida?
Section 320.01 (41), Florida Statutes, defines LSVs as “any four-wheeled vehicle whose top speed is greater than 20 miles per hour, but not greater than 25 miles per hour.” LSVs must be registered, titled and insured with personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL) insurance. Any person operating an LSV must have a valid driver license in their immediate possession.
Can you drive a golf cart on a city road?
There are some exceptions, but you shouldn’t plan on it. If the road is a county or city road (NOT part of the State Highway System), counties, cities, and municipalities are authorized to permit golf carts on certain roadways IF 1) it is safe and 2) the city or county posts signs allowing their use.