Florida is one of the most popular states for golf cart ownership. The Villages™ is the world’s largest golf cart community, with over 70,000 golf carts operating across 56 golf courses and 57 square miles of residential and commercial property. While golf carts are a popular way to get around in The Villages, they can be dangerous if not operated correctly. If you’re moving to The Villages or the surrounding area, it’s essential to understand golf cart rules to stay safe on the roads. Our Ocala personal injury attorney shares the golf cart rules in The Villages and throughout Florida below.
What is a Golf Cart (By Law)?
Florida law has a specific definition for golf carts, which determines the regulations you must follow to operate one. According to Florida Statute 320.01(22), a golf cart is a motor vehicle designed to be utilized at a golf course or approved residential area that cannot travel greater than 20 mph. Golf carts don’t need to be registered with the state and don’t require several of the safety features other vehicles must have. However, golf carts are required to have turn signals, headlights, rear lights, breaks, and mirrors. You must be at least 15 years old and have a valid driver’s permit or license to drive a golf cart.
LSV— a Golf Cart Alternative
Low speed vehicles (LSVs) are street-legal golf carts that can travel up to 25 mph. LSVs must be titled and registered with the state. They are required to have seat belts, windshields, wipers, and head/tail lights. LSVs can travel on Florida roadways with posted speed limits of 30 mph or less. LSVs are generally more expensive than golf carts, as they must be registered and insured with the state.
Where Can You Drive Golf Carts in The Villages?
You can drive your golf cart on multi-modal paths, active golf courses, and golf-cart-approved residential roads throughout many of The Villages’ neighborhoods. Golf carts and LSVs are allowed on Florida roads with a speed limit of 30 mph or less. You may cross over roads with higher speed limits. However, golf-cart-friendly bridges allow golf cart drivers to cross over many major roadways in the area without leaving the golf cart path.
Golf Cart Night Driving
You’re allowed to drive your golf cart at night in The Villages. However, you must use headlights and brake lights from dusk to dawn. You also must use your headlights during foggy or rainy weather.
Safety Tips for Operating a Golf Cart in The Villages, Florida
If you wouldn’t do something in a car, you shouldn’t do it in a golf cart. This includes texting and driving, drinking while driving, engaging in overly distracting activities, or driving recklessly. The Villages community has many golf cart paths that run adjacent to the public roadways. It’s important to utilize these paths whenever possible and yield to cars when sharing the road.
Passenger Safety
Driving recklessly in a golf cart can lead to accidents and serious injuries, even when traveling at low speeds. Golf cart injuries are commonly caused by passenger ejection, sharp turns, and careless driving. Use seatbelts at all times if your golf cart is equipped with them. Don’t overload your golf cart with passengers or bags, as that increases the chances of rollover accidents. Passengers should always sit and keep their arms and legs inside the vehicle. You should also follow all traffic laws as if you are in another type of vehicle.
What To Do After a Golf Cart Accident
If you’re involved in a golf cart accident, call 911 and ensure a proper police report is filed. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel fine after the accident. It can take several days to feel the full extent of your injuries. After you’ve sought medical attention, call an Ocala personal injury lawyer, like our team at The King Law Firm, to ensure you receive compensation for your injuries and damages. Contact our team at 352-629-8747 for a free consultation to discuss your case. We’ll help you heal and get back on your feet after your accident.
