Vehicles designed to transport golfers during a game of golf are now frequently seen on the nation’s highways. Counting golf carts in the state is difficult because neither registration nor titles are required. If you get involved in a golf cart accident involving injuries, you should contact a personal injury lawyer to seek help.
There are golf carts everywhere. People use golf carts for traveling around town rather than their vehicles, from the beach to the mall. Here are some tips on golf cart safety and staying legal on the roads, whether you own one or are considering purchasing one.
How to drive golf cars safely
Golf carts are powered vehicles with a maximum speed of no more than 20 mph that is utilized for athletic and recreational purposes. They have the same design as your neighborhood golf course carts.
A golf cart is not the exact same thing as a low-speed vehicle (LSV). An LSV is a four-wheeled, motorized vehicle having a top speed of no more than 25 mph and a minimum pace of at least 20 mph. Owners of LSVs must get personal injury protection (PIP) and liability for property damage insurance, as well as continually register their vehicles with the state. LSV drivers need to have a valid driver’s license.
Unlike LSVs, golf carts are not allowed to travel on highways with speed limits higher than 30 mph unless the following demands are met:
- Crossing a street where golf carts are allowed and where the speed limit is over 30 mph.
- As long as signs are posted allowing golf carts to be on the road when crossing a golf course.
- Whenever a road passes a mobile home park, provided that it has signs allowing golf carts to be used on the road.
Golf carts are exempt from state registration and title specifications, unlike LSVs. Furthermore, the state does not require insurance protection. If an individual is at least 14 years old, they may drive a golf cart without a driver’s license.
The following limitations on golf cart drivers will be imposed under the new law:
- The new law requires golf cart drivers under 18 to have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit instead of permitting anybody older than 14 to do so.
- Golf carts may only be operated by people at least 18 years old and in control of a current driver’s license or a valid photo ID.
Similar to the practice under the current law, the new rule defers local governments in determining when and where golf carts may be used legally.