How To Own and Operate a Golf Cart In Clearwater, FL
May 29, 2024 | Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers | Personal Injury
Golf carts are popular throughout Clearwater, Florida, and surrounding communities. However, while they may seem fun, these motorized vehicles can cause serious accidents and injuries when their owners do not operate them correctly. Here is what you should know about how to own and operate a golf cart in Clearwater, FL.
Driver’s License Requirements
The rules regarding the legal requirements to operate a golf cart were changed beginning October 1, 2023. Under Florida law, anyone operating a golf cart on public roads or streets who is under 18 years old must possess a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit. Those 18 or older must possess a valid form of government-issued photo ID.
Can I Drive My Golf Cart On the Road?
In Florida, golf carts can legally be operated on roadways designated for golf carts with a posted speed limit of 30 mph or less. The golf cart must not be capable of traveling more than 20 mph.
You can also drive your golf cart over a county road that intersects a roadway designated for golf carts, a golf course, a subdivision, or a mobile home park. You can also drive golf carts on a road that is part of the State Park Road System if the speed limit is 35 mph or less. Local governments have the authority to implement additional regulations regarding the operation of golf carts in their areas.
Can I Legally Drive My Golf Cart On the Sidewalk?
No, golf carts are motorized vehicles, so it is not legal to drive them on a sidewalk. The only exception is if the sidewalk is specifically designated as a golf cart path.
What Equipment Must My Golf Cart Have?
In Pinellas County, all golf carts must be equipped with the following:
- Efficient brakes
- A reliable steering apparatus
- Safe tires
- Red rear and front reflectorized warning devices
- A rearview mirror
If the golf cart is operated after sunset, it must have a windshield, brake lights, headlights, and turn signals.
Golf Cart Ownership Requirements
Golf carts do not have to be registered or insured under the law.
Golf Carts Vs. Low-Speed Vehicles
Low-speed vehicles are similar to golf carts, but they have important legal distinctions in Florida concerning the following:
- Speed – Low-speed vehicles can travel faster than 20 mph but less than 25 mph. Golf carts cannot travel more than 20 mph.
- Purpose – Golf carts must be designed to travel across golf courses, even if they are used in other locations. Low-speed vehicles can be designed for different purposes, including as neighborhood vehicles.
- Registration and insurance requirements – Low-speed vehicles must be registered and insured under the law.
Some golf carts can also be converted to low-speed vehicles. In this situation, they would need to follow the rules and regulations regarding low-speed vehicles.
Other Operating Requirements For Florida Golf Carts
Drivers of golf carts must follow all applicable traffic laws. They must follow right-of-way rules and yield right-of- way to other vehicles in all situations. They must refrain from drinking while driving. Violating these or other traffic rules can result in citations.
Contact a Golf Cart Accident Attorney for Legal Assistance
Golf cart accidents can lead to serious injuries. You do not have much protection from the frame of a golf cart, especially if you are hurt by a much larger vehicle. If you were injured in a golf cart accident, you may have legal options to seek recovery for your damages.
If you are hurt in a golf cart accident in Clearwater, Florida, a personal injury lawyer can help. They can help you seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other losses. You should not have to pay for someone else’s carelessness. Learn more about your legal rights and options by contacting a personal injury lawyer today.
Contact a Clearwater, FL Personal Injury Lawyer from Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Tampa, FL today. We have five convenient locations in Florida, including Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey, and Lakeland.
We proudly serve Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Polk County, and its surrounding areas:
Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
601 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
(866) 839-3235
Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
600 Bypass Dr Suite 224-D, Clearwater, FL 33764
(727) 493-4418
Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg Office
111 2nd Ave NE Suite 350, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 314-5988
Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
5006 Trouble Creek Rd Unit #200, Port Richey, FL 34652
(727) 910-5060
Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Lakeland Office
1543 Lakeland Hills Blvd Suite 18, Lakeland, FL 33805
(863) 251-6196
