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-   The Villages, Florida, General Discussion (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/)
-   -   New Golf Cart Laws (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/new-golf-cart-laws-66907/)

memason 01-01-2013 05:31 PM

New Golf Cart Laws
 
There was talk a few months ago about some changes to the laws governing Golf Cart usage. Specifically, it was to be that a cart would be able to cross a state highway (i.e. US441/27) wherever there was a traffic signal.

Anyone know the outcome of this law or if it's legal to do so, as of today?

paulandjean 01-01-2013 06:32 PM

Not sure, But I hope they make that law change. Crossing 441 would be nice.

aln 01-01-2013 06:43 PM

THIS IS AN ARTICLE FROM THE NOVEMBER 2012 VHA NEWSLETTER

The Villages Fact Finder
Golf Carts Crossing Highways

Communications with Florida’s Department of
Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles regarding golf
cart operation concerning public crossing of highways
in January gave The Villages Voice an update
to share with Villagers. It appears that section
316.212,F.S. governs the public’s use of golf carts
and section 316.2126 applies only to the operation of
golf carts by city, county and state agents / employees.
Section 316.2126, F.S. speaks to employees,
park volunteers, etc. if the intent was to apply to anyone,
s. 316.212,F.S. should have been the amended
statute. There may be clarifying language put forward
in the 2013 legislative session.
Present Situation
Section 316.2126, F.S., authorizes municipalities
to utilize golf carts and utility vehicles upon state,
county, or municipal roads located within the corporate
limits of the municipality. This authorization is
subject to certain conditions. For example, municipalities
must ensure golf carts and utility vehicles
comply with certain state operational and safety requirements,
as well as municipal ordinances that are
more restrictive than state law. One operational requirement
governing golf carts and utility vehicles
is that they may be operated only on state roads that
have a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour or less.
Effect of Changes
The bill amends s. 316.2126, F.S., to expand the
scope of golf cart and utility vehicle operation upon
state roads. The bill creates s. 316.2126(1)(d) and
(e), F.S., to authorize golf carts and utility vehicles
to cross state roads (only at intersections with an official
traffic control device) that have a speed limit of
45 miles per hour or less and to authorize golf carts
and utility vehicles to be operated on sidewalks adjacent
to state highways if the golf carts and utility vehicles
yield to pedestrians and if the sidewalks are at
least five feet wide.
Opinion Cabinet & Legislative Affairs, Department
of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles
It is difficult to prove if the legislative intent was
intended to apply to everyone or merely to clarify
that municipal workers could cross the specified roadways.
Should any changes be approved in the upcoming
legislative session related to the operation of golf
carts in the section of law, our legislative staff will
keep your community apprised.
Additional Clarification Needed
Since state and local law enforcement authorities
cannot definitely include (or exclude) public golf
cart drivers’ participation along with certain municipal
workers, local and state law enforcement also is
seeking legislative guidance on the matter. In the
meantime, authorization for Villagers to cross state
highways is not expected to be clarified nor authorized
by January 2013 when this ambiguous change goes
have reduced the noise and smell concerns, and the
250-mile range is winning the day for many buyers.
While golf carts are limited to 20 mph, an increase to
25 mph and driving on roadways rated up to 35 mph
is possible in Florida for low speed vehicles. Recent
changes in Florida law now permits conversion of
gas, as well as, electric golf carts, along with neighborhood
electric vehicles (NEVs).
Gas Carts Now Can Convert to LSVs
The state of Florida recently authorized the inclusion
of gas powered golf carts for conversion to Low
Speed Vehicles. Information is available through
the county tax collector from vehicle registration personnel.
Once converted, the converted vehicle will
be given a state issue vehicle identification numbers
and require registration, license and appropriate
insurance, in addition to the cost of conversion.
Please note that the process is not reversible back to
a golf cart, and resale of a golf cart converted to a
Low Speed Vehicle may be more difficult than a golf
cart resale.

CFrance 01-01-2013 06:47 PM

Check CNN.com. There was something on the tv station today about the many state laws that were to take effect today, and a "go-cart" law in FL was one of them. It might be on their web site.

njbchbum 01-01-2013 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CFrance (Post 602536)
Check CNN.com. There was something on the tv station today about the many state laws that were to take effect today, and a "go-cart" law in FL was one of them. It might be on their web site.

i believe that was for go ****s and similar vehicles and the tracks they race on.

Virtual Geezer 01-01-2013 07:35 PM

On one of the local evening news programs today they mentioned that it is legal to drive a golf cart on the sidewalk as long as it is longer than 5 feet.

I for one would not want to be the first person to try out that law. I think I will be doing some additional research on that one.

VG

CFrance 01-01-2013 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njbchbum (Post 602560)
i believe that was for go ****s and similar vehicles and the tracks they race on.

You crack me up!

njbchbum 01-01-2013 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CFrance (Post 602567)
You crack me up!

really didn't mean to! it's the dumb editing application on the boards i think... there must be a business that uses the spelling with a k. i prob should have used carts or go-cart as you did! but glad you had a chance to chuckle - laughter is good for us! ;)

Virtual Geezer 01-02-2013 08:03 AM

I found something regarding the new law as it related to driving on the sidewalk. First it must be approved by the local governing body and the sidewalk needs to be 8 feet wide.

VG

keithwand 01-02-2013 11:29 AM

Can't be any more dangerous than crossing at Colony.
I've been almost T boned twice once by a LSV that left the cart path and mad a left turn towards Morse.
Either use the trail OR the road not change your mind half way through.

red tail 01-02-2013 12:41 PM

seems funny that you can
1. walk across the street
2. ride a bike
3. pull a wagon
4. skip
5. BUT NOOO GOLF CART

Jim 9922 01-02-2013 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red tail (Post 602783)
seems funny that you can
1. walk across the street
2. ride a bike
3. pull a wagon
4. skip
5. BUT NOOO GOLF CART

Not funny at all. It is just typical of the way our "public servants" think:MOJE_whot:

Wi11iam 01-02-2013 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njbchbum (Post 602574)
really didn't mean to! it's the dumb editing application on the boards i think... there must be a business that uses the spelling with a k. i prob should have used carts or go-cart as you did! but glad you had a chance to chuckle - laughter is good for us! ;)

Don't mean to get off your subject but needed to say....
Love the bottom addition...
RESTORE THE JERSEY SHORE...:bigbow:
we live in point pleasant beach and soon to be in Fernandina 205 at least part time for the next year.
Bill & Rona

njbchbum 01-02-2013 06:55 PM

bill - that tag line is there just for folks like you and rona - and for mueller's bakery, too! ;)

how long before you get to fernandina? we hope to be in tv by this time next week! it is getting too cold up here? i hope your rebuilding is going well.

Wi11iam 01-02-2013 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njbchbum (Post 602971)
bill - that tag line is there just for folks like you and rona - and for mueller's bakery, too! ;)

how long before you get to fernandina? we hope to be in tv by this time next week! it is getting too cold up here? i hope your rebuilding is going well.

Will be in Fernandina the week of march 1 to march 9. Receive our furniture and then return to the cold nasty north.
We will be back in our home this weekend. Worked the last 8 weeks rebuilding the whole first floor..
Never again...:bigbow:... I hope:pepper2::pepper2:


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