[Bill-n-Brillo]

Here's the latest update via this month's The Villages Voice (from the VHA) on the golf-carts-crossing-highways situation:

"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 into effect."

Here is the link to the article: The Villages Voice

Bill