Florida Golf Cart Law

[cabo35]

Lots of places to put this, but I decided to give it its own thread.

http://www.starelectriccars.com/Florida%20Law.htm

One conflict I see concerns what is a public road and what is not in The Villages. To the best of my knowledge, the golf cart paths are NOT public. If I recall, in a recent new article, Villagers are responsible and in fact are paying for cart path renovations north of 466. I am certain the county didn't build the cart paths. After asking several questions trying to determine if the interior streets are public roads, at best I have received mixed opinions in that they belong to the developer until and if he turns them over to the county or city they are in. Some apparently are, some are not.

The implications for enforcement are at best confusing. If they are not public, Hector's pup could be in the driver's seat and he would not be in violation. Would the 14 year old age restriction apply if operation is on a cart path or other non-public road. I know violations have been issued on streets in The Villages but, I have never heard of one on a cart path unless it was at a road crossing. Could it be the jurisdictional issue?

I hope someone with more legal knowledge than I, can clarify how Florida law impacts golf cart operation in The Villagers.

Okay, all you lounge chair lawyers, the debate is on. Have some fun.

The law also defines street legal vehicles.

[chacam]

There is no law that prevents you from driving 30 MPH on a golf cart path in your cart. They are not roads. But if you cause an accident on a cart path because you were speeding, you can be cited for reckless driving.

[ssw]

Check with local law enforcement. First of all they are not golf cart paths, they are recreational paths and it is illegal to drive a golf cart that goes over 20 mph. You have to drive on the road somewhere to get to the recreational paths. Does not matter to me if you drive an illegal cart, but if you get caught your pocketbook will take a big hit.

[cabo35]

Good point on them not being golf cart paths but recreational trails. Makes them sound even less like public roads and I tend to think enforcing Florida MV law on them for any reason would not be legal unless the county or city took them over. Slim chance of that happening.

I doubt the 20 mile limit could be enforced on them as local authorities would not have jurisdiction on recreational trails unless the owners gave them permission through a legal agreement. I have heard of that in other states. The civil liability regarding speed, reckless driving and any damage or injuries that result would be very enforceable through civil litigation.

[Hancle704]

Lt. Wolfe of Sumter County Sheriff's Office mentioned recently that a cart was stopped doing 27 MPH. The Citation was not for speeding, it was for operating an unregistered motor vehicle, and the fine was big. He explained it by stating, if it is going faster than 20 MPH it is no longer a golf cart according to FL Statutes. That being the case, it should have been registered and in order to do that, it needed to conform to Statutes regarding license plates, registration, seat belts, VIN numbers etc. The last point, if it is not a golf cart, than it can't be operated by a 14 year old unlicensed operator.

If you don't believe it, whiz by one of the radar equipped Deputies in a 30MPH Zone doing 29 in your "golf cart".

[cabo35]

There is no doubt that is the case on a public road. Did Lt. Wolfe specifically say it was on the Recreational Trail where I still believe they do not have jurisdiction under any circumstance with the possible exception of DWI. That cart was probably on a public road and fell under the definition "street legal" as described in the above link.

[Hancle704]

I believe he stated it was on a public road and was not "street legal". There may be exceptions about what can and can't be policed. Regardless of these fine points, what is the issue? Is it that there is a need for speed? There may or may not be a law about driving 30 MPH on a recreational path, but one would hope that common sense would dictate driving at a reasonable speed to insure safety for all users.

[redwitch]

I'm wondering if Florida has a law that if a private property owner gives permission (shopping mall parking lots, etc.), officers can cite those breaking street laws. I know this is the case in California. If so, the CCDs or developer may have given or could give the Sheriff's Dept. permission to cite those breaking the law on the recreational paths. This would certainly end any argument about there being no right to cite.

[Villages Kahuna]

I think Hancie has it right. When the coppers (an old Chicago term for the police) shoot you with the speed gun and find you going more than 20 mph, the offense is "operating an unregistered vehicle". In that any vehicle moving faster than 20 mph is required to be registered and have a license plate, a souped-up golf cart is presumptively considered to be illegal and subject to citation. There are penty of places in TV where one travels on the public roadway--along Morse Blvd, as an example. But I believe an operator violating the law regarding the operation of an unregistered vehicle is not protected just because the vehicle is not on a public thoroughfare.

Maybe someone wants to volunteer to test the law by driving their hot rod cart down a recreation trail on in a shopping center parking lot in front of a copper in order to see what happens.

[Muncle]

When souped up, not only has your golf cart become an unlicensed motor vehicle but it is also now an uninsured motor vehicle. You say you have insurance on your golf cart? That's nice, but you no longer have a golf cart. So if the local "coppers" make their determination of your cart during the investigation of an accident, especially one with injuries or a lot of property damage, be prepared to write some checks to people other than the traffic court, without assistance from the good hands folks.

[bimmertl]

When souped up, not only has your golf cart become an unlicensed motor vehicle but it is also now an uninsured motor vehicle. You say you have insurance on your golf cart? That's nice, but you no longer have a golf cart. So if the local "coppers" make their determination of your cart during the investigation of an accident, especially one with injuries or a lot of property damage, be prepared to write some checks to people other than the traffic court, without assistance from the good hands folks.



Not true. Most policies are written very broadly to cover a multitude of recreational vehicles. State Farm, the largest auto and boat insurer in the US, issues a "recreational vehicle policy" which applies to a multitude of rec vehicles. The policy lists your described golf cart as the insured vehicle and covers that specific vehicle which is called a "golfmobile" in the policy. In order to not be covered, the policy would have to strip coverage for modifications to the vehicle either by a change in the definition or by an exclusion listed in the liability coverage section. It's not done in the policy and coverage applies even if it's modified to go faster.

I attended the Villages golf safety course and listened to the insurance agent who was there make the statement there isn't any coverage if it's "modified". I was going to ask her for specifics after the meeting but there were people lined up to talk to her so I ultimately didn't.
Arguably putting larger tires on the cart or even a bug screen is a modification to the cart so then what?

Take a look at your golf cart policy. See where it lists the described vehicle and look at the policy definition of a golf cart, rec vehicle, or whatever. Then look at the liability section of the policy. There will most likely be two sections, one stating when and where liability coverage applies, and then the exclusions section which states something like "when liability coverage doesn't apply". Look for language limiting or stripping coverage if insured vehicle is modified. Doubt you'll find such language.

[DENNIS G]

The cart paths or recreational paths and parking lots are consider private property. If a cart gets a ticket for speeding, they have to be on the street.

[TomW]

It would seem to me that the developer would want to get the recreational trails and other amenities out of their ownership and into some governmental status (CDD) as soon as possible due to the liability. I bet if thousands of people are using a rec trail, the developer is no longer on the liability hook and there is some form of public ownership. Also, laws can be enforced on private as well as public property.

[ssw]

Have you confirmed that your State Farm agent that your policy will pay a claim under the golf cart policy if the golf cart is no longer a golf cart?

[Happy Villager]

When we obtained our golf cart insurance thru Allstate the ins. rep. stressed to us that the policy only covers a cart whose speed could not exceed the State law that defines golf carts.

My concern with speed on the recreational trails is directed at the souped up carts and/or street legal carts that use the trails. It makes me nervous to have someone speeding up in back of me and acting very impatient because my cart is only going the legal speed limit. We have a speedometer so I know how fast I am going. I try and make myself ignore them but when my husband is driving he can be pushed to the limit rather easily and then I really get nervous. I wish people would obey the rules here and stop trying to change what bought them here in the first place.

[duffer4384]

My wife and I are retiring to The Villages in a week. Been looking forward to this for a long time. I don't plan to be in a hurry to do anything in my retirement, had to punch a clock my whole career, probably won't even bring a clock with me to The Villages, unless I need to know how long till happy hour. If you see a long line of carts on the trail, I'll be the one up front holding everyone up. I think I'll get a sign for my cart that says, IF YOU CAN READ THIS, YOU'RE NOT RETIRED. See you all in a week. :)

[zcaveman]

This might be a new post but it has been posted many times.

In this post, Some of the questions in this post seem to be:

1. Do the local police have the authority to issue tickets to golf carts driving on the recreational trails for speeding, open container, DUI, reckless driving?

2. What is the difference between the public roads (County supported ) and private roads (CDCD supported)? Does the local police have jurisdiction on the private roads?

3. What is the charge fort speeding in a golf cart - speeding or operating an unregistered vehicle? I am pretty sure it is #2 and it is very expensive.

4. Can the local police ticket people under 14 operating golf carts - or as some one put it - Hector's pup?

Personally I hope they have the authority. Too many times have I had close calls from speeders, stop sign runners, yield sign runners out of the tunnels. One slip and someone can end up in the hospital or the graveyard. And both have happened in TV.

I have some free time Thursday and I will take cut and pastes of this post to the Marion County substation in TV and see what they have to say. Maybe they can put something in the Daily Sun or the VHA newsletter to answer all of your questions.

Questions - comments- additions?

[Hancle704]

Not clear about recreation paths/multimodal transportation paths/golf cart lanes on southside of CR 466, but I'm pretty certain that the paths on the northside are not owned by The Developer and in fact belong to the respective numbered CDD's and CDD's are Governmental entities created by FL Statutes. While these CDD's have taxing authority, they do not have Police powers and in turn give that responsibility over to the County Sheriffs. The exception are those diamond lanes that are alongside the county owned and maintained streets and roads. Streets within Villa Communities are owned and maintained by the numbered CDD's. While those Villa streets are not County owned and maintained they are still patrolled by Sheriff's Departments. If you don't believe that, drive through the Villa streets at 30 MPH in any vehicle in full view of a Deputy and fail to stop at Corners marked with a STOP sign. This will give you a great opportunity to tell your story to the Judge.

[Hancle704]

Florida Statutes worth considering:

320.01 Definitions, general.--As used in the Florida Statutes, except as otherwise provided, the term:
(22) "Golf cart" means a motor vehicle that is designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes and that is not capable of exceeding speeds of 20 miles per hour.
(42) "Low-speed vehicle" means any four-wheeled electric vehicle whose top speed is greater than 20 miles per hour but not greater than 25 miles per hour, including neighborhood electric vehicles. Low-speed vehicles must comply with the safety standards in 49 C.F.R. s. 571.500 and s. 316.2122.
320.105 Golf carts and utility vehicles; exemption.--Golf carts and utility vehicles, as defined in s. 320.01, when operated in accordance with s. 316.212 or s. 316.2126, are exempt from provisions of this chapter which require the registration of vehicles or the display of license plates.

[chacam]

I have some free time Thursday and I will take cut and pastes of this post to the Marion County substation in TV and see what they have to say. Maybe they can put something in the Daily Sun or the VHA newsletter to answer all of your questions.

Questions - comments- additions?


Z, please ask them to cite the statute that applies to each of your queries.

Thanks

[GatorFan]

Called State Farm agent today and asked if my cart went over 20 mph would their golf cart policy pay claim. They told me they did not know. No one ever asked them that question.

[nitehawk]

Point of information; does anyone have one of those low speed vehicles, which have to be registered and insured, etc Just wondering what the insurance and registration cost. Maybe the only advantage would be to get to Sams and Home Depot via Rolling Acres, which i believe is 35mph speed and would be legal for low speed vehicles.

[disney07]

My wife and I are retiring to The Villages in a week. Been looking forward to this for a long time. I don't plan to be in a hurry to do anything in my retirement, had to punch a clock my whole career, probably won't even bring a clock with me to The Villages, unless I need to know how long till happy hour. If you see a long line of carts on the trail, I'll be the one up front holding everyone up. I think I'll get a sign for my cart that says, IF YOU CAN READ THIS, YOU'RE NOT RETIRED. See you all in a week. :)



Duffer, I'll be looking for that sign, thanks for the heads up. Good sense of humor. :joke:

PS, Where would that be in The Villages you'll now be calling home?

[golfnut]

duffer, you'll need at least one clock, don't want to be late for your tee time....GN

[zcaveman]

I stopped by the Marion County substation and gave them the letter and the associated posts and talked about it. The receptionist took it inside and came back and told me that the Lieutenant was out today but would look at the letter tomorrow. I really wasn't expecting an immediate answer.

I will let you know what I hear. I did mention in the letter that it would be a good idea to address these questions with an article in the Daily Sun or in his section of the VHA insert.

[zcaveman]

I stopped by the Marion County Police Substation on route 42 and had a very nice chat with Lt. Tim O'Hara.

He did not give me statutes but was able to explain all of the points that I asked. The answers are as follows:

1. Do the local police have the authority to issue tickets to golf carts driving on the recreational trails for speeding, open container, DUI, reckless driving?

Yes - see #2.


2. What is the difference between the public roads (County supported) and private roads (CDD supported)? Does the local police have jurisdiction on the private roads?

Every year, the local police signs an agreement with the developer and the county commissioners that gives them the authority to police the private roads and the recreational trails.


3. What is the charge for speeding in a golf cart - speeding or operating an unregistered vehicle? I am pretty sure it is #2 and it is very expensive.

The charge is "operating an unregistered vehicle" and you have to go to court. The fine is usually the max.


4. Can the local police ticket people under age 14 operating golf carts on the recreational trails or the private roads?

Yes. Since the driver does not have a driver's license, a pseudo one is issued and immediately suspended. This is necessary because all violations need a DL number. The violation will be send to the state that the violator resides in. This could possibly deter the violator from getting a valid license when he/she turns 16. So, if you are a grandparent giving your grandkid a thrill, remember what the consequences could be.

BTW: In the case of an adult without a driver's license, the same process applies. This is so they can collect any fines if the violator decides not to pay.


5. Are these responses good in all counties of the Villages? Or do some have different criteria?

Basically what was stated above is good in all three counties. In Marion County, these statements also apply in Stonecrest, Spruce Creek and other golf cart communities in their jurisdiction.


Lt. O'Hara also mentioned that he and the other officers have published articles in the Daily Sun and in the VHA Villagers Voice (Friday's Daily Sun insert) covering all of these items. My response was that a lot of you are new here and probably missed the articles.

If you have any questions, you can contact Lt. Tim O'Hara at 753-2211 or email him at tohara@marionso.com. If you live in another jurisdiction, I would like to suggest that one of you volunteer to take these items to your local sheriff's office to see what their answers are and post them. I am sure they will be the same.

Hope this helps.

Z

PS: Don't shoot the messenger.

[jadebox]

Caveman, this is what I have head.
thanks for checking on it. This is what I have heard. I wonder if they ever have made a child not get their licence until they were 18?

[Muncle]

Z -- thanx for doing the leg work. So much of what we argue about can be settled if more of us (self included) followed your example. Way to go.

[Hancle704]

I stopped by the Marion County Police Substation on route 42 and had a very nice chat with Lt. Tim O'Hara.

He did not give me statutes but was able to explain all of the points that I asked. The answers are as follows:

1. Do the local police have the authority to issue tickets to golf carts driving on the recreational trails for speeding, open container, DUI, reckless driving?

Yes - see #2.


2. What is the difference between the public roads (County supported) and private roads (CDD supported)? Does the local police have jurisdiction on the private roads?

Every year, the local police signs an agreement with the developer and the county commissioners that gives them the authority to police the private roads and the recreational trails.


3. What is the charge for speeding in a golf cart - speeding or operating an unregistered vehicle? I am pretty sure it is #2 and it is very expensive.

The charge is "operating an unregistered vehicle" and you have to go to court. The fine is usually the max.


4. Can the local police ticket people under age 14 operating golf carts on the recreational trails or the private roads?

Yes. Since the driver does not have a driver's license, a pseudo one is issued and immediately suspended. This is necessary because all violations need a DL number. The violation will be send to the state that the violator resides in. This could possibly deter the violator from getting a valid license when he/she turns 16. So, if you are a grandparent giving your grandkid a thrill, remember what the consequences could be.

BTW: In the case of an adult without a driver's license, the same process applies. This is so they can collect any fines if the violator decides not to pay.


5. Are these responses good in all counties of the Villages? Or do some have different criteria?

Basically what was stated above is good in all three counties. In Marion County, these statements also apply in Stonecrest, Spruce Creek and other golf cart communities in their jurisdiction.


Lt. O'Hara also mentioned that he and the other officers have published articles in the Daily Sun and in the VHA Villagers Voice (Friday's Daily Sun insert) covering all of these items. My response was that a lot of you are new here and probably missed the articles.

If you have any questions, you can contact Lt. Tim O'Hara at 753-2211 or email him at tohara@marionso.com. If you live in another jurisdiction, I would like to suggest that one of you volunteer to take these items to your local sheriff's office to see what their answers are and post them. I am sure they will be the same.

Hope this helps.

Z

PS: Don't shoot the messenger.



Lt. Jeremiah Wolfe of Sumter County Sheriffs Department gave out the same information at CDD Meeting last Friday. So it would appear that they are all in agreement. He did share one other item that may help you avoid a $88.00 fine. if the sign says merge with vehicular traffic you better do it, or face a citation for ignoring the traffic signal (sign). This applies to folks who stay in lane because they are making a right turn at intersection. YOU STILL NEED TO MERGE INTO THE TRAFFIC LANE before you get to the intersection.

Local Law Enforcement are serious about golf cart safety, speeding and violations, because the CDD Boards and others have asked them to enforce the laws because too many folks are violating them and entirely too many people are being injured.

[zcaveman]

Florida Golf Cart Law (Revised Response)


Lt. O'Hara called me this morning. Some of my answers were not exactly correct. I removed the incorrect statements and put the amended answers are in blue.

I stopped by the Marion County Police Substation on route 42 and had a very nice chat with Lt. Tim O'Hara.

He did not give me statutes but was able to explain all of the points that I asked. The answers are as follows . These answers only apply to Marion County. If you live in another county, you will have to check with the Sheriff's Office in that county.


1. Do the local police have the authority to issue tickets to golf carts driving on the recreational trails for speeding, open container, DUI, reckless driving?

The answer is no. Lt O'Hara thought that I was talking about the golf cart lanes that are part of the roads in Marion county.


2. What is the difference between the public roads (County supported) and private roads (CDD supported)? Does the local police have jurisdiction on the private roads?

Because The Villages in not a gated community, they have the authority to police all of the roads in Marion county.


3. What is the charge for speeding in a golf cart - speeding or operating an unregistered vehicle? I am pretty sure it is #2 and it is very expensive.

The charge is "operating an unregistered vehicle" and you have to go to court. The fine is usually the max.


4. Can the local police ticket people under age 14 operating golf carts on the recreational trails or the private roads?

Yes. Since the driver does not have a driver's license, a pseudo one is issued and immediately suspended. This is necessary because all violations need a DL number. The violation will be send to the state that the violator resides in. This could possibly deter the violator from getting a valid license when he/she turns 16. So, if you are a grandparent giving your grandkid a thrill, remember what the consequences could be.


BTW: In the case of an adult without a driver's license, the same process applies. This is so they can collect any fines if the violator decides not to pay.



5. Are these responses good in all counties of the Villages? Or do some have different criteria?

These answers only apply to Marion County. If you live in another county, you will have to check with the Sheriff's Office in that county.


Lt. O'Hara also mentioned that he and the other officers have published articles in the Daily Sun and in the VHA Villagers Voice (Friday's Daily Sun insert) covering all of these items. My response was that a lot of you are new here and probably missed the articles.


If you have any questions, you can contact Lt. Tim O'Hara at 753-2211 or email him at tohara@marionso.com. If you live in another jurisdiction, I would like to suggest that one of you volunteer to take these items to your local sheriff's office to see what their answers are and post them.

Hope this helps.

Z

PS: Don't shoot the messenger.

[zcaveman]

THis was in today's Daily Sun (6/20)

Golf carts must cruise under 20 mph or be registered like a car

By CURT HILLS, DAILY SUN

THE VILLAGES — Bob Gilmartin believes he has a “hot” golf cart.

But its top speed doesn’t even reach 20 mph. And The Villages resident and Village Community Development District 2 supervisor knows that’s the way it should be.

Gilmartin only wishes he could say the same about other golf carts that go buzzing by him even though he’s got the accelerator pedal floored.

“Some of these guys go by me like they’ve got an outboard motor on their golf cart,” Gilmartin said. “Are we catching any of these guys?”

Yes, law enforcement officers are stopping those golf carts, said Lt. Nehemiah Wolfe with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.

In Sumter County alone, which accounts for the largest portion of The Villages, 12 golf cart operators were issued tickets in the last month for speeding, Wolfe recently reported to Gilmartin and other CDD supervisors. Golf carts are manufactured to not exceed 19 mph.




Speeding ticket fines start at about $120, Wolfe said, but that’s just the beginning of the problems of a golf cart operator who speeds.

“What will happen is we’ll tag them for operating a motor vehicle without a registration — keeping in mind that the state of Florida does not recognize a golf cart as a motor vehicle,” Wolfe said. “But once it exceeds its manufacturer’s specifications or capabilities, it no longer is considered a golf cart.”

At that point, the golf cart is considered a motor vehicle that must be registered and insured, Wolfe said. If it’s not registered and insured, then it’s in violation of the law.

“That’s not a slap on the hand,” Wolfe said of the penalties.

Operating a motor vehicle without proper registration is a violation that earns the operator an appearance before a county judge.

“It’s my understanding what’s been happening is by the time they walk out of the courtroom, they’ve paid $300 in fines, plus they’re ordered to have the golf cart (modified) so it complies (with speed requirements),” Wolfe said.

Fine plus cart alterations is costing owners about $600 to $800, Wolfe estimated.

Golf cart owners also should remember to not let anyone under age 14 operate their carts — that’s illegal. And Wolfe said that traffic stop can come back and haunt an underage driver years later when they attempt to obtain a license, because the traffic violation will show up on their driving record.

[GatorFan]

The problem is that there are many in The Villages that feel they are above the law and that it is not a big deal to drive a souped up golf cart. I can not tell you how many times I have heard, " Well my neighbor has one"

[beady]

Just a guess, but I bet the folks that get a $120.00 ticket will change their minds about souped up carts. We followed a man down the Beuna Vista golf path driving at 26 mph. We slowed down on the road and clocked him on our speedometer.

[Johnp]

Hello my wife and I will be moving to the Villages in the near future, I understand the law as is for golf carts under Florida and County laws, my question is are there safety courses for golf cart operators?

[DonH57]

Just a guess, but I bet the folks that get a $120.00 ticket will change their minds about souped up carts. We followed a man down the Beuna Vista golf path driving at 26 mph. We slowed down on the road and clocked him on our speedometer.

I would agree. I've been passed by others like my cart was creeping and I'd be doing 20. The fact most are speeding recklessly that worrys me.The first time these people are ticketed will make a big hole in the wallet and hopefully it happens before they damage property or worse hurt someone.

[memason]

Be advised.... This thread is from 2008!

[Steve9930]

There is no law that prevents you from driving 30 MPH on a golf cart path in your cart. They are not roads. But if you cause an accident on a cart path because you were speeding, you can be cited for reckless driving.

If you have a Golf Cart that will travel greater then 19 MPH on the Golf Cart path, and you have an accident with another cart. Get a good attorney, your going to need one. You'll need one anyway but driving one of these modified carts, which are no longer considered a legal golf cart puts new wrinkles into the mix. Also if you have insurance for your cart, and the cart is illegal as a defined golf cart your insurance company just may tell you good luck, your on your own.

[Steve9930]

I'm wondering if Florida has a law that if a private property owner gives permission (shopping mall parking lots, etc.), officers can cite those breaking street laws. I know this is the case in California. If so, the CCDs or developer may have given or could give the Sheriff's Dept. permission to cite those breaking the law on the recreational paths. This would certainly end any argument about there being no right to cite.

Yes, and I've seen the Police Issue citations in the parking lot.

[Indydealmaker]

Be advised.... This thread is from 2008!

Another Golden Oldie!

[Steve9930]

Not true. Most policies are written very broadly to cover a multitude of recreational vehicles. State Farm, the largest auto and boat insurer in the US, issues a "recreational vehicle policy" which applies to a multitude of rec vehicles. The policy lists your described golf cart as the insured vehicle and covers that specific vehicle which is called a "golfmobile" in the policy. In order to not be covered, the policy would have to strip coverage for modifications to the vehicle either by a change in the definition or by an exclusion listed in the liability coverage section. It's not done in the policy and coverage applies even if it's modified to go faster.

I attended the Villages golf safety course and listened to the insurance agent who was there make the statement there isn't any coverage if it's "modified". I was going to ask her for specifics after the meeting but there were people lined up to talk to her so I ultimately didn't.
Arguably putting larger tires on the cart or even a bug screen is a modification to the cart so then what?

Take a look at your golf cart policy. See where it lists the described vehicle and look at the policy definition of a golf cart, rec vehicle, or whatever. Then look at the liability section of the policy. There will most likely be two sections, one stating when and where liability coverage applies, and then the exclusions section which states something like "when liability coverage doesn't apply". Look for language limiting or stripping coverage if insured vehicle is modified. Doubt you'll find such language.

This may be true but lets set aside the insurance part for now. If you modify the cart to travel greater then 20 MPH. The cart is now, by state law not a golf cart. You can do what you want with the Vehicle on private property. Once you cross on to a public road, if you get caught, you will be cited for operating an unlicensed vehicle on a public road. Should you have an accident you now enter into another problem. Will or will not your insurance company cover you, you are going to be cited, you are going to court, your going to be fined, and you may be liable with no insurance coverage. Why would you want to take that risk? Also the top speed I believe allowed for an LSV is 25 MPH. So for another 5 MPH you will put yourself at risk. I have a hard time understanding that decision.

[Steve9930]

My wife and I are retiring to The Villages in a week. Been looking forward to this for a long time. I don't plan to be in a hurry to do anything in my retirement, had to punch a clock my whole career, probably won't even bring a clock with me to The Villages, unless I need to know how long till happy hour. If you see a long line of carts on the trail, I'll be the one up front holding everyone up. I think I'll get a sign for my cart that says, IF YOU CAN READ THIS, YOU'RE NOT RETIRED. See you all in a week. :)

I don't even wear a watch any more. I'll get there when I get there.

[Indydealmaker]

This may be true but lets set aside the insurance part for now. If you modify the cart to travel greater then 20 MPH. The cart is now, by state law not a golf cart. You can do what you want with the Vehicle on private property. Once you cross on to a public road, if you get caught, you will be cited for operating an unlicensed vehicle on a public road. Should you have an accident you now enter into another problem. Will or will not your insurance company cover you, you are going to be cited, you are going to court, your going to be fined, and you may be liable with no insurance coverage. Why would you want to take that risk? Also the top speed I believe allowed for an LSV is 25 MPH. So for another 5 MPH you will put yourself at risk. I have a hard time understanding that decision.

Steve, you are correct. This has also been confirmed by the Sumter County sheriff. You MAY not be at risk of being uninsured OFFROAD, but once you enter the public streets, the insurance company has a legal out if you are driving an illegal vehicle and insurance companies ALWAYS look for ways to deny significant claims.

[DonH57]

I don't even wear a watch any more. I'll get there when I get there.

That's the best way to do it! Welcome to TV.

[annaconner]

A question about LSVs - can they travel on cart paths AND roads, surely it should be one OR the other

[justjim]

Just yesterday while traveling in my golf cart right at 20mph I was passed 8 times between Buttonwood and Arnold Palmer's----only two carts passed me while on the recreational trails. For whatever reason people are in a hurry!

It appears to me that many carts are traveling 24-25mph. Does that bother me---not at at all.

The legal speed for a Street Legal Cart is 25mph. I have followed more than one going 30mph. Does that bother me----not at all.

What's the big deal? IMHO speed is not the main reason for accidents. That's just my opinion but I think carelessness, lack of focus and perhaps too much alcohol causes the bulk of golf cart accidents in TV.

Is it "best" to travel 20mph or less in our golf carts----yes.

[bluedog103]

Since most golf carts don't have speedometers I think that many folks are guessing they're going the speed limit but are in reality putting along well under 20mph. They're certain that anyone passing them is driving a "souped up cart", whatever that means. It's a good idea to check your speed with a gps, cell phone or speedometer just to see what you're doing.