Why drive a street legal golf cart?

[Chatbrat]

Today I was on Buena Vista, there was a street legal golf on it. It was doing @ least 10-15 mph with the traffic flow. The cart was creating a hazard as all traffic was passing it and making quick moves to avoid rear ending the cart. Really they should be using 4 way hazard flashers @ 25mph !!!!

[jebartle]

You can pay more taxes and insurance...You can buy seat belts (everyone should) and windshield wipers. You can go 6 mph faster than other carts. And last but not least you can jeopardize you life and limb and drive with cars going MUCH faster.

[DonH57]

I've never understood a reason to buy one.

[DeanFL]

So the max speed for a SL cart is 25mph? If so, SO not worth the extra costs for insur and license IMO.

[l2ridehd]

There are only two reasons to own a SL golf cart.
1. You have a serious death wish.
2. You are completely crazy and don't know any better.

[justjim]

Street Legal should be allowed to travel the speed limit of 35mph which is the maximum speed of the road/street it is allowed to travel on. Otherwise---forget it! What was our "leaders" thinking?

[gatherer47]

Why would anybody want to be on main artery like Morse or Buena Vista and be among all those cars and trucks? I see this and it boggles my mind.The golf cart paths are perfectly fine and to risk your life to get somewhere five minutes sooner,ridiculous.

[alzjr]

Get over it! These are slow intercity streets with a MAXIMUM speed limit of 35 MPH, not Interstate highways. If you cant't anticipate slower moving traffic you should not be driving. There are bicycles, slow scooters, tractors, and mowing equipment all using these streets. Move over to the other lane that's what it is for.
I have driven over 35000 miles with my LSV in The Villages and never had a problem.

[JoMar]

I asked a driver of a street legal.....why? His answer was simple....I can get to places faster. He also said he hasn't learned how to retire, his wife enjoys the MMP because she can pull over and enjoy the flowers, the ponds and wild life so he has two carts, one street legal and one not. He has had several close calls and agrees that it probably isn't a great idea to be out there......as he said, "one mistake on my part or on the part of a car and I'm probably dead". At least he's a realist.

[Chatbrat]

one day your luck will run out, all it takes some one on a cell phone, someone texting, or a person with a medical problem who isn't that swift behind you & you're toast

[spring_chicken]

one day your luck will run out, all it takes some one on a cell phone, someone texting, or a person with a medical problem who isn't that swift behind you & you're toast

Same thing can happen to any cart. Especially on Morse north of 466.
If you live your life thinking of things to worry about, you won't have much fun.
If you die doing something you love, why is it anyone else's business?

[rubicon]

I've never understood a reason to buy one.

Well you can wait for another of those great government bailouts and buy an electric cart license it as street legal secure the huge tax credit then thanks to a local pol revert back to a non street legal by removing the plates and the street legal tag:wave:

[Topspinmo]

Give me a break. Few carts do 20 miles per hour. Mine goes exactly 20 mph and I get passed all the time. Most golf carts with plates are pushing 30 down the Blvd's. The guy must of been limping home on near dead batteries. I drive 35 down the Blvd's some times and every body passes me, even guy on bicycle. 35 means at least 40 MPH and faster for some. None of my business how fast the drive till get tailgater two foot off my bumper. All that does is slow me down for safety:icon_bored:

[rubicon]

Give me a break. Few carts do 20 miles per hour. Mine goes exactly 20 mph and I get passed all the time. Most golf carts with plates are pushing 30 down the Blvd's. The guy must of been limping home on near dead batteries. I drive 35 down the Blvd's some times and every body passes me, even guy on bicycle. 35 means at least 40 MPH and faster for some. None of my business how fast the drive till get tailgater two foot off my bumper. All that does is slow me down for safety:icon_bored:

ain't that the truth

[sunnyatlast]

With the volume of traffic on Morse and Buena Vista, there should be a minimum speed for EVERYONE on wheels to obey.

It is absolutely ridiculous, when both lanes are full of cars moving along steadily, to come up behind a wobbly bicyclist or reclining bicyclist 1 foot above ground and plodding along at 12 mph! They stall everybody. Same thing with a street legal cart lollygagging along at 22mph when dozens of cars are stalled behind them. CLUELESS!

Minimum speed should be something like 28 if speed limit is 35.

[NYGUY]

There are only two reasons to own a SL golf cart.
1. You have a serious death wish.
2. You are completely crazy and don't know any better.

End of discussion!!!

[jimbo2012]

these are hazards, almost plowed into one yesterday.

[bonrich]

It is still a GOLF CART!! Never made or intended to go 25 to 30 mph. Narrow stance, short wheelbase, way out of balance. Not a good thing to put on the road with aggressive drivers, especially those with a short fuse.

[tuccillo]

Under the current law, cyclists and street legal golf carts are just as entitled to use the roads as you are. As the overtaking vehicle, you are required to pass in a safe and legal manner. That means using your turn signals and giving cyclists at least 3 feet of clearance. Also, under the law, there is no minimum speed for cyclists. I am sorry that other people are inconveniencing you but we live in a society where many resources, paid for with tax dollars, are meant to be shared by the community. Slow down, enjoy the ride, and share the roads with the rest of the fine people in our beautiful community. You can, of course, work to change the law but those of us who pay taxes that help maintain the roads will work against any such change. Your suggestion of a minimum speed limit of 28 mph would exclude cyclists from using the roads.

With the volume of traffic on Morse and Buena Vista, there should be a minimum speed for EVERYONE on wheels to obey.

It is absolutely ridiculous, when both lanes are full of cars moving along steadily, to come up behind a wobbly bicyclist or reclining bicyclist 1 foot above ground and plodding along at 12 mph! They stall everybody. Same thing with a street legal cart lollygagging along at 22mph when dozens of cars are stalled behind them. CLUELESS!

Minimum speed should be something like 28 if speed limit is 35.

[rubicon]

Under the current law, cyclists and street legal golf carts are just as entitled to use the roads as you are. As the overtaking vehicle, so are required to pass in a safe and legal manner. That means using your turn signals and giving cyclists at least 3 feet of clearance. Also, under the law, there is no minimum speed for cyclists. I am sorry that other people are inconveniencing you but we live in a society where many resources, paid for with tax dollars, are meant to be shared by the community. Slow down, enjoy the ride, and share the roads with the rest of the fine people in our beautiful community. You can, of course, work to change the law but those of us who pay taxes that help maintain the roads will work against any such change. Your suggestion of a minimum speed limit of 28 mph would exclude cyclists from using the roads.

Hi tuccillo, let me take a wild guess you are a bicyclist, own a street legal cart, or both?

To suggest that every person has to agree with your philosophy to slow down enjoy the ride and share the roads based on your definition of the aforementioned is unrealistic; albeit I make every effort to accommodate others.

Slow moving vehicles create as many hazards as fast moving vehicles. Many states are now allowing motorcyclist to legally weave in between traffic which is an accident waiting to happen. This sort of dynamic drives some motorist to road rage.

Notice what happens when a vehicle in the left lane on say 466 moves at or below the speed limit.


Personal Best Regards

[Challenger]

Let's forget the law for a moment and talk about a ton or more of auto moving at 25 to 35 mph on a street. The phsics of a collision would indicate that the much, much lighter vehicle is going to have the most severe effect from a collision. Even though the law may be on your side, I can't understand why anyone would want to put their life and well being into the hands of auto drivers, who might have a moment loss of focus and maim or kill the operator of a cart or bike. (I had the right to be there)!! Yes we all travel in cars and you can make similar arguments, but autos are now encased with multitudes of safety items to protect the passengers. Not so with bikes or carts.

[joldnol]

Let's forget the law for a moment and talk about a ton or more of auto moving at 25 to 35 mph on a street. The physics of a collision would indicate that the much, much lighter vehicle is going to have the most severe effect from a collision. Even though the law may be on your side, I can't understand why anyone would want to put their life and well being into the hands of auto drivers, who might have a moment loss of focus and maim or kill the operator of a cart or bike. (I had the right to be there)!! Yes we all travel in cars and you can make similar arguments, but autos are now encased with multitudes of safety items to protect the passengers. Not so with bikes or carts.

stop bringing common sense to the discussion

[Chazz]

Let's forget the law for a moment and talk about a ton or more of auto moving at 25 to 35 mph on a street. The phsics of a collision would indicate that the much, much lighter vehicle is going to have the most severe effect from a collision. Even though the law may be on your side, I can't understand why anyone would want to put their life and well being into the hands of auto drivers, who might have a moment loss of focus and maim or kill the operator of a cart or bike. (I had the right to be there)!! Yes we all travel in cars and you can make similar arguments, but autos are now encased with multitudes of safety items to protect the passengers. Not so with bikes or carts.

Perhaps we should all be driving 18 wheeled tractor trailers to ensure we are the most likely to survive collisions with those puny little death trap cars.

[Chazz]

these are hazards, almost plowed into one yesterday.

How in the world did that happen?

[patfla06]

There are only two reasons to own a SL golf cart.
1. You have a serious death wish.
2. You are completely crazy and don't know any better.

:bigbow:

[ureout]

these are hazards, almost plowed into one yesterday.

:clap2: finally someone that admits they do not know how to drive!!!! first of all if you looked in front of you 50/100yds you would not get stuck behind a street legal cart, bicyclist or slow scooter. as far as them bogging down traffic....get the people who constantly drive in the left lane... otherwise known as the PASSING LANE to move to the right then traffic would move along

[sunnyatlast]

With the volume of traffic on Morse and Buena Vista, there should be a minimum speed for EVERYONE on wheels to obey.

It is absolutely ridiculous, when both lanes are full of cars moving along steadily, to come up behind a wobbly bicyclist or reclining bicyclist 1 foot above ground and plodding along at 12 mph! They stall everybody. Same thing with a street legal cart lollygagging along at 22mph when dozens of cars are stalled behind them. CLUELESS!

Minimum speed should be something like 28 if speed limit is 35.

Under the current law, cyclists and street legal golf carts are just as entitled to use the roads as you are. As the overtaking vehicle, so are required to pass in a safe and legal manner. That means using your turn signals and giving cyclists at least 3 feet of clearance. Also, under the law, there is no minimum speed for cyclists. I am sorry that other people are inconveniencing you but we live in a society where many resources, paid for with tax dollars, are meant to be shared by the community. Slow down, enjoy the ride, and share the roads with the rest of the fine people in our beautiful community. You can, of course, work to change the law but those of us who pay taxes that help maintain the roads will work against any such change. Your suggestion of a minimum speed limit of 28 mph would exclude cyclists from using the roads.

"When both lanes are full of cars moving along steadily" means when we come up behind a SL cart going 22mph or bicyclist going not even half the speed limit of 35mph, that means we cannot go around the slow driver/rider because the left lane is full.

And as for being "entitled" to share the road, you're not "entitled" to make all other vehicles stop or slow down to half the speed limit because you're "entitled" to refuse to keep up with the flow of traffic.

[sunnyatlast]

:clap2: finally someone that admits they do not know how to drive!!!! first of all if you looked in front of you 50/100yds you would not get stuck behind a street legal cart, bicyclist or slow scooter. as far as them bogging down traffic....get the people who constantly drive in the left lane... otherwise known as the PASSING LANE to move to the right then traffic would move along

Did you ever consider that the driver in some of these situations described came up upon a slow or stopped cart because the car driver came around a CURVE in the street, or around the curve of a roundabout?? Not everything in the roadways is visible 100 years ahead!

[ureout]

Did you ever consider that the driver in some of these situations described came up upon a slow or stopped cart because the car driver came around a CURVE in the street, or around the curve of a roundabout?? Not everything in the roadways is visible 100 years ahead!

lol...really...yes that's right i forgot where we live, we have all these winding roads and hair pin curves... and as far as the roundabouts the problem there is that drivers almost come to a complete STOP when there is no other traffic in the circle ....its a YIELD not a STOP

[bimmertl]

Get over it! These are slow intercity streets with a MAXIMUM speed limit of 35 MPH, not Interstate highways. If you cant't anticipate slower moving traffic you should not be driving. There are bicycles, slow scooters, tractors, and mowing equipment all using these streets. Move over to the other lane that's what it is for.
I have driven over 35000 miles with my LSV in The Villages and never had a problem.

You missed the point, you are the problem.

[tuccillo]

You don't have to agree with me about enjoying the ride but I do expect you to respect the law and the law says that cyclists and street legal golf carts have the same rights to the roads as automobiles and you are required, by law, to share the road. This is not a debatable issue, it is not my definition - it is the law.

Hi tuccillo, let me take a wild guess you are a bicyclist, own a street legal cart, or both?

To suggest that every person has to agree with your philosophy to slow down enjoy the ride and share the roads based on your definition of the aforementioned is unrealistic; albeit I make every effort to accommodate others.

Slow moving vehicles create as many hazards as fast moving vehicles. Many states are now allowing motorcyclist to legally weave in between traffic which is an accident waiting to happen. This sort of dynamic drives some motorist to road rage.

Notice what happens when a vehicle in the left lane on say 466 moves at or below the speed limit.


Personal Best Regards

[tuccillo]

Under your assumptions, cars should not be allowed on the roads because they might collide with a truck and the physics would be in the truck's favor. A large number of daily activities carry risk. Your job is to follow the law to minimize the risk to everyone you share the road with. You worry about what you do and I will worry about what I do.

Let's forget the law for a moment and talk about a ton or more of auto moving at 25 to 35 mph on a street. The phsics of a collision would indicate that the much, much lighter vehicle is going to have the most severe effect from a collision. Even though the law may be on your side, I can't understand why anyone would want to put their life and well being into the hands of auto drivers, who might have a moment loss of focus and maim or kill the operator of a cart or bike. (I had the right to be there)!! Yes we all travel in cars and you can make similar arguments, but autos are now encased with multitudes of safety items to protect the passengers. Not so with bikes or carts.

[tuccillo]

Actually you are wrong. You might want to read the law before making such statements. Cyclists have the same rights as automobiles. They do not have a minimum speed. You are required, by law, to pass slower moving vehicles in a safe and lawful manner. It doesn't matter if they are a car, cyclist, or street legal golf cart.

"When both lanes are full of cars moving along steadily" means when we come up behind a SL cart going 22mph or bicyclist going not even half the speed limit of 35mph, that means we cannot go around the slow driver/rider because the left lane is full.

And as for being "entitled" to share the road, you're not "entitled" to make all other vehicles stop or slow down to half the speed limit because you're "entitled" to refuse to keep up with the flow of traffic.

[tuccillo]

No, you missed the point. He is not the problem. He is exercising his legal right to use the roads. It is your job to follow the law. If you disagree with the law then work to change it. In the mean time, follow the law.

You missed the point, you are the problem.

[red tail]

Well you can wait for another of those great government bailouts and buy an electric cart license it as street legal secure the huge tax credit then thanks to a local pol revert back to a non street legal by removing the plates and the street legal tag:wave:

bingo! that's exactly what I did.

[alzjr]

tuccillo
Excellent posts but you will never sway closed minds. I will continue to drive my bicycle and street legal cart safely and legally on the roads in The Villages.
Thank You for your efforts!

[manaboutown]

While in my early twenties I purchased my first new car, a 1966 VW bug. Although it was easy to find a parking place in D.C. when I was on I-95 or highways I was intimidated and bullied by much larger cars and vehicles which did not always yield the right of way in compliance with traffic laws. As soon as I could afford it I purchased a larger vehicle for my own personal safety. I still follow that policy. I would rather be safe than right but dead, injured or crippled for life!

[PaPaLarry]

As I see it, there are roads, and there are cart paths????? There are cars and golf carts!! A car can go 100mph and a golf cart can go 25mph. (legal) Cars ride on roads, and golf carts ride on golf courses & cart paths. I think we should have helicopters to ride around The Villages. I'll let our Villager friends make their "common sense" decision.

[NYGUY]

I know you all agree on one thing....You Can't Fix Stupid....

[LuckySevens]

You don't have to agree with me about enjoying the ride but I do expect you to respect the law and the law says that cyclists and street legal golf carts have the same rights to the roads as automobiles and you are required, by law, to share the road. This is not a debatable issue, it is not my definition - it is the law.

It seems very odd that a bicyclist can ride in the road without tags/taxes or insurance... where a street legal cart cannot. Why not a 'street legal' bicycle with a license plate and head and tail lights?
Do the bicycles have speed laws to follow? Golf carts seems way safer on the road than a bicycle. Notice I did not say the cart was safe, and FYI, I do not own a street legal cart. I just think the laws are a bit squirrely and favor bicycles. They can ride on cart paths OR highways, and golf carts cannot, unless you spend the money to make it street legal. When bikes have a safer road to travel on, like cart paths, why in their right mind would they get on the road with cars and trucks. Everyone always talks about street legal carts being death mobiles, but they seldom say how incredibly dangerous a bicycle on a street is. I am sure many of you will disagree with my thinking, but IMHO the rules need changing!

[Steve9930]

Street Legal should be allowed to travel the speed limit of 35mph which is the maximum speed of the road/street it is allowed to travel on. Otherwise---forget it! What was our "leaders" thinking?
Its a federal regulation.

[Steve9930]

these are hazards, almost plowed into one yesterday.

If you plow into the back of one of these you will get a traffic citation.

[Steve9930]

While I would not take the risk myself with a street legal cart I do understand that if I plow into one of these vehicles on the road the reason for that accident will be my poor driving skill at the time. Slow down, be alert, save a life!

[Challenger]

Under your assumptions, cars should not be allowed on the roads because they might collide with a truck and the physics would be in the truck's favor. A large number of daily activities carry risk. Your job is to follow the law to minimize the risk to everyone you share the road with. You worry about what you do and I will worry about what I do.

In fact, special lanes have been provided for pedestrians and vehicles other than cars. If such accomodations were available to provide separation from trucks, I would use them. Pedestrians , carts and bikes have no protection incorporated into the vehicle. I am not refering to laws but to risk - benefir calculations. The law is on your side and rightly so - Physics and human behavior(misbehavior) is not.

[tuccillo]

This question about tags/taxes for bicycles keeping coming up every other month or so. I have two cars and own a house - I pay plenty of taxes to maintain the roads, and bicycles don't damage the road.

Many cyclists prefer the roads because they are safer than the cart paths. Unless you are a serious rider you wouldn't understand why.

The laws do not favor bicycles. The law is actually quite specific - bicycles must follow the same rules of the roads as cars. Think of bicycles as slow moving cars.



It seems very odd that a bicyclist can ride in the road without tags/taxes or insurance... where a street legal cart cannot. Why not a 'street legal' bicycle with a license plate and head and tail lights?
Do the bicycles have speed laws to follow? Golf carts seems way safer on the road than a bicycle. Notice I did not say the cart was safe, and FYI, I do not own a street legal cart. I just think the laws are a bit squirrely and favor bicycles. They can ride on cart paths OR highways, and golf carts cannot, unless you spend the money to make it street legal. When bikes have a safer road to travel on, like cart paths, why in their right mind would they get on the road with cars and trucks. Everyone always talks about street legal carts being death mobiles, but they seldom say how incredibly dangerous a bicycle on a street is. I am sure many of you will disagree with my thinking, but IMHO the rules need changing!

[tuccillo]

If I wanted to remove all risk in my life I would never leave the house. I would never ski, scuba dive, play softball, play golf, fly in airplanes, or even drive a car. I would never go in a bank, convenience store, or liquor store. I am sure you engage in some activities that carry risk. Perhaps you are morbidly obese from poor eating habits, smoke 3 packs of cigarettes per day, mainline drugs, and wrestle 12 foot alligators for fun ;-) You engage in your "risky" activities and I will engage in my "risky" activities. I won't pass judgement on what you do and would prefer if you don't pass judgement on what I do. I, along with the large community of serious riders in The Villages, practice safe riding.

In fact, special lanes have been provided for pedestrians and vehicles other than cars. If such accomodations were available to provide separation from trucks, I would use them. Pedestrians , carts and bikes have no protection incorporated into the vehicle. I am not refering to laws but to risk - benefir calculations. The law is on your side and rightly so - Physics and human behavior(misbehavior) is not.

[alzjr]

Bicycles average about 20 pounds and tags are computed by weight. I guess I would be willing to pay the $ 4 a year to register the bike. Do you think the state is willing to process the paperwork for that amount?

[Mleeja]

It is amazing this topic has lasted this long. It seems to come up about once per month. I haven't seen anything new in about 4 pages of post. Let it die folks. You're not likely to change anyone's mind.

Becareful when you are driving. Like it or not, you are sharing the road with other types of vehicles! That is just the way it is...

[Steve9930]

It is amazing this topic has lasted this long. It seems to come up about once per month. I haven't seen anything new in about 4 pages of post. Let it die folks. You're not likely to change anyone's mind.

Becareful when you are driving. Like it or not, you are sharing the road with other types of vehicles! That is just the way it is...

Amen.....:mornincoffee:

[Mikiem]

In my opinion a street legal cart is safer than a bicycle on any Villages road

[charles46]

Some people forget they live in a golf cart community ,if they don't like it ,let them move out.

[CFrance]

I don't get it. Been here three years and we have never gotten stuck behind a bicycle or a street legal cart. When I come up on one there has always been room to pass safely. If not, oh well, just wait till there is... but I haven't experienced that yet. Exactly how often do the people complaining about this actually get stuck behind one?

And no, I don't ride a bike or own a street legal cart.

[lovsthosebigdogs]

Some people forget they live in a golf cart community ,if they don't like it ,let them move out.

It took 6 pages and a newbie to get to the "move out" statement? Wow, we must be losing our edge...

[DonH57]

I don't get it. Been here three years and we have never gotten stuck behind a bicycle or a street legal cart. When I come up on one there has always been room to pass safely. If not, oh well, just wait till there is... but I haven't experienced that yet. Exactly how often do th geythe people complaining about this actually get stuck behind one?

And no, I don't ride a bike or own a street legal cart.

Never had the problem either. When I pass others I do it it safely and if I've had to wait to do it so be it. Some don't get it and some could care less because it's all about them. I was told ny one of our neighbors about some one up our street, who two years ago were hit head on by another cart as they approached a tunnel by Savannah center. The other cart flew out of the tunnel crossing their path. To this day they are very fortunate to be able to walk.

[Gil Chapin]

Today I was on Buena Vista, there was a street legal golf on it. It was doing @ least 10-15 mph with the traffic flow. The cart was creating a hazard as all traffic was passing it and making quick moves to avoid rear ending the cart. Really they should be using 4 way hazard flashers @ 25mph !!!!

I'd like to try to respond to the original question. I've read all the replies so far and haven't seen what I'd like to contribute.

I have a GEM Car. Technically, it's not a "street legal golf cart" (a "golf cart" modified to meet additional requirements). It's a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) designed and built for use on public roads. It is designed to (and legally permitted to) operate at 25 MPH. I confess - it will do 27 when going down a really steep hill with a really strong tailwind. I do not use it on roads where there is no "golf cart" lane such as Morse Boulevard or Buena Vista. I consider that to be too dangerous. I use the "golf cart" lanes wherever possible unless there is a multi-modal path that goes to the same place, in which case I use the multi-modal path instead.

As a retired product safety engineer, it occurred to me that to use a "golf cart" on public roads (including - and perhaps especially - any road where there is a "golf cart" lane) is a misuse of the product. It's intended to be used on a golf course, not on public roads. Consequently, I chose to purchase a vehicle with four wheel hydraulic brakes, an auto glass windshield, a windshield wiper, seat belts, and a robust frame. It has sealed batteries, so there is reduced risk of acid spill in a roll over. There may be more features but those are the significant ones to me. I understood the extra cost of the vehicle and the registration and insurance fees. I made this choice because even though The Villages has provided wonderful multi-modal paths, there are many places where one must use the regular streets to get around.

I drive mine on my own residential street, where there is no golf cart lane, and I drive there in its "low" speed setting at 15 MPH (I have a factory installed speedometer) because that is the posted speed limit for my street. The GEM Car has two "forward" speed settings - the low speed setting of 15 MPH is, I'm told, oddly enough, for use on a golf course. On other roads where it's possible, I drive it at 25 MPH in the "golf cart" lane (subject to other slower golf cart traffic - for which I slow down to their speed) on streets that have a posted speed limit of 30 MPH. I drive it at 20 MPH on roads that are posted for that speed or not posted at all. I choose not to drive it on major roads because as many here have pointed out, it does tend to hold up traffic when you're proceeding at 25 MPH on a road with a 35 MPH speed limit - and there do seem to be some very impatient drivers here in The Villages.

Wherever possible, I use the multi-modal paths. The only place where I can't do that is on the Sumter Lake bridge. The "golf cart" lane is so narrow that I risk not being able to safely pass oncoming carts (yes, my GEM Car is apparently slightly wider than a standard cart). I take that route very seldom because I don't like driving in traffic. When I do drive on the multi-modal paths, I will drive at 25 MPH when there is no other traffic. If there are slower vehicles, I slow down to their speed (although in some cases, I couldn't catch them if I tried). With respect to speed limits on those paths, the only place I've seen a speed limit sign (10 MPH) is for the lanes across the Lake Sumter bridge. I don't consider that general lack of posted limits to be permission to exceed 25 MPH even if I could. I know there are lots of opinions about that.

I find it interesting that there is recent discussion about the use of LSV's on the multi-modal paths (and even in the "golf cart" lanes). It seems as if some folks find LSV's (or their operators) so distasteful that they want to regulate their use according to their own wishes. I've tried to explain my perspective on the use of LSV's and I think that prohibiting their use on the multi-modal paths and the "golf cart" lanes would not only put those of us who have chosen to use them at increased risk of injury, but also it would cause increased traffic congestion because we would be traveling at 25 MPH in the traffic lanes of roads with marked speed limits of 30 or 35 MPH as was pointed out in the original post

You may wonder why I've put "golf cart" lanes in quotation marks. It turns out that the only place where there are lanes actually marked for golf carts (and bicycles) is on Morse Boulevard north of 466. This seems to be an issue for those who would like to prevent LSV's from being in those lanes. As I understand it, it is also the only place where there is even the slightest chance of law enforcement being involved for otherwise lawful travel in an LSV - and that chance is apparently VERY slim. I use that road very seldom, but when I am there I intend to use those lanes for my safety as I do the other "golf cart" lanes on other roads.

It was not my intention to antagonize anyone here. I only wanted to try to explain my rationale for what I've chosen to do. I suspect some will take issue with what I have said but I hope we can have a civil discussion about it if necessary.

[lanemb]

So goes the saying Dead Right. You have the right to be there but you are still DEAD. I would weigh the benefits against the risk.

[Hummintwo]

We have what was an LSV, & JEBARTLE correctly stated in one sentence the pros and cons. When we purchased ours from a dealership, we went through specific details regarding safety. The operational details of an LSV closely parallel an automobile but its true you have to be crazy to be driving a calibrated LSV at max 25 mph on roadway that is 35 mph. When the State of Florida provided for us crazy LSV vehicle owners the chance to convert our LSV to golf cart with maximum 19 mph calibration, we leapt at the opportunity. In the 4 years we owned an LSV, we always used the golf cart paths and since the conversion that has continued with one exception, we must have a state certified sticker on our golf cart that states it has lawfully been converted from an LSV to a golf cart and if the driver of our golf cart should exceed the 19 mph speed law, an officer can lawfully ticket the driver.

This may be more information than you wanted to know but it is an opportunity to have others understand that not all LSV drivers want to drive on the roadway but if they do, they are entitled to be treated with the same courtesy as any other vehicle owner.

[JoMar]

Coming back from Palmer on Bailey Trail I went through one of those speed monitoring devices......I was clocked at 20 MPH (relief...the speedometer was accurate) and then a car passed by and he was clocked at 45. It's can be so much fun out there...lol.

[TwinTurboViper]

There are only two reasons to own a SL golf cart.
1. You have a serious death wish.
2. You are completely crazy and don't know any better.


:BigApplause:

[alzjr]

Not sure why all the posts say they would never drive an LSV on 35 MPH streets where one can have an 11 foot wide lane to use and travel with traffic safely. The same people think they are SAFE traveling in a diamond marked golf cart lane at 20 MPH with cars inches away going 30 MPH, or more.
Using the multimodal paths with 2 way traffic traveling at all different speeds is not very safe either. A head on collision with two carts going 20MPH will make an awfull mess.

[Madelaine Amee]

I'd like to try to respond to the original question. I've read all the replies so far and haven't seen what I'd like to contribute.

I have a GEM Car. Technically, it's not a "street legal golf cart" (a "golf cart" modified to meet additional requirements). It's a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) designed and built for use on public roads. It is designed to (and legally permitted to) operate at 25 MPH. I confess - it will do 27 when going down a really steep hill with a really strong tailwind. I do not use it on roads where there is no "golf cart" lane such as Morse Boulevard or Buena Vista. I consider that to be too dangerous. I use the "golf cart" lanes wherever possible unless there is a multi-modal path that goes to the same place, in which case I use the multi-modal path instead.

As a retired product safety engineer, it occurred to me that to use a "golf cart" on public roads (including - and perhaps especially - any road where there is a "golf cart" lane) is a misuse of the product. It's intended to be used on a golf course, not on public roads. Consequently, I chose to purchase a vehicle with four wheel hydraulic brakes, an auto glass windshield, a windshield wiper, seat belts, and a robust frame. It has sealed batteries, so there is reduced risk of acid spill in a roll over. There may be more features but those are the significant ones to me. I understood the extra cost of the vehicle and the registration and insurance fees. I made this choice because even though The Villages has provided wonderful multi-modal paths, there are many places where one must use the regular streets to get around.

I drive mine on my own residential street, where there is no golf cart lane, and I drive there in its "low" speed setting at 15 MPH (I have a factory installed speedometer) because that is the posted speed limit for my street. The GEM Car has two "forward" speed settings - the low speed setting of 15 MPH is, I'm told, oddly enough, for use on a golf course. On other roads where it's possible, I drive it at 25 MPH in the "golf cart" lane (subject to other slower golf cart traffic - for which I slow down to their speed) on streets that have a posted speed limit of 30 MPH. I drive it at 20 MPH on roads that are posted for that speed or not posted at all. I choose not to drive it on major roads because as many here have pointed out, it does tend to hold up traffic when you're proceeding at 25 MPH on a road with a 35 MPH speed limit - and there do seem to be some very impatient drivers here in The Villages.

Wherever possible, I use the multi-modal paths. The only place where I can't do that is on the Sumter Lake bridge. The "golf cart" lane is so narrow that I risk not being able to safely pass oncoming carts (yes, my GEM Car is apparently slightly wider than a standard cart). I take that route very seldom because I don't like driving in traffic. When I do drive on the multi-modal paths, I will drive at 25 MPH when there is no other traffic. If there are slower vehicles, I slow down to their speed (although in some cases, I couldn't catch them if I tried). With respect to speed limits on those paths, the only place I've seen a speed limit sign (10 MPH) is for the lanes across the Lake Sumter bridge. I don't consider that general lack of posted limits to be permission to exceed 25 MPH even if I could. I know there are lots of opinions about that.

I find it interesting that there is recent discussion about the use of LSV's on the multi-modal paths (and even in the "golf cart" lanes). It seems as if some folks find LSV's (or their operators) so distasteful that they want to regulate their use according to their own wishes. I've tried to explain my perspective on the use of LSV's and I think that prohibiting their use on the multi-modal paths and the "golf cart" lanes would not only put those of us who have chosen to use them at increased risk of injury, but also it would cause increased traffic congestion because we would be traveling at 25 MPH in the traffic lanes of roads with marked speed limits of 30 or 35 MPH as was pointed out in the original post

You may wonder why I've put "golf cart" lanes in quotation marks. It turns out that the only place where there are lanes actually marked for golf carts (and bicycles) is on Morse Boulevard north of 466. This seems to be an issue for those who would like to prevent LSV's from being in those lanes. As I understand it, it is also the only place where there is even the slightest chance of law enforcement being involved for otherwise lawful travel in an LSV - and that chance is apparently VERY slim. I use that road very seldom, but when I am there I intend to use those lanes for my safety as I do the other "golf cart" lanes on other roads.

It was not my intention to antagonize anyone here. I only wanted to try to explain my rationale for what I've chosen to do. I suspect some will take issue with what I have said but I hope we can have a civil discussion about it if necessary.

Well, rest assured, you did not antagonize me, in fact I want to let you know that I enjoyed reading your intelligent and well thought out message. Be safe in your LSV and enjoy!:icon_wink:

[Djembe dude]

Legally you cannot drive a street legal cart in the golf cart lane on a city street, the law dogs are starting to crack down on it. 160 buck fine.

[capecoralbill]

It is confusing to me to see golf carts with license plates. Usually expired. When I see a plate on a golf cart I assume it is street legal, I would have to get very close to read the expiration date on a plate. I would encourage all golf cart owners to remove expired plates, I'm going to guess it is illegal to display an expired plate.

[Chazz]

Legally you cannot drive a street legal cart in the golf cart lane on a city street, the law dogs are starting to crack down on it. 160 buck fine.

There is some debate on that issue, per the recent POA Bulletin. The Sheriff's office says no to the cart lanes for LSVs, while the District Legal Counsel says yes they can. I would hope that they would get together and come to a consistent interpretation of existing law with respect to LSVs.

[spring_chicken]

So goes the saying Dead Right. You have the right to be there but you are still DEAD. I would weigh the benefits against the risk.

Apparently he's not, since he managed to type that.
Perhaps he is someone who chooses to enjoy life to its fullest, within the limits of the law, while ignoring people who choose gloom, doom, and paranoia.

[JoMar]

There is some debate on that issue, per the recent POA Bulletin. The Sheriff's office says no to the cart lanes for LSVs, while the District Legal Counsel says yes they can. I would hope that they would get together and come to a consistent interpretation of existing law with respect to LSVs.

Until there is agreement, I will follow what the guys with the tickets interpret.

[looneycat]

It is confusing to me to see golf carts with license plates. Usually expired. When I see a plate on a golf cart I assume it is street legal, I would have to get very close to read the expiration date on a plate. I would encourage all golf cart owners to remove expired plates, I'm going to guess it is illegal to display an expired plate.

the majority of these would be the out of state plates people use to show the state they came from. Why would you care enough to want to read the expiration date? they didn't drive from NY in a golf cart and don't care if you waste your time complaining about them.

[jebartle]

the problem with your statement is that you could be DEAD right!...Not a good choice and certainly not mine!




Actually you are wrong. You might want to read the law before making such statements. Cyclists have the same rights as automobiles. They do not have a minimum speed. You are required, by law, to pass slower moving vehicles in a safe and lawful manner. It doesn't matter if they are a car, cyclist, or street legal golf cart.