Registration for all golf carts?

[Talk Host]

This was brought up (I guess as a joke) in another thread, but it poses an interesting point of discussion.

What would be wrong with a registration process and proof of ability to drive for all golf carts operating in the Villages? Perhaps the registration would be free or minimal cost.

What are the pros and cons of a mandatory registration. I know there are people adamantly against it, I'm curious why?

The possibility of losing the registration would likely discourage people from allowing their underage grandchildren to drive. It would keep people who are no longer physically able from driving.

[Canabarrybarb]

Be very careful what you ask for. No bureaucracy is free so a registration process would have to be paid for somehow. I cannot see any benefit since liability for underage and incompetent drivers already rests with the owner of the cart and can be enforced already without registration. Slippery slope from registering carts to registering bicycles, lawn mowers, and roller blades.

[MelZ]

Enough Government

More Personal responsibility

[KayakerNC]

What would be wrong with a registration process and proof of ability to drive for all golf carts operating in the Villages? Perhaps the registration would be free or minimal cost.


Aren't the roads in The Villages "public" roads, regulated by Florida state laws?

[Talk Host]

Nowhere in my post did I "ask for it." I brought it up for discussion.

When I was a kid, we had to register our bicycles and purchase a purchase a license.

[MelZ]

TH:

Let a bad idea die a graceful death :crap2:

[Talk Host]

TH:

Let a bad idea die a graceful death :crap2:

Why is it a bad idea?

If we relied on personal responsibility, then we could take down all the speed limit signs, the stop signs (which are ignored anyhow) and the traffic signals.

[Irish Rover]

Actually this might be a good idea. I'm really surprised that insurance companies haven't asked for some type of registration (theft, accident, etc). I have seen posts in the past that mentioned elderly people who cannot get a driver's license due to some impairment are now driving golf carts in TV. I don't like additional governmental interference but this could curtail underage and "overage" driving. Good topic for discussion.:rant-rave:

[2Wheels]

Does current driver's licensing and vehicle registration insure driver compendentcy? Prevent DUI?

[Talk Host]

Does current driver's licensing and vehicle registration insure driver compendentcy? Prevent DUI?


No, it does not, but it provides a means of control when infractions occur. Without the ability to revoke a driving privilege, what can the authorities do when people violate the rules of "personal responsibility."

[rsetterlund]

What problem is everyone trying to correct? Requirements for driving on the roads should be higher because of speed and complexity. My parents, who I did not believe should be driving, recently moved to FL. The obtained their new driver's licenses without having to take a written or road test. I guess the state of FL feels things are going well with the current laws. As far as under age drivers, the Neighhood Watch people could enforce the current rulings without creating another government agency.

I like the person's response that said, let a bad idea die quitely.

[Fourpar]

TH:

Let a bad idea die a graceful death :crap2:
Amen.....................

[Talk Host]

Amen.....................


Why is it a bad idea?

[SteveZ]

One of the beauties of TV is the fact that you can get every service or need via golf cart. Knowing that the day will come when my drivers license will need shredding, having the ability to get around via golf cart was one of the reasons why we picked TV as the "end of the rainbow."

There is only two golf cart "problem" here (to me, anyway): 1) "souped-up" carts which do greater than 19.5 MPH; and 2) the dumb-bell grandparents who let <14 year-old kids drive the carts either by themselves or while sitting in the driver's lap. #1 will get taken care of by existing law enforcement as it sees fit; #2 will probably be a matter fixed by natural selection.

Other than that - if it works, don't fix it!

[rsetterlund]

SteveZ gets my vote.

[Bryan]

I read all the posts so far. As to the "slippery slope" theory - :agree:

As to the "If it ain't broke, don't fox it" theory - :agree:

As to the "Transport of last resort" theory - :agree:

As to the "Let a bad idea die a natural death" theory - :agree:

As to the "Let it go away quietly" theory - :agree: but please let it go away faster!

:beer3:

[swrinfla]

:agree:
:agree:
:agree:
with Bryan.

Yes, it would be nice to slow down the speeders.

Yes, it would be nice to keep the underage grandchildren from driving. Note: it should be easy, too. You can't nor would you let them drive your automobile. (I hope!)

But, aren't we all over-regulated as it is? And, I do NOT mean just Villagers.

SWR

[Yoda]

This was brought up (I guess as a joke) in another thread, but it poses an interesting point of discussion.

What would be wrong with a registration process and proof of ability to drive for all golf carts operating in the Villages? Perhaps the registration would be free or minimal cost.

What are the pros and cons of a mandatory registration. I know there are people adamantly against it, I'm curious why?

The possibility of losing the registration would likely discourage people from allowing their underage grandchildren to drive. It would keep people who are no longer physically able from driving.

I presume that you also include every golf cart in the country that is operated. Shell we restrict by age? Free this year, $50 next?

TH, You have too much time on your hands. I still remember the last idea you had.:a20:

Yoda

PS As to your 2 pros, Not much gain for the freedom lost, don't you think?

[Talk Host]

TH, You have too much time on your hands. I still remember the last idea you had.:a20:

Yoda



What idea was it that has you rolling on the floor laughing?

[Talk Host]

Knowing that the day will come when my drivers license will need shredding, having the ability to get around via golf cart was one of the reasons why we picked TV as the "end of the rainbow."

#2 will probably be a matter fixed by natural selection.



I guess you are saying that when a person becomes so incapacitated that they have to shred their drivers license, that it's still okay for them to drive a golf cart. When exactly should an incapacitated person stop driving a golf cart? Who shall make that decision?

Item #2. I hope that the natural selection of these underage drivers doesn't come at the hands of an innocent driver into whose path they veer.

[TrudyM]

Would a required golf cart drivers safety course when you get your initial permanent ID fill the bill? It could include an overview on the use of roundabouts as well. I don’t know if this exists but if an orientation to using the cart paths and negotiating the roundabouts was given I would take it first week I was down.

[Muncle]

Nowhere in my post did I "ask for it." I brought it up for discussion.

When I was a kid, we had to register our bicycles and purchase a purchase a license.

Yeah, TH, but remember back then bicycles had just been invented and there probably weren't two dozen of them in your entire state. You and Butch. . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnIoBTLElNA

[Irish Rover]

This is really a good post. TH, you definitely have put something out there that has stopped the political stuff for a little while. When a community is designated as a "golf cart" community, there should be rules. Why should someone who couldn't pass a drivers test be allowed to drive another type of vehicle (golf cart) which is equally as dangerous. I think the issue will boil down to "whose ox is gored". If you are the one who is wronged by a driver who isn't competent for whatever reason, then you will howl the loudest. If it hasn't bothered you yet, then let the good times roll. Moving to TV isn't a license to endanger others. Not trying to p__s anyone off, just playing devil
s advocate.

[downeaster]

Would a required golf cart drivers safety course when you get your initial permanent ID fill the bill? It could include an overview on the use of roundabouts as well. I don’t know if this exists but if an orientation to using the cart paths and negotiating the roundabouts was given I would take it first week I was down.

I think it does exist. In fact it did because I attended a such an orientation and got a sticker to attach to my golf cart windshield to prove it. It coverd golf carts and roundabouts.
I believe such orientations are announced in the Daily Sun. The information number at the VCDD should get an answer for you when you get down here.

[downeaster]

I think TH has a point here. I have heard many Villagers say we should be required to register golf carts so why not "talk" about it here? I didn't see where TH suggested it and reading between the lines gives no clue where he stands on the subject. All he seems to be looking for is a yea or nay.
My response is nay. I see little benefit.

[katezbox]

But please, no golf carts on the roundabouts (or rotaries as we called them in Mass)...

[shazam]

I think it does exist. In fact it did because I attended a such an orientation and got a sticker to attach to my golf cart windshield to prove it. It coverd golf carts and roundabouts.
I believe such orientations are announced in the Daily Sun. The information number at the VCDD should get an answer for you when you get down here.

Attended a VHA meeting last nite where the sheriff spoke about the stickers. They were done away with awhile ago. He indicated there is something similar that's being discussed, but the stickers no longer exit.

[SteveZ]

I guess you are saying that when a person becomes so incapacitated that they have to shred their drivers license, that it's still okay for them to drive a golf cart. When exactly should an incapacitated person stop driving a golf cart? Who shall make that decision?

Item #2. I hope that the natural selection of these underage drivers doesn't come at the hands of an innocent driver into whose path they veer.

1. There's several people I know who can comfortably and safely operate a golf cart who have realized that they should not be behind the wheel of something weighing a ton or more and moving between 25-70MPH. There's no appreciable difference between operating a golf cart and a hoverround, as long as the golf cart isn't "souped up." That's why we have separate roadways for the carts. It's the folk who consider their golf carts the same as midget racers who are "inconvenienced" by those who operate their carts at other-than-full-throttle. This is TV - what's the rush?

2. It will happen, and then the grandparents will of course blame everyone other than themselves. One thing is for sure - you just can't legislate away stupidity. I saw a tee-shirt the other day with the saying: The difference between Genius and Stupidity is Genius has its limits.

[djl8412]

I personally feel that mandatory cart registration and insurance is coming down the road anyway. Right now, with all I have seen and heard, many individuals feel entitled to drive their carts without using turn signals, overloaded with passengers, child operators, wreckless operation and intoxicated operators. There have also been carts abandoned and/or broken down and left in hazardous positions with no way of knowing who the owner is. IMHO there needs to be more responsibility to the owners and those they allow to operate their vehicles. Let's not overlook the many serious injuries and fatalities that have occurred involving golf carts. On top of it all, The Villages is still growing and so will the number of carts.

[dillywho]

1. There's several people I know who can comfortably and safely operate a golf cart who have realized that they should not be behind the wheel of something weighing a ton or more and moving between 25-70MPH. There's no appreciable difference between operating a golf cart and a hoverround, as long as the golf cart isn't "souped up." That's why we have separate roadways for the carts. It's the folk who consider their golf carts the same as midget racers who are "inconvenienced" by those who operate their carts at other-than-full-throttle. This is TV - what's the rush?

2. It will happen, and then the grandparents will of course blame everyone other than themselves. One thing is for sure - you just can't legislate away stupidity. I saw a tee-shirt the other day with the saying: The difference between Genius and Stupidity is Genius has its limits.

Steve, as usual, you bring a little common sense to the thread. My husband no longer drives but is very capable with the cart. He doesn't drive because if he has to go outside TV, I have to go since he has problems communicating. If I have to go anyway, what's the point for him to drive. (Yes, he does have a license.) Within TV he goes everywhere, very often alone, and knows shortcuts that I wouldn't think about. He's an avid golfer and knows the best routes to the courses so he usually drives when we play together. Our cart is set at 19.6 mph which is plenty. For those that feel the need to go faster.....plan ahead and leave earlier. Simple solution.

I thought this idea of registration (within TV only) was for a means of identifying carts to be sure #1 that they are Villagers who pay for the paths, etc., and #2 as identifiers on the courses, for instance, since so many look alike or in the event of thefts, etc.

[shazam]

One of the beauties of TV is the fact that you can get every service or need via golf cart. Knowing that the day will come when my drivers license will need shredding, having the ability to get around via golf cart was one of the reasons why we picked TV as the "end of the rainbow."

There is only two golf cart "problem" here (to me, anyway): 1) "souped-up" carts which do greater than 19.5 MPH; and 2) the dumb-bell grandparents who let <14 year-old kids drive the carts either by themselves or while sitting in the driver's lap. #1 will get taken care of by existing law enforcement as it sees fit; #2 will probably be a matter fixed by natural selection.

Other than that - if it works, don't fix it!
Unfortunately Steve, it aint working. I have a post under the heading of "golf carts". Please read it. You may change your mind about registration. This guy ran a car off the road (only to avoid him) and could have seriously injured himself or someone else because he was riding on the roads with an illegal cart with signs on the front and back of his cart saying "Street Legal". It was NOT street legal. The cart had a split windshield. I have no problem with registration if it keeps these idiots off the road.

[dillywho]

Unfortunately Steve, it aint working. I have a post under the heading of "golf carts". Please read it. You may change your mind about registration. This guy ran a car off the road (only to avoid him) and could have seriously injured himself or someone else because he was riding on the roads with an illegal cart with signs on the front and back of his cart saying "Street Legal". It was NOT street legal. The cart had a split windshield. I have no problem with registration if it keeps these idiots off the road.

Shazam, is call the SO and report the illegal "street legal" cart and where it is. If he is in the street or roundabouts and is not legally street legal or is causing safety issues, they will nail him.

[shazam]

Shazam, is call the SO and report the illegal "street legal" cart and where it is. If he is in the street or roundabouts and is not legally street legal or is causing safety issues, they will nail him.

What's SO? Sorry, I'm new here. Just moved into Bonita last month.
Thought about calling the Sumter sheriff, but figured by the time they got there, he'd be long gone.

[Yoda]

What idea was it that has you rolling on the floor laughing?

Sorry, maybe it wasn't you.

Yoda

[champion6]

What's SO? Sorry, I'm new here. Just moved into Bonita last month.
Thought about calling the Sumter sheriff, but figured by the time they got there, he'd be long gone.
SO = Sheriff's Office = Sumter sheriff.

[Yoda]

I think TH has a point here. I have heard many Villagers say we should be required to register golf carts so why not "talk" about it here? I didn't see where TH suggested it and reading between the lines gives no clue where he stands on the subject. All he seems to be looking for is a yea or nay.
My response is nay. I see little benefit.

Are you suggesting that we do this for every golf cart on every golf course in the country?

How about every golf cart?

That's what will happen.

Yoda

[Bogie Shooter]

Unfortunately Steve, it aint working. I have a post under the heading of "golf carts". Please read it. You may change your mind about registration. This guy ran a car off the road (only to avoid him) and could have seriously injured himself or someone else because he was riding on the roads with an illegal cart with signs on the front and back of his cart saying "Street Legal". It was NOT street legal. The cart had a split windshield. I have no problem with registration if it keeps these idiots off the road.

You might be suprised how quick they will get there, there are cars in the Villages all the time.

[Yoda]

Do you have any Idea how fast a golf ball goes? The damage that it can do?
Shouldn't golfers be required to show a minimum of control over the ball? Perhaps for public safety sake a golfer must keep 95% of drives on a 60 foot wide fairway? The number of people struck by golf balls hit by elderly golfers is outrageous. Perhaps ones qualification sticker should be displayed on ones golf cart. If you can pass the driving test.

Yoda

With tongue firmly planted in cheek

[Hancle704]

This goes back to what is a golf cart vs LSV or NEV. If it goes over 25 MPH it is supposed to be registered by State because it is not a golf cart.

Granted responsibility always rests with owner/operator but there is hardly a day that goes by when you see evidence of lack of responsibility and disregard for traffic laws, failure to obey traffic signals/signs/ speed limits and the use of carts by underage drivers.

[Talk Host]

Shazam, is call the SO and report the illegal "street legal" cart and where it is. If he is in the street or roundabouts and is not legally street legal or is causing safety issues, they will nail him.

How would this work. Grab your cell phone, call the sheriff (not on 911 because it's not an emergency) and say, "there's a cart going down the road with a "street legal" sign on it, and I don't think it's street legal."

The dispatcher says, "where is this cart now." You say, "it's in the Morse Circle" "Okay" says the dispatcher, "We,ll have a car there in 10 minutes."

"10 MInutes?" you say, " the cart will be long gone by then." The dispatcher says, " can you describe this cart, does it have a (gulp) registration number on it?" OOOOPS. "No registration, not here in the Villages." Dispatcher, "Thanks for your call, is there anything else I can help you with today?"

[nitehawk]

Speaking of the SO - maybe there should be sticker issued for ever time a person calls in a possible DUI driver - it would be like pilots who have shot down an enemy plane - better make a lot of stickers

[Talk Host]

Speaking of the SO - maybe there should be sticker issued for ever time a person calls in a possible DUI driver - it would be like pilots who have shot down an enemy plane - better make a lot of stickers

When you call in this DUI cart, how do you describe it to the Sheriff? Do you follow it until the Sheriff is there?

And, let's say, you are lucky and the sheriff is right there and arrests this guy for driving his cart under the influence. (he's probably on a cart path, which is private property) What's gonna happen to him, are they going to suspend his license (no license needed to drive a cart). Are they going to pull his registration....ooops....what registration.

Complicated ain't it?

[bogey]

Thank you for bringing this up, I have lived here for six years, and am surprised there is no registration or regulation of size for golf carts. I would support some sort of registration, perhaps a small yearly fee, which could be used to keep cart paths in good repair...

[SteveZ]

Let us remember that TV is not an independent nation or state. All of the streets are county roads, so drivers must follow state/county laws, and TV doesn't have the authority to place any restrictions on what happens on county roads. To add more confusion, there's three counties and one city dissecting the TV area. If there is to any mandatory cart registration or driver qualification, that would have to come from the state.

Also, while there is nothing but good intentions with the idea of cart registration and driver "licensing," the law of unintended consequences may negate many of the good intentions.

Don't get me wrong, I'd like things safer, too. However, as in the earlier "streel legal" cart which wasn't example, if people consider themselves above the law, all of the laws in the world (followed only by the law-abiding) won't change that arrogance.

[rshoffer]

This was brought up (I guess as a joke) in another thread, but it poses an interesting point of discussion.

What would be wrong with a registration process and proof of ability to drive for all golf carts operating in the Villages? Perhaps the registration would be free or minimal cost.

What are the pros and cons of a mandatory registration. I know there are people adamantly against it, I'm curious why?

The possibility of losing the registration would likely discourage people from allowing their underage grandchildren to drive. It would keep people who are no longer physically able from driving.I can tell schools out and the grandkids are starting to arrive... they're behind the wheels of the golfcarts again. Yesterday I was riding my bike behind a cart here in Duval... on Gumwood. As I approached I saw that there was a youngster driving with grandma in the passenger seat. The right turn signal was on and I could even hear it beeping. I guess they didn't realize it was on despite the beeping. I kept a safe distance back, they came up to an intersection and the poor kid froze. I went around them on the left and I was ultimately out of sight and the last I saw they were still sitting there. It appears that the neighborhoods are training grounds before the kids go out and hit the cart paths.

[SteveFromNY]

Let us remember that TV is not an independent nation or state. All of the streets are county roads, so drivers must follow state/county laws, and TV doesn't have the authority to place any restrictions on what happens on county roads. To add more confusion, there's three counties and one city dissecting the TV area. If there is to any mandatory cart registration or driver qualification, that would have to come from the state.

Also, while there is nothing but good intentions with the idea of cart registration and driver "licensing," the law of unintended consequences may negate many of the good intentions.

Don't get me wrong, I'd like things safer, too. However, as in the earlier "streel legal" cart which wasn't example, if people consider themselves above the law, all of the laws in the world (followed only by the law-abiding) won't change that arrogance.


VERY WELL SAID! :clap2: I agree! :agree:

[TrudyM]

Let us remember that TV is not an independent nation or state. All of the streets are county roads, so drivers must follow state/county laws, and TV doesn't have the authority to place any restrictions on what happens on county roads. To add more confusion, there's three counties and one city dissecting the TV area. If there is to any mandatory cart registration or driver qualification, that would have to come from the state.

Also, while there is nothing but good intentions with the idea of cart registration and driver "licensing," the law of unintended consequences may negate many of the good intentions.

Don't get me wrong, I'd like things safer, too. However, as in the earlier "streel legal" cart which wasn't example, if people consider themselves above the law, all of the laws in the world (followed only by the law-abiding) won't change that arrogance.

Aren’t the cart paths the private property of the villages ET all? Would they not then fall under the purview of the districts? And can’t you choose to incorporate to form a town (all except Lady Lake of course) if you want too? If something is decided to be for the public good there usually is a way to get it done under the law isn’t there. And restrictions can be put on the residents as to what is allowed visa vie their resident ID’s and the actions in the rec centers, isn’t this the same?

[SteveZ]

Aren’t the cart paths the private property of the villages ET all? Would they not then fall under the purview of the districts? And can’t you choose to incorporate to form a town (all except Lady Lake of course) if you want too? If something is decided to be for the public good there usually is a way to get it done under the law isn’t there. And restrictions can be put on the residents as to what is allowed visa vie their resident ID’s and the actions in the rec centers, isn’t this the same?
And that will give us more government... Why? And there are 3 counties involved (Lake, Sumter & Marion), as well as the City of Lady Lake.

To each their own, but to me one of the selling points of TV is that there exists here the means as one grows older to maintain independence and mobility. Being able to get to all medical care, food shopping entertainment and such by golf cart - instead of having the later pressure of a car - is why this is such a great retirement community. If the goal is to see how fast we can get older golf cart drivers out of the way so the younger residents aren't impeded in their rush to whatever, then we've gone backwards.

For some strange reason, TV has lasted many a year without golf cart registration, "licensing" and the like. If there was a serious problem, the local law enforcement agencies - and there are at least five involved (3 county sheriffs, one city PD, and FL Highway Patrol) - would be leading the parade for specific changes, and the insurance industry would be with them side-by-side to cut claims and raise premiums. Surely we have a sufficient quantum of public safety professionals surrounding us here to keep things as safe as possible, and they haven't been hammering for changes.

So, what is the public good being protected? All additional "protections" seem more in making things more difficult as one grows older than more convenient.

[swrinfla]

As is inevitable, I think, :agree: with SteveZ. He says it the way it should be!

A small aside here: today I was traveling along the Buena Vista golf cart path (what? multi-modal transportation trail?) and came across a cart with Grandpa and a most probably 14-year-old granddaughter. Guess who's driving! Right, the girl. BUT SHE LOOKED ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIED AND WAS PROGRESSING AT A SNAIL'S PACE! Undoubtedly, she became cooler and more comfortable, and may have later terrorized the pathway. But, I was amused by the look of sheer terror on her face!

SWR

[starflyte1]

I too, agree with SteveZ. Why CHANGE what is working as is?

[l2ridehd]

Not having to register carts is a freedom I do not want to lose. However these idiots who let there grandkids drive the cart are going to spoil it for everyone. If the legal age for driving a cart is 16 then no one under that age should be allowed to drive. Registration will not solve that problem. Only some type of police action can address that. Maybe we need golf cart bumper stickers that say "Under 16 not allowed" to drive or something like that. You can make us get registration (more government control) even plates and licenses (even more control) but neither addresses the real problem. Dumb grandparents. Someone will get seriously hurt or killed and then everyone will be up in arms, politicians making speeches, police being responsive, and rules enacted. Why does it have to go that far to solve such a simple issue. Every time you see it "yell at them" Tell them just how dumb they really are. Or do nothing, be the silent majority, and wait for the rules and regulations.

[downeaster]

COLOR="Red"]Quote:
Originally Posted by downeaster
I think TH has a point here. I have heard many Villagers say we should be required to register golf carts so why not "talk" about it here? I didn't see where TH suggested it and reading between the lines gives no clue where he stands on the subject. All he seems to be looking for is a yea or nay.
My response is nay. I see little benefit.[/COLOR]


Are you suggesting that we do this for every golf cart on every golf course in the country?

How about every golf cart?

That's what will happen.

Yoda


I am not suggesting anything. I was addressing some criticism of TH's original post.
Some responders seemed to considered it frivolous.
I also added I do not agree with golf cart registration.

[rsandstrom]

The reason you needed to register your bicycle & buy a license plate was because your city fathers found another way they could tax you. They stay awake at night dreaming of new ways to get your money

[Bogie Shooter]

If the legal age for driving a cart is 16 then no one under that age should be allowed to drive. .
The age is 14.

[Hancle704]

There was a time when TV was really a golf cart community. Operation of said carts were restricted from sun uo to sun down. Made no difference if you had lights, etc. Some folks spent a great deal of time and effort to change the rules so that carts could be operated 24/7 if they had lights, horn, turn signals and brakelights. Everyone appreciated this new freedom to use carts instead of their autos. Back then there were very few accidents involving golf carts

Shortly after the rules changed, folks started to opt for more speed and freedom to drive as if they owned the roads. The just "say no" idea never caught on for some folks and they gave up the keys to their carts to the grandkids and overloaded the cart with more people than they were designed to safely handle. More and more speed became the goal and the ability to pass real golf carts and in some cases automobiles with their souped up
carts.

Because there is no way to id a cart and owner since the trail fee stickers were removed it became more difficult to see who should be visited by the SO.

Bottom line imho, the rules could very easily be changed back to the restrictive hours if things get worse. We have seen greater enforcement by SO with speed checks and if the authorities wanted to, they could enforce the hours of use as spelled out in State Statute regarding use of golf carts in a gated community. No one really wants to see that happen. It can be avoided if folks would just realize that because they are retired, they are not given a free pass to act stupid or, disregard the law. Common sense should not be left at the state border.

[Hancle704]

As you can see, our use of golf carts is a priviledge that could be restricted.

Might be a good idea to copy the statute and keep it handy for a occasional reminder.

316.212 Operation of golf carts on certain roadways.--The operation of a golf cart upon the public roads or streets of this state is prohibited except as provided herein:

(1) A golf cart may be operated only upon a county road that has been designated by a county, or a municipal street that has been designated by a municipality, for use by golf carts. Prior to making such a designation, the responsible local governmental entity must first determine that golf carts may safely travel on or cross the public road or street, considering factors including the speed, volume, and character of motor vehicle traffic using the road or street. Upon a determination that golf carts may be safely operated on a designated road or street, the responsible governmental entity shall post appropriate signs to indicate that such operation is allowed.

(2) A golf cart may be operated on a part of the State Highway System only under the following conditions:

(a) To cross a portion of the State Highway System which intersects a county road or municipal street that has been designated for use by golf carts if the Department of Transportation has reviewed and approved the location and design of the crossing and any traffic control devices needed for safety purposes.

(b) To cross, at midblock, a part of the State Highway System where a golf course is constructed on both sides of the highway if the Department of Transportation has reviewed and approved the location and design of the crossing and any traffic control devices needed for safety purposes.

(c) A golf cart may be operated on a state road that has been designated for transfer to a local government unit pursuant to s. 335.0415 if the Department of Transportation determines that the operation of a golf cart within the right-of-way of the road will not impede the safe and efficient flow of motor vehicular traffic. The department may authorize the operation of golf carts on such a road if:

1. The road is the only available public road along which golf carts may travel or cross or the road provides the safest travel route among alternative routes available; and

2. The speed, volume, and character of motor vehicular traffic using the road is considered in making such a determination.

Upon its determination that golf carts may be operated on a given road, the department shall post appropriate signs on the road to indicate that such operation is allowed.

(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a golf cart may be operated for the purpose of crossing a street or highway where a single mobile home park is located on both sides of the street or highway and is divided by that street or highway, provided that the governmental entity having original jurisdiction over such street or highway shall review and approve the location of the crossing and require implementation of any traffic controls needed for safety purposes. This subsection shall apply only to residents or guests of the mobile home park. If notice is posted at the entrance and exit of any mobile home park where residents of the park operate golf carts or electric vehicles within the confines of the park, it is not necessary for the park to have a gate or other device at the entrance and exit in order for such golf carts or electric vehicles to be lawfully operated in the park.

(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, if authorized by the Division of Recreation and Parks of the Department of Environmental Protection, a golf cart may be operated on a road that is part of the State Park Road System if the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less.

(5) A golf cart may be operated only during the hours between sunrise and sunset, unless the responsible governmental entity has determined that a golf cart may be operated during the hours between sunset and sunrise and the golf cart is equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield.

(6) A golf cart must be equipped with efficient brakes, reliable steering apparatus, safe tires, a rearview mirror, and red reflectorized warning devices in both the front and rear.

(7) A golf cart may not be operated on public roads or streets by any person under the age of 14.

(8) A local governmental entity may enact an ordinance regarding golf cart operation and equipment which is more restrictive than those enumerated in this section. Upon enactment of such ordinance, the local governmental entity shall post appropriate signs or otherwise inform the residents that such an ordinance exists and that it will be enforced within the local government's jurisdictional territory. An ordinance referred to in this section must apply only to an unlicensed driver.

[Yoda]

The reason you needed to register your bicycle & buy a license plate was because your city fathers found another way they could tax you. They stay awake at night dreaming of new ways to get your money

:agree::agree::agree:

[garsha]

If it's not broke what are we trying to fix? System seems to work just fine the way it is. I am not interested in any additional govt fees, especially when it isn't needed.

[OutsiderWithInterest]

Anyone who wants golf carts licensed is not a friend of mine!

ENOUGH GOVERNMENT ALREADY!!!!!!!!! ENOUGH, ENOUGH, ENOUGH.

The argument about drunk driving on golf carts is ridiculous. If we're going to go down this path, let's just get it over with and take it to its ultimate conclusion. Let's license WALKING. If someone has too many, and they start walking around the square, they could fall and hurt themselves or, god forbid, fall on someone else! A 250 pound man walking at 5 MPH isn't something to laugh about friends. If not operated properly, a walking human can be a deadly weapon.

It never ceases to amaze me how far people will go to make everyone else live according to their standards.