Update on policy change on mph on new golf carts bought at villages golf car stores

[jane032657]

OK EVERYONE!!! Hold on. I just got a call from the head of sales from Villages Golf Cars. THEY HAVE NOT CHANGED THEIR POLICY on how the 2017 's are set. There was miscommunication with their staff who passed on to some buyers, my friends, that there was a new policy to set the carts at 23 mph like Carts and Clubs in Ocala does. They are in discussion with Yamaha and are looking into it but HAVE NOT changed the policy to date so stay tuned. They are going to call me when it is straightened out so I can give you the facts as they emerge. It is a controversial issue and they are trying to come to an understanding with Yamaha about the right thing to do here in The Villages. That's all that is for now. THE VILLAGES is NOT upping the speed to 23 at this time. New carts are being sold at 20 mph. Their salespeople were misunderstanding a meeting they had and passed on wrong information. Will get back to you when this is updated. They are also discussing having the ability to get carts set at 23 serviced in The Villages, but this is under discussion as well. I will share info as I get it. Sorry for saying they changed their policy but it came from the sales people who were not understanding they were only discussing it.

[Carl in Tampa]

OK EVERYONE!!! Hold on. I just got a call from the head of sales from Villages Golf Cars. THEY HAVE NOT CHANGED THEIR POLICY on how the 2017 's are set. There was miscommunication with their staff who passed on to some buyers, my friends, that there was a new policy to set the carts at 23 mph like Carts and Clubs in Ocala does. They are in discussion with Yamaha and are looking into it but HAVE NOT changed the policy to date so stay tuned. They are going to call me when it is straightened out so I can give you the facts as they emerge. It is a controversial issue and they are trying to come to an understanding with Yamaha about the right thing to do here in The Villages. That's all that is for now. THE VILLAGES is NOT upping the speed to 23 at this time. New carts are being sold at 20 mph. Their salespeople were misunderstanding a meeting they had and passed on wrong information. Will get back to you when this is updated. They are also discussing having the ability to get carts set at 23 serviced in The Villages, but this is under discussion as well. I will share info as I get it. Sorry for saying they changed their policy but it came from the sales people who were not understanding they were only discussing it.

Just a reminder that under Florida Law, if your golf cart is capable of exceeding 20 mph it does not meet the definition of "golf cart."

The police might regard it as an unlicensed LSV, which does not have the required license tag, registration, and insurance. Now, I'm not suggesting you will be apprehended by an officer running radar, but if you were ever in a crash in which someone was injured, you could be financially at risk if your cart were found to be illegal.

"“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." - Florida Statute 320.01 Paragraph 22.

:police:

[golfing eagles]

At least this 23 mph set point from Ocala answers a question I've had since I moved her, which is---Why do I seem to have the slowest cart around? Even if I get mine up to 20.6, there are a bunch of carts that pass me or run up my rear from many blocks back. At least I won't be getting a ticket.

[villagetinker]

I find it hard to believe that any business would deliberately set a golf cart to be able to break the law. This sounds like a lawsuit just waiting to happen. As stated previously, these are considered to be unlicensed LSL. My understanding, if you get pulled over other otherwise attract the interest of the local police. They may decide to TEST your cart, and if it goes above 20 MPH get ready for some serious fines, well over $500. Also, if you are involved in an accident, and it is determined your cart can go over 20 MPH, I am sure your insurance (you do have insurance right?) will NOT be honored.

[Carl in Tampa]

I find it hard to believe that any business would deliberately set a golf cart to be able to break the law. This sounds like a lawsuit just waiting to happen. As stated previously, these are considered to be unlicensed LSL. My understanding, if you get pulled over other otherwise attract the interest of the local police. They may decide to TEST your cart, and if it goes above 20 MPH get ready for some serious fines, well over $500. Also, if you are involved in an accident, and it is determined your cart can go over 20 MPH, I am sure your insurance (you do have insurance right?) will NOT be honored.

:agree:

Exactly.

:police:

[rubicon]

I believe too much is being made over a 3mph increase. I bet if a study were conducted given the number of golf carts, bikes, pedestrians on MMP's the avg speed would be less than 17mph. all this fuss when the number 1 violation causing accidents is inattention.

I wish the OP kept that info to himself. He has made the natives restless again

[fred53]

I find it hard to believe that any business would deliberately set a golf cart to be able to break the law. This sounds like a lawsuit just waiting to happen. As stated previously, these are considered to be unlicensed LSL. My understanding, if you get pulled over other otherwise attract the interest of the local police. They may decide to TEST your cart, and if it goes above 20 MPH get ready for some serious fines, well over $500. Also, if you are involved in an accident, and it is determined your cart can go over 20 MPH, I am sure your insurance (you do have insurance right?) will NOT be honored.

shops will gladly install exhausts that not only violate local and state laws, but federal laws as well...while we live in a self professed bubble our minds should not.

[mokey]

I wonder how many golf cart accidents are caused by excess speed?

[John_W]

At least this 23 mph set point from Ocala answers a question I've had since I moved her, which is---Why do I seem to have the slowest cart around? Even if I get mine up to 20.6, there are a bunch of carts that pass me or run up my rear from many blocks back. At least I won't be getting a ticket.

Changing the top speed of a Yamaha gas cart takes about 2 minutes. You remove the black plastic plate on the back where the golf bag sits. Tighten the accelerator linkage to the carburetor to the shortest distance and then suddenly you can go from 20 to 25 mph. After far the newer EFI carts I'm not sure how that would be done. I did mine for awhile and I found the cart ran the smoothest at 22mph, but I felt it wasn't worth the risks involved and moved it back to the original position. Now I have carts fly by me, but it doesn't phase me a bit. So it take 5 minutes longer to get to the course, when you're playing you go the same speed as before.

[jnieman]

Changing the top speed of a Yamaha gas cart takes about 2 minutes. You remove the black plastic plate on the back where the golf bag sits. Tighten the accelerator linkage to the carburetor to the shortest distance and then suddenly you can go from 20 to 25 mph. After far the newer EFI carts I'm not sure how that would be done. I did mine for awhile and I found the cart ran the smoothest at 22mph, but I felt it wasn't worth the risks involved and moved it back to the original position. Now I have carts fly by me, but it doesn't phase me a bit. So it take 5 minutes longer to get to the course, when you're playing you go the same speed as before.

Yes the Villages Golf cart store set ours at 17. We turned the screw just a tiny bit and now the cart goes 20. Every time we take it in to service they turn it back to 17.

[jane032657]

The point behind the discussion of the setting of the golf cart is not to be promoting speed. The original discussion and this follow up has to do with the fact I was told that with the new 2017, with its high performance clutch, it operated better set at 23. The Villages disputed that; Carts and Clubs said that is what they had been told by Yamaha. I was confused between the two opinions. As someone buying a new 2017 golf cart and spending a significant amount to do so, I was/am of course curious as to who is the best company to buy from, who is telling the truth, and what is the best way to have my cart set.

So I called Yamaha and was clearly told that the new carts should be set at 23 because of the high performance clutch. So I shared that information with The Villages Golf Stores. They in turn called Yamaha. Yamaha then called me and demanded to know who told me this. When I told them it was their rep, as well as they wanted to know when I called, and I had all that on my phone, they told me no opinion is to be given on this topic. Someone from Villages Car Store also called Yamaha and talked to the rep, and got the same opinion as I got, and again, Yamaha demanded to know who they talked to. So there is confusion on this matter with the new golf carts. Enough confusion that there was a meeting with the President of Yamaha and The Villages Golf Cars to discuss the issue, all because of my questioning. So now The Villages is looking at their policy around the settings of the golf carts as well as servicing carts set at the 23 mph. No decision made.

I think this is important information to share. Many people are looking to buy or have bought the new 2017's. It's an expensive purchase. We should all be informed of any issues concerning the carts.

And if people want to debate, that is what this forum is for. And if you are not interested, do not read the thread!

[ColdNoMore]

The point behind the discussion of the setting of the golf cart is not to be promoting speed. The original discussion and this follow up has to do with the fact I was told that with the new 2017, with its high performance clutch, it operated better set at 23. The Villages disputed that; Carts and Clubs said that is what they had been told by Yamaha. I was confused between the two opinions. As someone buying a new 2017 golf cart and spending a significant amount to do so, I was/am of course curious as to who is the best company to buy from, who is telling the truth, and what is the best way to have my cart set.

So I called Yamaha and was clearly told that the new carts should be set at 23 because of the high performance clutch. So I shared that information with The Villages Golf Stores. They in turn called Yamaha. Yamaha then called me and demanded to know who told me this. When I told them it was their rep, as well as they wanted to know when I called, and I had all that on my phone, they told me no opinion is to be given on this topic. Someone from Villages Car Store also called Yamaha and talked to the rep, and got the same opinion as I got, and again, Yamaha demanded to know who they talked to. So there is confusion on this matter with the new golf carts. Enough confusion that there was a meeting with the President of Yamaha and The Villages Golf Cars to discuss the issue, all because of my questioning. So now The Villages is looking at their policy around the settings of the golf carts as well as servicing carts set at the 23 mph. No decision made.

I think this is important information to share. Many people are looking to buy or have bought the new 2017's. It's an expensive purchase. We should all be informed of any issues concerning the carts.


Thank you for keeping us informed. :thumbup:

It's pretty obvious that The Villages cart sales are in a conundrum.

Do they lose sales for those that want their carts set at 23 mph, or continue to set them at 17-20...and lose sales?

It wouldn't surprise me a bit, if a lawsuit against the off-campus dealers occurs.

It will certainly be interesting to watch. :popcorn:




And if people want to debate, that is what this forum is for. And if you are not interested, do not read the thread!

Exactly! :BigApplause:

[birdiebill]

The discussion about 23 mph versus 20 mph must include the fact that under Florida law, as others have stated, a golf cart can not exceed 20 mph. Similar vehicles that can go between 20 and 25 mph are considered LSV (Low Speed Vehicles) and MUST be registered, licensed with a current state license plate, and insured per Florida statutes. The driver must hold a valid drivers license. So let the buyer beware.

The owner of golf carts and LSV's are the ones responsible for following the law. A dealer can modify the governor to exceed 20 mph, but the buyer is the one expected to follow Florida law. Decide if you own a golf cart or an LSV. Speed limit on MMP's is 20 mph max regardless of the vehicle..

[biker1]

There is no provision for enforcement of a speed limit on the MMPs so there is, in effect, no speed limit.

The discussion about 23 mph versus 20 mph must include the fact that under Florida law, as others have stated, a golf cart can not exceed 20 mph. Similar vehicles that can go between 20 and 25 mph are considered LSV (Low Speed Vehicles) and MUST be registered, licensed with a current state license plate, and insured per Florida statutes. The driver must hold a valid drivers license. So let the buyer beware.

The owner of golf carts and LSV's are the ones responsible for following the law. A dealer can modify the governor to exceed 20 mph, but the buyer is the one expected to follow Florida law. Decide if you own a golf cart or an LSV. Speed limit on MMP's is 20 mph max regardless of the vehicle..

[autumnspring]

I believe too much is being made over a 3mph increase. I bet if a study were conducted given the number of golf carts, bikes, pedestrians on MMP's the avg speed would be less than 17mph. all this fuss when the number 1 violation causing accidents is inattention.

I wish the OP kept that info to himself. He has made the natives restless again

If, you believe 3 mph does not matter, there will be someone who then thinks well if 23 is ok I will adjust my cart to 26.
You can buy a kit that will with a motor change get the club car up to 35.
ARE YOU-ARE WE IN THAT MUCH OF A HURRY TO RELAX?
You, we all know if your cart will do 23 you will do 23.

[Bay Kid]

The Villages has so much beauty provided for us. Enjoy the ride!

[Barefoot]

I think this is important information to share. Many people are looking to buy or have bought the new 2017's. It's an expensive purchase. We should all be informed of any issues concerning the carts.
And if people want to debate, that is what this forum is for. And if you are not interested, do not read the thread!
I definitely want to hear about any issues affecting the 2017 quietech technology Yamaha cart.
Thanks for keeping us aware.

[Mleeja]

I recall several months ago the Sumter County Sheriff sent a letter to all the golf cart dealers in Sumter County reminding them that the maximum speed for a golf cart was less than 20 mph. I agree with VT, no dealer in Sumter County will set thier carts to exceed 20 mph.

[golfing eagles]

If, you believe 3 mph does not matter, there will be someone who then thinks well if 23 is ok I will adjust my cart to 26.
You can buy a kit that will with a motor change get the club car up to 35.
ARE YOU-ARE WE IN THAT MUCH OF A HURRY TO RELAX?
You, we all know if your cart will do 23 you will do 23.

Do you really believe that , given there are stiff penalties associated with an unregistered LSV?

My car WILL DO over 130, but does that mean I would drive at that speed? My Glock 17 has 17 in the magazine and one up the pipe, does that mean I will go shooting at a school? My dogs are trained killers, does that mean I will tell them to rip you apart? Just because someone CAN do a thing, doesn't mean they WILL.

[golfing eagles]

By the way, here are my dogs---try not to have an accident in your pants out of fear:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[golfing eagles]

And here is my gun: 17 oz. of water in the magazine, 1 oz. up the pipe

[Polar Bear]

Do you really believe that , given there are stiff penalties associated with an unregistered LSV?

My car WILL DO over 130, but does that mean I would drive at that speed? My Glock 17 has 17 in the magazine and one up the pipe, does that mean I will go shooting at a school? My dogs are trained killers, does that mean I will tell them to rip you apart? Just because someone CAN do a thing, doesn't mean they WILL.
I'm guessing most people will not kill others even though they can. But go 23? You betcha. :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[bbbbbb]

I find it hard to believe that any business would deliberately set a golf cart to be able to break the law. This sounds like a lawsuit just waiting to happen. As stated previously, these are considered to be unlicensed LSL. My understanding, if you get pulled over other otherwise attract the interest of the local police. They may decide to TEST your cart, and if it goes above 20 MPH get ready for some serious fines, well over $500. Also, if you are involved in an accident, and it is determined your cart can go over 20 MPH, I am sure your insurance (you do have insurance right?) will NOT be honored.

Hi, first off please be aware that when moving on your golf cart, 20 mph is 29 feet per second. 23 mph is 33.7 ft per second. Speed kills so be careful. Not sure why so many here are so intent on speed. It is not hard to estimate speed. If I am traveling at max of 20 mph, it is common to have carts whiz by and pass, so if they pull away from me, going forward this can be very dangerous. So think of the conditions and perhaps just chill-out, take it easy and enjoy those retirement years. Just a thought for safety.

:gc:

[Topspinmo]

shops will gladly install exhausts that not only violate local and state laws, but federal laws as well...while we live in a self professed bubble our minds should not.

wow I didn't know my golf cart had cat on it or oxygen sender . Or maybe you talking about straight pipes, like on Harleys that noise pollute!

[Topspinmo]

Hi, first off please be aware that when moving on your golf cart, 20 mph is 29 feet per second. 23 mph is 33.7 ft per second. Speed kills so be careful. Not sure why so many here are so intent on speed. It is not hard to estimate speed. If I am traveling at max of 20 mph, it is common to have carts whiz by and pass, so if they pull away from me, going forward this can be very dangerous. So think of the conditions and perhaps just chill-out, take it easy and enjoy those retirement years. Just a thought for safety.

:gc:

I think the villagetinker is well aware of that and he not advocating speeding just the opposite.

[Topspinmo]

[QUOTE=golfing eagles;1360373]And here is my gun: 17 oz. of water in the magazine, 1 oz. up the pipe[/QUOTE

that gun is too scary! :evil6:

[Barefoot]

I find it hard to believe that any business would deliberately set a golf cart to be able to break the law.
Also, if you are involved in an accident, and it is determined your cart can go over 20 MPH, I am sure your insurance
(you do have insurance right?) will NOT be honored.
I don't know of any golf-cart rental company that offers personal liability insurance on the carts.
Theft and fire - Yes.
Personal Liability - No.
That's a lot of rental carts - be careful out there!

[golfing eagles]

[QUOTE=golfing eagles;1360373]And here is my gun: 17 oz. of water in the magazine, 1 oz. up the pipe[/QUOTE

that gun is too scary! :evil6:

Be afraid. Be VERY afraid.:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Topspinmo]

And here is my gun: 17 oz. of water in the magazine, 1 oz. up the pipe

Yes, very afraid! looks like the gun on "MARS ATTACK" used by the Martian's! Yak, Yak, yak yak.

[JerryLBell]

When I was in the market for a 2017 Yamaha, I saw this and emailed the guy I talked to at Village Discount Golf about it. Here is what he had to say:

Thank you for your inquiry. I have read jane035657 threads on Totv, and I suspect the misinformation she is providing is a combination of sales tactics, and technical misunderstanding, and no fault of her own.

The 2017 Yamaha does not have a high performance clutch of any kind. It's absolute nonsense, and very troubling that dealers have to create selling points where none are needed. In fact,* it is a lower quality clutch then was installed on older models. Salesman's tactics for sure !

Yamaha changed clutches in 07 and again in 2012 1/2 and again in 2017. Though the current clutch works just fine and is sufficient it is not made with the same quality as the older models . The truth is the further back you go the heavier duty the clutch was, but that's ancient history.

I believe one dealer is just trying to create a stir , to sell more golf carts than another. These clutches engage from 0 mph to 5 mph. The clutch makes little to no difference between 20 and 25 miles an hour. Once the clutch is engaged to the belt at a very low speed it stays engaged unless you have faulty clutches.

There were some problems at the beginning of 2013 as thousands of clutches left the factory without enough oil in the clutch itself. The weights inside of the clutch did not slide properly and many clutches had to be replaced.

Also the 2017 EFI carts have an (ECM) Electronic control module, this is pre programmed and dictates the amount of fuel injected into the motor. The factory has tweaked the ECM on 2017 models to get maximum gas mileage and less exhaust emissions. As with most things there is a give-and-take. 2017 EFI models have less torque than previous EFI Carts , and far less torque than a carbureted cart. A carbureted cart will suck as much fuel into the motor as it needs , resulting in far more torque than an EFI cart. The only time this will be noticeable on a 2017 is going up a steep grade. Other than that the 2017 models are fine. Weaker but fine.

As far as the speed of your cart. It is my understanding that the Villages Golf Cars sets their carts at 20 mph , as it is our policy to do the same. On EVERY cart !* When it comes to recreational vehicles , we are all boys at heart, and we all want to go faster. But the problem is , the law is very clear in Florida. Subsequently In the event of a serious accident , collision , or ejection , law enforcement will* immediately impound the golf cart.* If their investigation shows that the cart was set over 20 Mph, it is literally Un Defendable for any dealer in a court of law. Even if it is found that the driver was at fault , the dealer will still be held liable for setting it at a speed in excess of* state law of 20 mph. We put in writing on every sale , our carts will be set at 19.9 mph for this reason. If Carts And Clubs chooses to make it public to set their carts at a higher speed just to sell more carts, as they obviously do on this forum, then we can only assume they are uninformed by counsel , or reckless , or both.

Finally the calls to Yamaha corporate office.* I suspect if Jane got to the right person, they would tell her the Motor performance is better at a higher speed. This has to do with the power curve that Motor is designed to put out. The reason for this is , Yamaha designs carts primarily for golf courses , and carts without a higher speed gear, and 10" high profile tires. When we (as we must do in The Villages), ad these performance options to a cart, and then combine that with Florida's 20mph speed limit laws,* the Motor never gets to optimum rpm in the power band of the Motor. Thus higher speed could be construed as better. That being said, Performance is one thing to consider , longevity is another. The lower the rpm, the better the mileage and longevity of your motor and drivetrain . Again always a give-and-take.

Unfortunately there is a plethora of misinformation on* Talk Of The Villages , and given to folks at golf cart dealers about golf carts,* both uninformed and with a specific purpose.

As far as what you do to your cart after you take delivery, is completely up to you sir. The feedback we get from customers is it is almost necessary to pass slower traffic. It is your property to do with what you wish,* and I can assure you , that many Villagers turn their carts way up on their own. We know this because we take trade-ins as you know , and a good amount of our trades have been turned way up, even if purchased from us, Village Discount Golf Car or the Villages Golf Cars , which I assure you , neither deliver the cart in excess of 20mph.

I will caution you that if you are cited for speeding over 20 mph , the ticket that they issue is failure to register a motor vehicle, not speeding. It is our understanding it's pretty expensive and requires the owner , to return a second time , to show proof that the cart no longer goes over 20 mph. This is not my area of expertise , I would suggest you ask others about the ramifications of being ticketed.

I hope this information helps , if you need to contact me directly please feel free to do so.


Warmest regards,

Sal Granata
Village Discount Golf Car

[bilcon]

My cart is always set at 20 mph at the Villages golf carts after. If you want to get there faster drive your car! Many cart drivers can bearly handle 20mph safely

[Barefoot]

When I was in the market for a 2017 Yamaha, I saw this and emailed the guy I talked to at Village Discount Golf about it. Here is what he had to say:

Thank you for your inquiry. I have read jane035657 threads on Totv, and I suspect the misinformation she is providing is a combination of sales tactics, and technical misunderstanding, and no fault of her own.

The 2017 Yamaha does not have a high performance clutch of any kind. It's absolute nonsense, and very troubling that dealers have to create selling points where none are needed. In fact,* it is a lower quality clutch then was installed on older models. Salesman's tactics for sure !

Yamaha changed clutches in 07 and again in 2012 1/2 and again in 2017. Though the current clutch works just fine and is sufficient it is not made with the same quality as the older models . The truth is the further back you go the heavier duty the clutch was, but that's ancient history.

I believe one dealer is just trying to create a stir , to sell more golf carts than another. These clutches engage from 0 mph to 5 mph. The clutch makes little to no difference between 20 and 25 miles an hour. Once the clutch is engaged to the belt at a very low speed it stays engaged unless you have faulty clutches.

There were some problems at the beginning of 2013 as thousands of clutches left the factory without enough oil in the clutch itself. The weights inside of the clutch did not slide properly and many clutches had to be replaced.

Also the 2017 EFI carts have an (ECM) Electronic control module, this is pre programmed and dictates the amount of fuel injected into the motor. The factory has tweaked the ECM on 2017 models to get maximum gas mileage and less exhaust emissions. As with most things there is a give-and-take. 2017 EFI models have less torque than previous EFI Carts , and far less torque than a carbureted cart. A carbureted cart will suck as much fuel into the motor as it needs , resulting in far more torque than an EFI cart. The only time this will be noticeable on a 2017 is going up a steep grade. Other than that the 2017 models are fine. Weaker but fine.

As far as the speed of your cart. It is my understanding that the Villages Golf Cars sets their carts at 20 mph , as it is our policy to do the same. On EVERY cart !* When it comes to recreational vehicles , we are all boys at heart, and we all want to go faster. But the problem is , the law is very clear in Florida. Subsequently In the event of a serious accident , collision , or ejection , law enforcement will* immediately impound the golf cart.* If their investigation shows that the cart was set over 20 Mph, it is literally Un Defendable for any dealer in a court of law. Even if it is found that the driver was at fault , the dealer will still be held liable for setting it at a speed in excess of* state law of 20 mph. We put in writing on every sale , our carts will be set at 19.9 mph for this reason. If Carts And Clubs chooses to make it public to set their carts at a higher speed just to sell more carts, as they obviously do on this forum, then we can only assume they are uninformed by counsel , or reckless , or both.

Finally the calls to Yamaha corporate office.* I suspect if Jane got to the right person, they would tell her the Motor performance is better at a higher speed. This has to do with the power curve that Motor is designed to put out. The reason for this is , Yamaha designs carts primarily for golf courses , and carts without a higher speed gear, and 10" high profile tires. When we (as we must do in The Villages), ad these performance options to a cart, and then combine that with Florida's 20mph speed limit laws,* the Motor never gets to optimum rpm in the power band of the Motor. Thus higher speed could be construed as better. That being said, Performance is one thing to consider , longevity is another. The lower the rpm, the better the mileage and longevity of your motor and drivetrain . Again always a give-and-take.

Unfortunately there is a plethora of misinformation on* Talk Of The Villages , and given to folks at golf cart dealers about golf carts,* both uninformed and with a specific purpose.

As far as what you do to your cart after you take delivery, is completely up to you sir. The feedback we get from customers is it is almost necessary to pass slower traffic. It is your property to do with what you wish,* and I can assure you , that many Villagers turn their carts way up on their own. We know this because we take trade-ins as you know , and a good amount of our trades have been turned way up, even if purchased from us, Village Discount Golf Car or the Villages Golf Cars , which I assure you , neither deliver the cart in excess of 20mph.

I will caution you that if you are cited for speeding over 20 mph , the ticket that they issue is failure to register a motor vehicle, not speeding. It is our understanding it's pretty expensive and requires the owner , to return a second time , to show proof that the cart no longer goes over 20 mph. This is not my area of expertise , I would suggest you ask others about the ramifications of being ticketed.

I hope this information helps , if you need to contact me directly please feel free to do so.


Warmest regards,

Sal Granata
Village Discount Golf Car
Thanks for taking the time to provide clarification. :ho:

[OhioBuckeye]

OK EVERYONE!!! Hold on. I just got a call from the head of sales from Villages Golf Cars. THEY HAVE NOT CHANGED THEIR POLICY on how the 2017 's are set. There was miscommunication with their staff who passed on to some buyers, my friends, that there was a new policy to set the carts at 23 mph like Carts and Clubs in Ocala does. They are in discussion with Yamaha and are looking into it but HAVE NOT changed the policy to date so stay tuned. They are going to call me when it is straightened out so I can give you the facts as they emerge. It is a controversial issue and they are trying to come to an understanding with Yamaha about the right thing to do here in The Villages. That's all that is for now. THE VILLAGES is NOT upping the speed to 23 at this time. New carts are being sold at 20 mph. Their salespeople were misunderstanding a meeting they had and passed on wrong information. Will get back to you when this is updated. They are also discussing having the ability to get carts set at 23 serviced in The Villages, but this is under discussion as well. I will share info as I get it. Sorry for saying they changed their policy but it came from the sales people who were not understanding they were only discussing it.

I don't know why TV would change their speed limits for carts. Have you or anyone else EVER seen a golf cart pulled over for speeding? Personally I think they could leave it at 20 mph & carts could go 40 mph & probably nobody would ever get pulled over. I guess I don't understand why they have the 20 mph speed limit now, because I don't think they enforce the ones they have now. My cart will run 20 mph top speed & I mean everbody passes me. Are the speed limits for real?

[DonH57]

I don't know why TV would change their speed limits for carts. Have you or anyone else EVER seen a golf cart pulled over for speeding? Personally I think they could leave it at 20 mph & carts could go 40 mph & probably nobody would ever get pulled over. I guess I don't understand why they have the 20 mph speed limit now, because I don't think they enforce the ones they have now. My cart will run 20 mph top speed & I mean everbody passes me. Are the speed limits for real?

I personally would like to see the statistics of how many golf cart operators were charged for an " unregistered golf cart" as local authorities call it. I'm passed constantly in our golf cart on just about every public street in the villages. Our cart can only go 20. I'm passed like I'm sitting still and most of the time unsafely especially this time of year.:ohdear: Sorry. I just don't see the enforcement happening.

[genobambino]

If you get caught going over 20 mph, the fine can run over $500. Plus a whole bunch of other stuff

[golfing eagles]

I personally would like to see the statistics of how many golf cart operators were charged for an " unregistered golf cart" as local authorities call it. I'm passed constantly in our golf cart on just about every public street in the villages. Our cart can only go 20. I'm passed like I'm sitting still and most of the time unsafely especially this time of year.:ohdear: Sorry. I just don't see the enforcement happening.

Me too. My cart can get to 20.4 on level ground, and about 21.8 on a downgrade. Even at that speed, I am constantly getting passed like I'm standing still. Worse yet, some of these drivers make it clear that they are annoyed that I am traveling the legal speed limit in THEIR cart lane while passing me in THEIR ILLEGALLY modified golf cart.

[sldsld]

My experience this year is that about half of the carts are driving around 30 mph in the cart lanes (not the paths). It probably would be more except for those only doing 20 mph are holding the speeder them up and they are afraid to pass. The law is a little lame, as ALL carts are capable of doing over 20 mph with easy throttle adjustments.

[golfing eagles]

My experience this year is that about half of the carts are driving around 30 mph in the cart lanes (not the paths). It probably would be more except for those only doing 20 mph are holding the speeder them up and they are afraid to pass. The law is a little lame, as ALL carts are capable of doing over 20 mph with easy throttle adjustments.

Not really a lame law. The cart is only illegal if you go ahead and ACTUALLY MAKE those adjustments

[wknutson]

It is correct that carts going over 20 mph are required to be licensed as low speed vehicles. Nobody has mentioned that, if you are caught going in excess of 20 mph your ticket is not for speeding but is a, albeit low grade, felony. Fines are very high and the felony stays on your record until you die. Someone who had this problem wanted to go into Canada for a vacation but was refused when the felony showed on his record.

[kathym.sutton@gmail.com]

I don't understand...if the cart is capable of going faster, but you don't go faster, are they ok? How fast does one have to go to be considered street legal? Is there a way for a golf cart service person to put a limit on the speed so that it doesn't come under street legal?

[golfing eagles]

It is correct that carts going over 20 mph are required to be licensed as low speed vehicles. Nobody has mentioned that, if you are caught going in excess of 20 mph your ticket is not for speeding but is a, albeit low grade, felony. Fines are very high and the felony stays on your record until you die. Someone who had this problem wanted to go into Canada for a vacation but was refused when the felony showed on his record.

This is about the umpteenth time someone has posted that getting a citation for an "unregistered vehicle" is a FELONY. Here is the Florida statute regarding the penalty:

(9) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable pursuant to chapter 318 as a moving violation for infractions of subsections (1)-(5) or a local ordinance corresponding thereto and enacted pursuant to subsection (8), or punishable pursuant to chapter 318 as a nonmoving violation for infractions of subsection (6), subsection (7), or a local ordinance corresponding thereto and enacted pursuant to subsection (8).

The fines are substantial, but not criminal. Even an E class felony can be punished by 1-3 years in state prison, can you see that. Even aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd and 3rd degree (driving a car without a license) is a traffic infraction, 1st degree is a class B misdemeanor.

I'd like to hear what one of our resident lawyers think

[golfing eagles]

I don't understand...if the cart is capable of going faster, but you don't go faster, are they ok? How fast does one have to go to be considered street legal? Is there a way for a golf cart service person to put a limit on the speed so that it doesn't come under street legal?

Golf carts are defined by their inability to exceed 20 mph, and can only be driven on roads with a speed limit of 30 (when no cart lane is available). LSVs are capable of 25 mph and can be driven on roads with a speed limit of 35 or less. Even if you are not exceeding these maximum speeds, you can be cited if the cart CAN go faster (and LEOs will check it). It usually only comes up if there is an accident. Also, if the cart is found capable of exceeding these speed, your insurance will probably not cover you. The cart retailers are required, BY LAW, not to sell anything that exceeds these limits, and will typically adjust your cart or LSV back to these limits at a service appointment. The problem is not with the manufacturer or retailer, it is individual owners who adjust the governor on the cart to achieve speeds of 25, 30 or even 35. Until they get caught, that is!

[toeser]

Yes the Villages Golf cart store set ours at 17. We turned the screw just a tiny bit and now the cart goes 20. Every time we take it in to service they turn it back to 17.

My experience with them is that if you ask them to set speed at max legal, they do.

I don't experience many golf cart speeders in the Villages, but I did have one blow by me a couple of days ago that had to be doing 30. I was hoping he would get caught, because that's unsafe for everyone on the paths.

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[QUOTE=jane032657;1359498]OK EVERYONE!!! Hold on. I just got a call from the head of sales from Villages Golf Cars. THEY HAVE NOT CHANGED THEIR POLICY on how the 2017 's are


It it sad, the obsession so many have with speed. At 16 my friend was driving his mother's car, I was a passenger. He did a quick turn at 100 and was thrown out, the car rolled several times, and so for all of my life I have had a badly injured back, multiple fractures, lots of pain. He died instantly. It is only my view folks, but what it the hurry here? Going from Old Mill to A. Palmer my cart does 19 or 20 mph, others gain and swiz by like crazy. If I am on my bike it is a plan of many carts to see how close they can come to me, one guy, a passenger, slapped my rear view mirror as they went by, illegal for sure!!! There is a three foot law, for clearance, but how many care? Why is a moving vehicle a toy? Hey, go to some race track, watch as they fill the toys with fuel, drive at breakneck speeds, hit the wall, hit each other,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, real smart Right? How about being safe, being practical, slow down, and not being sorry???
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[jss3rd]

You know technically, most golf carts are CAPABLE of going more than 20 mph, even if they are set for 20, so under the FL code section it can be argued that almost any "golf cart" on the road does not meet the legal definition.