Golf Cart hit and Run

[Jaked]

Please watch for a purple 2 seater golf cart with damage to the front end. On Tuesday, June 4 at 9:50 am I was driving north on Morse Blvd in the turning lane towards 441 when a purple golf cart with a woman driver ran into the driver side of my car, a gold chevy equinox. She backed up, drove around the back of my car and drove away before I had time to get out of my car. If you see a purple cart with front end damage, please pm me or call the Sumter County Sheriff department.

I know it shouldn’t surprise me, but I can’t believe people don’t take responsibility for their actions.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

She was probably fleeing a certain DUI

[Chatbrat]

Time, for some kind of ID on golf carts

[kathyspear]

Time, for some kind of ID on golf carts

This will probably make me very unpopular, but I really believe that carts should all be licensed and that anyone driving one anyplace other than on his or her own private property should be required to have a drivers license. The idea that young teenagers and seniors who have had to give up their licenses due to poor vision or physical condition can drive golf carts is ridiculous. It is a miracle that more people are not injured in cart accidents.

kathy

[DAVES]

Please watch for a purple 2 seater golf cart with damage to the front end. On Tuesday, June 4 at 9:50 am I was driving north on Morse Blvd in the turning lane towards 441 when a purple golf cart with a woman driver ran into the driver side of my car, a gold chevy equinox. She backed up, drove around the back of my car and drove away before I had time to get out of my car. If you see a purple cart with front end damage, please pm me or call the Sumter County Sheriff department.

I know it shouldn’t surprise me, but I can’t believe people don’t take responsibility for their actions.

I would call your insurance company. You do not state the damage to your car. I'm sure you will get all kinds of conflicting advice re: laws etc. My opinion and life experience. Fair, right, wrong, morals legal and who has money are too often in conflict.

[DAVES]

This will probably make me very unpopular, but I really believe that carts should all be licensed and that anyone driving one anyplace other than on his or her own private property should be required to have a drivers license. The idea that young teenagers and seniors who have had to give up their licenses due to poor vision or physical condition can drive golf carts is ridiculous. It is a miracle that more people are not injured in cart accidents.

kathy

Seems in the op the golf cart was purple. Imagine if it was a red Yamaha. A report-I was hit by a red Yamaha. At minimal cost, they should all have a number on them. Surely, some will object. A nominal fee could be charged to cover the cost of the uniform stickers that would prevent duplicate issued numbers, fake numbers etc. Wheel locks and fines would force compliance.

Cart accidents? My view is even the term accident is false.
Most, "accidents," are avoidable.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Having the individual licensed isn't helpful, because so many people let their guests use the carts, and why would an out-of-state visitor only there for a couple of days, make an effort to own up to responsibility when they caused it in the first place?

Attach ownership of the cart to ownership of the property. Make it part of a universal deed compliance regulation. It can be identified by color on the bumper with some kind of prominent sticker, to direct observers/witnesses/victims to district, or village, or region. Make it easy to narrow it down, if not flat-out identify it fully.

[patfla06]

//////

[BobnBev]

This will probably make me very unpopular, but I really believe that carts should all be licensed and that anyone driving one anyplace other than on his or her own private property should be required to have a drivers license. The idea that young teenagers and seniors who have had to give up their licenses due to poor vision or physical condition can drive golf carts is ridiculous. It is a miracle that more people are not injured in cart accidents.

kathy

I'm with you, Kathy, 100%. It's long, long overdue.

[Carla B]

We saw an "accident" aka "big mistake" happen a few weeks ago on Bonita in front of the Largo District Office. A man in a golf cart suddenly decided to make a U-turn and collided with a moving car. He had two passengers with him. For some reason they remained in the cart. The impact knocked him into the street and tore one of the wheels off the cart.

[papasetti82]

This will probably make me very unpopular, but I really believe that carts should all be licensed and that anyone driving one anyplace other than on his or her own private property should be required to have a drivers license. The idea that young teenagers and seniors who have had to give up their licenses due to poor vision or physical condition can drive golf carts is ridiculous. It is a miracle that more people are not injured in cart accidents.

kathy

You too will be old someday if you live long enough.

[Topspinmo]

Time, for some kind of ID on golf carts

Why, if they drive off where you can’t see what good will that do. Just cause you don’t own cart don’t mean the rest of us want added cost or red tape

[Topspinmo]

This will probably make me very unpopular, but I really believe that carts should all be licensed and that anyone driving one anyplace other than on his or her own private property should be required to have a drivers license. The idea that young teenagers and seniors who have had to give up their licenses due to poor vision or physical condition can drive golf carts is ridiculous. It is a miracle that more people are not injured in cart accidents.

kathy

got news for you, just cause you have driver’s license don’t mean you can drive regardless of what age

[Topspinmo]

We saw an "accident" aka "big mistake" happen a few weeks ago on Bonita in front of the Largo District Office. A man in a golf cart suddenly decided to make a U-turn and collided with a moving car. He had two passengers with him. For some reason they remained in the cart. The impact knocked him into the street and tore one of the wheels off the cart.


And? Accident’s are direct results of bad driving, stupid drivers. That’s NOT going way any time soon.

[kathyspear]

You too will be old someday if you live long enough.

... and if I have my license taken away because I can't see I shouldn't be driving a golf cart.

k.

[kathyspear]

got news for you, just cause you have driver’s license don’t mean you can drive regardless of what age

Of course it doesn't but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try to keep people off the road if they are not physically well enough to drive. Requiring a license is a start.

k.

[billlaur]

keep it the way it is ,thats one of the things that keeps the villages a popular place...no license required...:coolsmiley:

[CFrance]

So, either Topspinmo or billaur has a purple golf cart.

KIDDING!!!!!!!!! Just kidding...:icon_wink:

[Ladygolfer93]

I agree, I hope no one takes my remarks here as some kind of defensive stance, but, I don't think the inventors of the golf cart (don't know them but DO remember the old Harley Davidson kind with ONLY one front wheel !) had anything in mind other than driving them on anything but a golf course. Made it possible for many who never dreamed of playing or who had to give it up, able to play. Fast forward to ATV's, golf carts as taking the place of automobiles, government grants to purchase golf carts as "electric" vehicles, etc. etc. and what government could have possibly seen what is going on today ! Personally I can't believe the dangerous calls I have had with people who purchased a VERY fast vehicle designed to run on public automobile roads, and then what do they do, run on the golf cart paths in the V's like it's a race track. Often, this is accompanied with a strong shaking of the fist and unintelligible language as they speed around JUST having enough time to get back to the right before hitting an on coming cart head on. Why, why, why ? Not saying, just asking, would it do anything to make irresponsible people more responsible, more caring, less self consumed, to license them ? Did people stop driving drunk when it became illegal to do so ? Do boat owners never drive drunk in states where the state issues boat licenses ? Don't misunderstand, anything is worth a try ! But, sure have not seen the criminals saying to themselves, "Oh, I forgot, I HAVE to get down and register this gun". I tend to think, just a hunch, we'd end up having one more expense and the people like this one would STILL do exactly what this despicable person did. How sad. I will go on record saying I considered all sides of the controversy of teens being able to go to our local public course years ago and rent a golf cart when they could not yet drive an auto. Our park board and city council were all over the place on this. My final opinion was, unfair as it might seem, teens should NOT be able to rent gas or electric carts, but as an incentive to take up the game and not feel they were being discriminated against, could be allowed the use of the (then $2, LOL !) pull carts free of charge (in other words, included in the teen 9 & 18 hole rates) if under the age of 16. Walking is good exercise if you are physically able. Should a disabled teen be able to use a cart to get around, absolutely, life as a disabled young person is hard enough. Ok, some will probably get angry about all of this...as the person above mentioned.

[Ladygolfer93]

You are so right on that one ! Maybe 99% avoidable, 1% mechanical failure ? (breaks wet, steering cable break, etc. rare, most DRIVER brain dead, or, perhaps, just posting on Facebook while going along at 28, 29 mph ?)

[villagetinker]

I may be wrong, but my understanding is if you lose your Florida license, you are NOT allowed to drive ANY motorized vehicle, moped, motorcycle, motorized bike, or golf cart. BTW, I do find this confusing as you do not need a license to drive a cart, but if you have a license, you lose you right to use the cart if you lose that license, go figure....

As for high speed carts, in the last week I have personally clocked 2 carts at 30 MPH on Pinellas Place and Hillsboro, in both cases, I noticed that my cruise control was at 30 mph and I was not gaining on the carts!

I am not sure where I stand on golf cart ID numbers, I can see both sides.

[Velvet]

A student pilot certificate starts at age 14, you can fly solo at age 16.

[Ladygolfer93]

These are the circumstances where you pray someone will see these posts and call saying "I saw that, in fact, I figured plenty of others probably caught it on their cell phone cameras, but in case not, I DID take a quick shot just in case". Wouldn't that be great !

[Mikeod]

I may be wrong, but my understanding is if you lose your Florida license, you are NOT allowed to drive ANY motorized vehicle, moped, motorcycle, motorized bike, or golf cart. BTW, I do find this confusing as you do not need a license to drive a cart, but if you have a license, you lose you right to use the cart if you lose that license, go figure....

As for high speed carts, in the last week I have personally clocked 2 carts at 30 MPH on Pinellas Place and Hillsboro, in both cases, I noticed that my cruise control was at 30 mph and I was not gaining on the carts!

I am not sure where I stand on golf cart ID numbers, I can see both sides.

Here’s what I learned from the DMV. There’s a sort of loophole. It’s true that if you lose your license, you can’t drive a golf cart. But, if you voluntarily surrender the license, or just don’t renew it, it’s not considered that the license has been taken away, so you can still drive a golf cart.

[Ladygolfer93]

The speed of these carts is really getting out of hand. The retail places in the Villages think they are getting around this by refusing to sell carts that go over the Villages "allowed" speed. I recently found out it's not just "a little" business they loose, more and more people are buying from dealers outside the V's, so not selling carts that exceed the limit probably has little impact. Of course there are also those who work on their own carts ! When you think about it, should it be up to the Chevy DEALER to make sure the cars they sell will not go over 70 even though the car will do close to 120 or more ? I just think there are people everywhere that think nothing applies to them personally IF it is not something they wish to follow. We have a large sign here that says Please DO NOT place dog feces in this trash can. I mean it is summer, in Florida and some human being has to CLEAN this can, well all understand this, yet, everyday you see a person to whom this does not apply. While others are all over the place with their fast food type disposable gloves, their plastic bags of poop to carry home to dispose of at their own property, there is always someone dropping it right into the trash can for all to enjoy the aroma while lounging around the pool or postal station. It's life any where, always some special people. Same with those who will walk their dogs 2, 3 blocks away and stand in the street while they WATCH their dogs do their "duty" in someone else's lawn...then, without any shame, walk into the yard and pick up the poop (IF the home owner is lucky !), if not, they simply leave the poo ? Sure better than letting fido poo in their own grass on their property for sure ! People ? What are they thinking ? More and more I have to force myself to ignore this, with the huge population growth here, I guess the actual percentage of such people does not change, it's just that the development has grown so large so perhaps I notice the disrespect and dangerous behavior more compared to years past. Same with renters, I never used to see any difference rather a "renter" or an "owner", now, well, I don't want to seem like a negative person, so I try not to notice the rude behavior, don't want to paint every "renter" with a broad brush, but the way some of them drive the owner's golf cart, makes you wonder. Over Easter holiday the rental home down the street (comes with a cart) had four "children", one definitely looked old enough to have a license, the others no way. They were out riding every single night of the vacation, driving late at night, I tunes blaring from their cell phones, honking the horn of the cart, going as fast as possible around and around the block (probably had been told NOT to leave the immediate vicinity ?). I kept telling myself, kids will be kids, do NOT turn into a crabby old lady who calls the police....LOL ! Wish I did have the answers too all these things mentioned in this and the other forums ! I want to make sure to stay a happy, positive, person. I guess I will have to work hard to keep my eyes, and my ears, closed...LOL !

[dewilson58]

The speed of these carts is really getting out of hand. The retail places in the Villages think they are getting around this by refusing to sell carts the go over the Villages "allowed" speed. I recently found out it's not just "a little" business the loose, more and more people are buying from dealers outside the V's, so this probably does not really make a big impact. When you think about it, should it be up to the Chevy DEALER to make sure the car will not go over 70 even though the car will do close to 120 ? I just think there are people everywhere that think nothing applies to them personally IF it is not something they wish to follow. We have a large sign that says Please DO NOT place dog feces in this trash can. I mean it is summer, in Florida and some human being has to CLEAN this can, well all understand this, yet, everyday you see a person to whom this does not apply. While others are all over the place with their fast food type disposable gloves, their plastic bags of poop to carry home to dispose of at their own property, there is always someone dropping it right into the trash can for all to enjoy the aroma while lounging around the pool or postal station. It's life any where, always some special people. Same with those who will walk their dogs 2, 3 blocks away and stand in the street while they WATCH their dogs do their "duty" in someone else's lawn...then, without any shame, walk into the yard and pick up the poop (IF the home owner is lucky !), if not, they simply leave the poo ? Sure better than letting fido poo in their grass for sure ! People ? More and more I have to force myself to ignore this, with the huge population growth here, I guess the percentage of such people actually does not change, just that the development has grown so large perhaps I notice the disrespect and dangerous behavior compared to years past. Same with renters, I never used to see any difference rather a "renter" or an "owner", now, well, I don't want to seem like a negative person, so I try not to notice the rude behavior, don't want to paint every "renter" with a broad brush, but the way some of them drive the owner's golf cart, makes you wonder. Wish I did have the answers !








:faint:

[Retiring]

Getting back to the OP accident. Would an ID sticker on the GC that hit him or her made a difference? As the OP said, the offending GC “drove away before I had time to get out of my car.”

Accidents are going to happen, TV is a city with Guinness Book numbers of GCs. I don’t know the reason for the person to run, maybe panic. Is adding several layers of bureaucracy to drive your GC the answer? Anytime the government increases regulation it never seems to be enough, it just brings on more regulations and that will bring on more regulation, and so on. Regulation is a slippery slope that makes me cringe because it can easily get to the level of ridiculous. BUT I will concede if GC driving becomes a real problem, meaning we’re unable to police ourselves, then we must increase regulation.

[tophcfa]

Getting back to the OP accident. Would an ID sticker on the GC that hit him or her made a difference? As the OP said, the offending GC “drove away before I had time to get out of my car.”

Accidents are going to happen, TV is a city with Guinness Book numbers of GCs. I don’t know the reason for the person to run, maybe panic. Is adding several layers of bureaucracy to drive your GC the answer? Anytime the government increases regulation it never seems to be enough, it just brings on more regulations and that will bring on more regulation, and so on. Regulation is a slippery slope that makes me cringe because it can easily get to the level of ridiculous. BUT I will concede if GC driving becomes a real problem, meaning we’re unable to police ourselves, then we must increase regulation.

Good post, I agree.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

That's why I don't think a drivers license on the driver is going to be useful, or helpful, in checks and balances against hit and runs. You need to be able to identify the golf cart. Once you do that, you can figure out who was driving it. Perhaps requiring the carts themselves to be registered and provided with a plate, or special identification sticker - whether the driver is licensed or not. Maybe it could be tied to the cart insurance.

[Chatbrat]

All the white rental carts have 4 digit ID #'s, what would be so difficult with having a golf cart with an ID #, on a data base ?, @ least the owner can be traced when a new cart is purchased a tag is issued --a tag for a trailer is approx $14.00

[Nucky]

Just thinking outta the box a little bit. The dream come true and the registration and numbering or identification is complete on every Golf Cart in the entire community. I notice a cart at the square or pool with the perfect amount and area of damage corresponding to the damage on my cart and claim a nice payday on that cart because it has an I.D. on it. Or a neighbor, poster, family member or someone I pass by that I don't like or someone who actually cuts me off or does something dopey while driving the cart and I do get the cart number, I think I got the cart number because it was 5 minutes from the time I saw the person and the time I wrote the number down because I couldn't find a pen and a piece of paper and the number is that of a Snowbird or a cart that is off the premises being repaired.

How about reality. Who is going to pay the army of people who have to administer this identification program and the people who will enforce the daily complaints that are surely coming?

It is a shame what happened to the OP, terrible actually but there are to many holes in the ID program for it to accomplish its goal instead of creating more problems.

I don't care one bit if it stays the way it is today or someone figures out a way to really make it work. I would be supportive either way just be warned it could be a giant mess.

Good Luck figuring it out. Let's see what the story is if it costs people a couple of dollars. Call the WAAAMBULANCE!

[ColdNoMore]

All the white rental carts have 4 digit ID #'s, what would be so difficult with having a golf cart with an ID #, on a data base ?, @ least the owner can be traced when a new cart is purchased a tag is issued --a tag for a trailer is approx $14.00

:agree:

I was actually amazed when I found out that golf carts didn't have to be registered...and required to display that registration #.

In every state that I've lived previously (8), everything from a 10' jon boat to snowmobiles, were required to pay for a registration (usually a small amount)...and to prominently display that registration number on the unit.

And while the whining complaints of "being cut-off" or "they were going too fast" might occur, in collisions/incidents like described in the OP...it would make it easier to possibly find the offender.

[Chatbrat]

A few years ago a golf cart hit a bicylist on Paige Place, the rider was injured--all the police had to look for was a cart with blue curtains--perp was never caught

[ColdNoMore]

A few years ago a golf cart hit a bicylist on Paige Place, the rider was injured--all the police had to look for was a cart with blue curtains--perp was never caught

Hard to imagine that they weren't caught, there can't be more than a few thousand carts with that description...running around here. :oops:

[KSSunshine]

Check with businesses in the area for camera footage. Even though the accident may not have been captured, the purple golf cart in the area during that time frame may be identified for another clue.

[biker1]

I agree plus it isn't clear how such a thing could be implemented from a legal point of view. At the state level, you would need someone to champion it - probably not likely given that there is really no upside. The Villages spans 3 counties - same issue plus you would need all 3 counties to put something in place. At the CDD level, I suspect they don't have such authority plus they have no say over the county roads. There are 70,000 + golf carts in The Villages. The boat has left the dock.

Just thinking outta the box a little bit. The dream come true and the registration and numbering or identification is complete on every Golf Cart in the entire community. I notice a cart at the square or pool with the perfect amount and area of damage corresponding to the damage on my cart and claim a nice payday on that cart because it has an I.D. on it. Or a neighbor, poster, family member or someone I pass by that I don't like or someone who actually cuts me off or does something dopey while driving the cart and I do get the cart number, I think I got the cart number because it was 5 minutes from the time I saw the person and the time I wrote the number down because I couldn't find a pen and a piece of paper and the number is that of a Snowbird or a cart that is off the premises being repaired.

How about reality. Who is going to pay the army of people who have to administer this identification program and the people who will enforce the daily complaints that are surely coming?

It is a shame what happened to the OP, terrible actually but there are to many holes in the ID program for it to accomplish its goal instead of creating more problems.

I don't care one bit if it stays the way it is today or someone figures out a way to really make it work. I would be supportive either way just be warned it could be a giant mess.

Good Luck figuring it out. Let's see what the story is if it costs people a couple of dollars. Call the WAAAMBULANCE!

[Taltarzac725]

Please watch for a purple 2 seater golf cart with damage to the front end. On Tuesday, June 4 at 9:50 am I was driving north on Morse Blvd in the turning lane towards 441 when a purple golf cart with a woman driver ran into the driver side of my car, a gold chevy equinox. She backed up, drove around the back of my car and drove away before I had time to get out of my car. If you see a purple cart with front end damage, please pm me or call the Sumter County Sheriff department.

I know it shouldn’t surprise me, but I can’t believe people don’t take responsibility for their actions.

Trying to identify where this happened? What Villages are around there? You might want to try the Villages web-sites that were close by. A purple golf cart kind of sticks out. The Virginia Trace web-site has a list of Neighborhood Web-Sites. Welcome Back (https://sites.google.com/view/virginia-trace/home)

[Topspinmo]

So, either Topspinmo or billaur has a purple golf cart.

KIDDING!!!!!!!!! Just kidding...:icon_wink:

Mine is maroon and not scratch on it. Hit and runs happen all the time by low life looser’s. Registration, driver’s licenses, or insurance has nothing to do with it. :ho:

[Topspinmo]

A few years ago a golf cart hit a bicylist on Paige Place, the rider was injured--all the police had to look for was a cart with blue curtains--perp was never caught


So, with that vague description due think tiny plate on the back would of identified it?

[bilcon]

With all the concern over golf cart safety, last Sunday, the local newspaper decided to put a picture on the cover of one of its sections, of a woman and three kids sitting in the front seat of a golf cart waving, all smiles, one very young child sitting on the lap of another child. Really!
Great reporting. No seat belt was in evidence.

[PennBF]

I believe there are two major pitfalls when starting a program like ID's for Golf Carts. First, I think it is actually a necessary thing BUT it should be pretty simple. One: Every Cart in the Villages should be required to have an ID, Two: It should be a simple process in that the "Sticker" for the front windshield would be picked up, Three: The Cart Owner's name would be a one line Name on a sheet next to the ID# and Four: There would be a $1.00 charge to cover expense of Sticker. The terrible pitfalls is if this is seen as a "Money Maker" which it is not, and 2 it should be a simple sign up not a complicated bureaucratic excuse to exert unnecessary controls. A simple page handout is where to put the sticker and to remove if ownership is changed. Just a thought..?:popcorn:













Over C

[ColdNoMore]

Golf Cart State Laws & Regulations | Golf Cart Resource (https://golfcartresource.com/golf-cart-state-laws-regulations/)

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Golf Cart State Laws & Regulations | Golf Cart Resource (https://golfcartresource.com/golf-cart-state-laws-regulations/)

According to that website (when I clicked into Florida):
Golf carts may only operate on streets with posted speed limits of 30 MPH and under. Golf carts may, however, cross streets with posted speed limits of 45 MPH and under- just not drive them.

I don't recall what the speed limits are on 466, 466a, or 44 as they cut through The Villages, and a google search only showed that golf carts can't drive on roads that have speed limits of 35 or higher, so they can't drive on those roads.

But if the speed limits are 45 in the areas of the cross gates, then according to that website, golf carts -would- be able to cross them.

Maybe instead of going crazy spending a fortune building all these bridges, they could submit a request to change zoning regulations to reduce the speed limit to 45 on these roads as they pass through the villages? Safer for everyone really, considering these are main thoroughfares with commercial properties on them. If they're not already 45.

If they are already 45, then either the website is wrong, or the villages is wrong about golf carts crossing them.

Just a thought.

[Carla B]

Trying to identify where this happened? What Villages are around there? You might want to try the Villages web-sites that were close by. A purple golf cart kind of sticks out. The Virginia Trace web-site has a list of Neighborhood Web-Sites. Welcome Back (https://sites.google.com/view/virginia-trace/home)

I think the OP may mean the roundabout for Paige, 441, & Camino Real up by the hospital.

[EdFNJ]

According to that website (when I clicked into Florida):


I don't recall what the speed limits are on 466, 466a, or 44 as they cut through The Villages, and a google search only showed that golf carts can't drive on roads that have speed limits of 35 or higher, so they can't drive on those roads.

But if the speed limits are 45 in the areas of the cross gates, then according to that website, golf carts -would- be able to cross them.

Maybe instead of going crazy spending a fortune building all these bridges, they could submit a request to change zoning regulations to reduce the speed limit to 45 on these roads as they pass through the villages? Safer for everyone really, considering these are main thoroughfares with commercial properties on them. If they're not already 45.

If they are already 45, then either the website is wrong, or the villages is wrong about golf carts crossing them.

Just a thought.
That section refers to street legal carts not regular carts. A SL can cross ANY road at a controlled intersection but a regular cart cannot UNLESS it's 35 or less or a local ordinance is made by a township of which there is ONE around here which is on 441 for that other community to get over to Walmart. Forgot the exact location. 466A is 45 until you get to Powell towards 301 then it drops to 30 and 35. Any of those rules can be overridden by local ordinance.

[zmarkp]

I just installed a front and rear dash cam for my auto; may also install one on my cart. It might at least give the cops a little to run with.

[Topspinmo]

I just installed a front and rear dash cam for my auto; may also install one on my cart. It might at least give the cops a little to run with.

Planning on having accident?

[BobnBev]

I just installed a front and rear dash cam for my auto; may also install one on my cart. It might at least give the cops a little to run with.

Give us more details--make--model--price--ease of the installation? I've been considering one for awhile, Thanks

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

That section refers to street legal carts not regular carts. A SL can cross ANY road at a controlled intersection but a regular cart cannot UNLESS it's 35 or less or a local ordinance is made by a township of which there is ONE around here which is on 441 for that other community to get over to Walmart. Forgot the exact location. 466A is 45 until you get to Powell towards 301 then it drops to 30 and 35. Any of those rules can be overridden by local ordinance.

No, that section refers specifically to golf carts that are designed to go up to 20mph. Here's the entire section:

Guidelines for Golf Carts and PTVs (Personal Transportation Vehicles)
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.

Operating a golf cart on public roads is prohibited unless the road has been determined safe by local jurisdiction to be used by golf carts. In this case, there will be appropriate golf cart signs, etc.

Golf carts may only operate on streets with posted speed limits of 30 MPH and under. Golf carts may, however, cross streets with posted speed limits of 45 MPH and under- just not drive them.

Golf carts may only travel during daytime unless the local government has authorized night driving and the golf cart is equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield. Then, it may be used at night.

Golf carts may not be operated on public roads or streets by persons under the age of 14.

Golf carts are only allowed a max speed of 20 MPH or less.

For more information on golf carts and roadways/equipment visit this link HERE.

Bold is mine, for emphasis.

[Velvet]

Dash camera: Garmin 55 $170 Amazon. Very small, does not block your vision and voice controlled, easy to instal.

[Taltarzac725]

Five things you need to know about Florida's Golf Cart Laws (https://gsdimartino.com/florida-golf-cart-laws/)

I found this interesting.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Five things you need to know about Florida's Golf Cart Laws (https://gsdimartino.com/florida-golf-cart-laws/)

I found this interesting.

I did too. I just checked the actual government website to see the referenced chapter/section. Here it is:
Chapter 316 Section 212 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/316.212)
(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.

[JoelJohnson]

In the Villages, you always have to plan on having an accident.

[zmarkp]

Give us more details--make--model--price--ease of the installation? I've been considering one for awhile, Thanks

I bought from Best Buy and had them install it on my auto. My one requirement was removeable media that I could load into my computer. I didn't need a screen for the cam.

When parked my system will activate and start recording if someone runs into my auto.

My dash cam is over a year old and tech changes. Back then I did a Google search for the top 10 models and then read the reviews.

I had Best Buy install the system because I wanted all wires hidden, plus the biggest complaint among DIYers was wiring the system wrong so it drained the battery overnight.

[Topspinmo]

No, that section refers specifically to golf carts that are designed to go up to 20mph. Here's the entire section:



Bold is mine, for emphasis.

Evidently you don’t know the difference between golf cart and LSV. Yes golf cart can be low speed vehicle if it meets required regulations for LSV registered and insured.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Evidently you don’t know the difference between golf cart and LSV. Yes golf cart can be low speed vehicle if it meets required regulations for LSV registered and insured.

Evidently you didn't read the actual regulations. It defined "golf cart" - which I bolded for emphasis, as the type of vehicle that goes 20MPH or less. It also defined an LSV, and distinguished between the two terms by requiring a golf cart configured to go more than 20MPH be registered and plated.

There is a section about LSVs, but this section that I copied and pasted, linked to the actual government website and the regulation, cited my source, and bolded for emphasis, does NOT refer to LSVs. It refers to golf carts that are designed to go up to, but not over, 20MPH.

[EdFNJ]

No, that section refers specifically to golf carts that are designed to go up to 20mph. Here's the entire section:



Bold is mine, for emphasis.


Read the ACTUAL STATE LAWS WEBSITE. That site is incorrect and is just an "informational" private website. A regular (NOT STREET LEGAL) golf cart cannot cross a highway with a SL over 35 (unless it is determined by the locality to be permitted at a specific location). I used to think what you said was correct until our club had one of the local lieutenants (who is now the captain) quote the law and explain it. Our club, myself included, have MANY SL carts and we wanted that info "from the horse's mouth".

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Read the ACTUAL STATE LAWS WEBSITE. That site is incorrect and is just an "informational" private website. A regular (NOT STREET LEGAL) golf cart cannot cross a highway with a SL over 35 (unless it is determined by the locality to be permitted at a specific location). I used to think what you said was correct until our club had one of the local lieutenants (who is now the captain) quote the law and explain it. Our club, myself included, have MANY SL carts and we wanted that info "from the horse's mouth".

As I said - and here's the copy-paste of my post at the top of this page:
I did too. I just checked the actual government website to see the referenced chapter/section. Here it is:
Chapter 316 Section 212 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/316.212)

(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.

That is the link to the actual regulation. On the actual .gov website. Chapter, Section, Florida Statutes.

[kcrazorbackfan]

This will probably make me very unpopular, but I really believe that carts should all be licensed and that anyone driving one anyplace other than on his or her own private property should be required to have a drivers license. The idea that young teenagers and seniors who have had to give up their licenses due to poor vision or physical condition can drive golf carts is ridiculous. It is a miracle that more people are not injured in cart accidents.

kathy

I totally agree for some type of ID system for carts. It's time for cart drivers to be held accountable like all other vehicle operators.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I totally agree for some type of ID system for carts. It's time for cart drivers to be held accountable like all other vehicle operators.

If they are held responsible in the same way that other motor vehicles are held, then they should have the same rights that other motor vehicles have. It's a slippery slope.

Street-legal carts are already held to stricter regulations, but they get the rights that come with it.

Something to identify the cart itself, such as a sticker with a unique number on it, would be to do just that: identify the cart. If there's a hit-and-run it's easier to track it down, if it has a sticker on it.

But there's nothing preventing anyone from removing the sticker - or a plate, or any other thing on a cart that looks like any of several dozen other carts of the same make and model in the Villages.

[Velvet]

But.... TV is built around the golf cart. Practically nothing is accessible by walking. What happens when you lose your right to drive a cart?

[ColdNoMore]

But.... TV is built around the golf cart. Practically nothing is accessible by walking. What happens when you lose your right to drive a cart?

They buy an automobile and drive through every roundabout in TV...multiple times per day.





:D

[Vikingjunior]

Yet Florida is one of the few states you can get a DUI riding a bicycle.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Yet Florida is one of the few states you can get a DUI riding a bicycle.

You can get a DUI driving a golf cart too, if you're doing it on a public road (which most roads in the Villages are).

[OlifOlif]

I may know of the driver as I have recently seen the cart with the damage.

Please call me to discuss what I can provide!

-Edgar

[Chatbrat]

You can get a DUI on a MMP, there was a fender bender, involving 2 golf carts, the police were called, one driver got a DUI, also your doctor can call the DMV if he feels you are not able to drive, after having a stroke, etc.

[Jbmrtinker]

This will probably make me very unpopular, but I really believe that carts should all be licensed and that anyone driving one anyplace other than on his or her own private property should be required to have a drivers license. The idea that young teenagers and seniors who have had to give up their licenses due to poor vision or physical condition can drive golf carts is ridiculous. It is a miracle that more people are not injured in cart accidents.

kathy

How do 14 hear old kids know the rules of the road to mix with traffic? They don't.

[Chatbrat]

on the job training, aka, crash & burn

[hhogamier]

Look in the Talk of the Villages Classifieds, I think the cart your looking for is listed. There can,t be too many Yamaha carts painted with Baltimore Ravens colors.

[Joanne19335]

Great post. I agree 100%.

[xcaligirl]

I feel the same as you!! I've always asked why it's okay for teens/grandkids or senior who have lost their license to be able to drive a golf cart! I don't understand the way people think. And golf carts should have a certain ID on them. So much more that I could say but I won't.

[Velvet]

The problem that I see is that everything in TV needs a car or a golf cart to access and if you lose the chance to drive them to get groceries, go to the doctor etc, what are your alternatives? How do you age in place in TV?

Most places have public transportation.

[grivasellen@gmail.com]

I totally agree with you

[Viperguy]

No laws or new resrictions will prevent the action of jerks. Insurance is the answer. BTW if you have a cell phone and you witness one of these events, turn it in take a picture and send it to the Sheriff. JMHO

[vermonster]

A couple of weeks ago, I was walking with my dog along the recreation path that parallels the Hacienda Hills golf course. I was about to cross Martinez, but had to stop as a garbage truck went by. After it passed, I began to cross the street, but a golf cart with a rather young woman driving, came right at me, accelerating at full speed, from the opposite direction. I shouted "watch out" just in time to cause her to see me. (She was looking to the left, up the street, watching the truck recede into the distance.) She narrowly missed me, not slowing down at all, and shouted "I was watching the garbage truck," as if that justified her nearly killing me. Shouldn't you look straight ahead before accelerating your golf cart? I have encountered other near misses. Golf cart hits car=property damage; golf cart hits pedestrian=serious injury or death!

[BobnBev]

A couple of weeks ago, I was walking with my dog along the recreation path that parallels the Hacienda Hills golf course. I was about to cross Martinez, but had to stop as a garbage truck went by. After it passed, I began to cross the street, but a golf cart with a rather young woman driving, came right at me, accelerating at full speed, from the opposite direction. I shouted "watch out" just in time to cause her to see me. (She was looking to the left, up the street, watching the truck recede into the distance.) She narrowly missed me, not slowing down at all, and shouted "I was watching the garbage truck," as if that justified her nearly killing me. Shouldn't you look straight ahead before accelerating your golf cart? I have encountered other near misses. Golf cart hits car=property damage; golf cart hits pedestrian=serious injury or death!

Did you get the # on her license plate?....Oh, wait...golf carts don't have license plates--------->YET.

[EdFNJ]

I did too. I just checked the actual government website to see the referenced chapter/section. Here it is:
Chapter 316 Section 212 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/316.212)

(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.



I have seen that before but it has no bearing on The Villages or our discussion. I would STRONGLY suggest you contact Sumter County Sheriff's office specifically Lt Siemer to get the correct information from "the proverbial horse's mouth".

What you posted SPECIFICALLY refers to a single owner mobile home park which is split by a major highway and even they need specific approval from the local authorities just like the one crossing over to Walmart on 441 for that other community (forgot their name). We don't live in a mobile home park.

Also, a typo I did make, a "regular" (not Street Legal) golf cart can only drive on roads that are 30 (I said 35) MPH or less unless there is a specific lane like our diamond lanes or if the town specifically approves it. 35MPH is max speed limit road for our street legal carts which is what I am used to.

Our club has had a Sumter County Sheriff rep at a meeting going over this stuff in detail since there are quite a few Street Legal GC's in our group. I also have one myself. The discussion is going nowhere so lets agree to disagree and both get the correct info from those who know when we need it.

[Twiganne]

I think it is the same way with cars or life in general. I came out to my car one day after being in the store. As I go to load my groceries I notice there is a big dent in my bumper and it was not there before I went in. I know this because I had just loaded some things at the previous store I had been at. What about people who are too lazy to returns the carts where they belong and they hit somebody’s car and causes damage. What about people who smoke and throw their butts in the street. Plenty of examples of rude, irresponsible and Oblivious to others feelings and it is not just in The Villages. As far as The Villages golf cart sales I don’t see how that would drop their sales because anyone who wants to increase the speed of their cart can easily do it by looking it up on YouTube. I have been told plenty of times it was possible. It really is a shame. Whoever it was had some real gall. I have heard of hit and run drivers but never hit and run golf carts. What does the person think that you didn’t notice them. One suggestion is you could call all of the golf cart stores, especially maybe in Ocala and see if there has been a purple cart repaired for damage lately. I wouldn’t think the person would have it repair around here but to credit this person as bright in the first place would be giving credit where credit is not due. Unfortunately it happens in every state in the union and I know that doesn’t help you feel better but at least you may feel more at ease to know that it is not just the residents in The Villages. Hope you find out who is responsible.

[Shambles]

You can't fix stupid with a license.

[karostay]

This will probably make me very unpopular, but I really believe that carts should all be licensed and that anyone driving one anyplace other than on his or her own private property should be required to have a drivers license. The idea that young teenagers and seniors who have had to give up their licenses due to poor vision or physical condition can drive golf carts is ridiculous. It is a miracle that more people are not injured in cart accidents.

kathy:bigbow::bigbow:

Add in bicycles ..Cyclist break every road rule there is

[DAVES]

Having the individual licensed isn't helpful, because so many people let their guests use the carts, and why would an out-of-state visitor only there for a couple of days, make an effort to own up to responsibility when they caused it in the first place?

Attach ownership of the cart to ownership of the property. Make it part of a universal deed compliance regulation. It can be identified by color on the bumper with some kind of prominent sticker, to direct observers/witnesses/victims to district, or village, or region. Make it easy to narrow it down, if not flat-out identify it fully.

You mention lending your car/cart to an out of state visitor.
You really should check. With a car, automobile, the owner of the car is responsible for damages not the driver you loaned it to. Actually, perhaps shocking, if someone steals your car and does damages with your car you are still responsible for the damages caused.

[DAVES]

I agree, I hope no one takes my remarks here as some kind of defensive stance, but, I don't think the inventors of the golf cart (don't know them but DO remember the old Harley Davidson kind with ONLY one front wheel !) had anything in mind other than driving them on anything but a golf course. Made it possible for many who never dreamed of playing or who had to give it up, able to play. Fast forward to ATV's, golf carts as taking the place of automobiles, government grants to purchase golf carts as "electric" vehicles, etc. etc. and what government could have possibly seen what is going on today ! Personally I can't believe the dangerous calls I have had with people who purchased a VERY fast vehicle designed to run on public automobile roads, and then what do they do, run on the golf cart paths in the V's like it's a race track. Often, this is accompanied with a strong shaking of the fist and unintelligible language as they speed around JUST having enough time to get back to the right before hitting an on coming cart head on. Why, why, why ? Not saying, just asking, would it do anything to make irresponsible people more responsible, more caring, less self consumed, to license them ? Did people stop driving drunk when it became illegal to do so ? Do boat owners never drive drunk in states where the state issues boat licenses ? Don't misunderstand, anything is worth a try ! But, sure have not seen the criminals saying to themselves, "Oh, I forgot, I HAVE to get down and register this gun". I tend to think, just a hunch, we'd end up having one more expense and the people like this one would STILL do exactly what this despicable person did. How sad. I will go on record saying I considered all sides of the controversy of teens being able to go to our local public course years ago and rent a golf cart when they could not yet drive an auto. Our park board and city council were all over the place on this. My final opinion was, unfair as it might seem, teens should NOT be able to rent gas or electric carts, but as an incentive to take up the game and not feel they were being discriminated against, could be allowed the use of the (then $2, LOL !) pull carts free of charge (in other words, included in the teen 9 & 18 hole rates) if under the age of 16. Walking is good exercise if you are physically able. Should a disabled teen be able to use a cart to get around, absolutely, life as a disabled young person is hard enough. Ok, some will probably get angry about all of this...as the person above mentioned.

Regrettably, only the dead have no risk. Before you assume, my golf cart is set to do the legal 20mph.

Sadly, try as you might you cannot outlaw stupid. As to walking, and those electric carts for handicapped people. My OPINION at least wear bright clothes. Walkers in the tunnels wearing dark gray clothing with zero room to get out of the way of a golf cart oh and often two and even three across.
Clearly dangerous. A bright orange or green shirt as the landscapers use only cost a couple of bucks.