Wannabe Golf Cart Cop

[kenketo@gmail.com]

Does anyone have any knowledge or have experienced anything like my ride home from Brownwood Square last Thursday night.
Heading back south to the Monarch Grove area in my golf cart I was approached in the dark by a assclown in a golf cart with blue and red flashing lights from behind, I was the third cart in a line heading south, thinking I was getting “pulled over “ by a law enforcement officer I pulled off of the cart path, this impersonator passed me and continued to startle the two carts in front of me. He was clocking about 30mph at this point, I noticed that he had two sets of golf clubs on his cart, meaning that it was very doubtful he has any authority as a golf cart cop. Don’t know the exact statue of impersonating a police officer in Florida but I’m sure it’s pretty serious. I would like to know more information about this individual if any of you have experienced this before.

[Topspinmo]

Golf clubs on back explains it…. Pulled you over so he could pass and speed on down the path. 30 mph about 2/3s WOT when governor taking out.

[CWGUY]

:shocked: What do you think JMintzer? :shrug: Yeah, me too!

[BillY41]

Tough, to prove, impersonation of LE if he didn't say anything. However, the lights and his speed are traffic infractions

[B-flat]

Sometimes I read these posts and think there are plenty of old people who never grew up. The golf cart driver with the flashing of lights is a prime example.

[JMintzer]

:shocked: What do you think JMintzer? :shrug: Yeah, me too!

Hey, keep me out of this. I can get into enough trouble without your help! :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[TNLAKEPANDA]

They will get caught sooner of later!

[New Englander]

Do the real police use golf carts on the MMP's?

[JMintzer]

Do the real police use golf carts on the MMP's?

Never seen one.

[Papa_lecki]

Do the real police use golf carts on the MMP's?

I saw a sherif in a golf carts, 2 years ago, at LSL Villages Golf Cart, getting gas. Never saw one on MMP. I am pretty sure MMP is private property, so they can’t enforce moving infractions on them. They can on roads and can enforce infractions (DUI) if there’s an accident.

[Byte1]

Do the real police use golf carts on the MMP's?

MMPs are private property so they are not policed, as far as I know. There are no speed limits on private property, but you DO have to cross a public road to get to most places and then LEO can get you for many things. I understand it is very expensive if they charge you with having a modified golf cart. As most folks know, a golf car capable of exceeding 20mph is required to be insured and registered/tagged.

[Spalumbos62]

I think I would have pulled over too, and assumed he was a cop. But obviously he wasn't...although I would not be mad at him...I actually applaud him... the flashing lights, that's a good thing as not to scare anyone. More like ",I'm here...and coming up upon your butt". I hate to say it, but I think you were in the wrong to assume he's impersonating anyone one and that you feel the need to report him. Bright flashing cart lights really could be helpful, especially on electric carts. But I will say, I agree he was wrong with his speed.

[DonH57]

Do the real police use golf carts on the MMP's?

Never seen one in my 8 years of being here. I have seen sheriff's deputies in them around LSL during whatever festivities were happening but not for traffic enforcement.

[Babubhat]

Need a video camera on your cart

[dewilson58]

MMPs are private property so they are not policed, as far as I know. There are no speed limits on private property, but you DO have to cross a public road to get to most places and then LEO can get you for many things. .

You can be ticketed on the MMP's on private property. A golf buddy of mine was pulled over for speeding down the MMP next to BV.

[UpNorth]

A cart that can go 20+mph can be ticketed even when standing still. Unregistered motor vehicle. Court appearance and big fine. Certified mechanic re-sets your cart back to legal limit if you want to drive it again.

[fdpaq0580]

I think I would have pulled over too, and assumed he was a cop. But obviously he wasn't...although I would not be mad at him...I actually applaud him... the flashing lights, that's a good thing as not to scare anyone. More like ",I'm here...and coming up upon your butt". I hate to say it, but I think you were in the wrong to assume he's impersonating anyone one and that you feel the need to report him. Bright flashing cart lights really could be helpful, especially on electric carts. But I will say, I agree he was wrong with his speed.

I would have pulled over, too. Unlike you, I would have been peeved. Flashing lights can be distracting. Flashing yellow indicates caution. But, flashing red and blue indicates police. That is enough to startle or frighten some unsuspecting people, making them wonder what happened, or "did I do something wrong". People seeing flasing red and blue approaching fast from behind will likely pull over making the false assumption it is police. The "fake cop" is likely using the flashing lights to get that reaction, and, in doing such, is impersonating law enforcement. Just my opinion.

[Bilyclub]

A cart that can go 20+mph can be ticketed even when standing still. Unregistered motor vehicle. Court appearance and big fine. Certified mechanic re-sets your cart back to legal limit if you want to drive it again.

There would've had to be some evidence that the cart could go over 20 and was driven on the public way.

[Bill14564]

I think I would have pulled over too, and assumed he was a cop. But obviously he wasn't...although I would not be mad at him...I actually applaud him... the flashing lights, that's a good thing as not to scare anyone. More like ",I'm here...and coming up upon your butt". I hate to say it, but I think you were in the wrong to assume he's impersonating anyone one and that you feel the need to report him. Bright flashing cart lights really could be helpful, especially on electric carts. But I will say, I agree he was wrong with his speed.

By choosing blue and red lights he absolutely intended anyone who saw him to assume he was law enforcement. No doubt about it.

In this case he was just trying to make carts move out of his way, but what about next time? What if next time he pulls behind the stopped cart and interacts with the driver as if he was a cop? What if next time the driver does not pull over for the imposter but it turns out to be a real cop? Being caught using flashing blue and red lights on an unofficial, non-emergency vehicle ought to come with a hefty fine.

[Bilyclub]

I would have pulled over, too. Unlike you, I would have been peeved. Flashing lights can be distracting. Flashing yellow indicates caution. But, flashing red and blue indicates police. That is enough to startle or frighten some unsuspecting people, making them wonder what happened, or "did I do something wrong". People seeing flasing red and blue approaching fast from behind will likely pull over making the false assumption it is police. The "fake cop" is likely using the flashing lights to get that reaction, and, in doing such, is impersonating law enforcement. Just my opinion.

Yep, the young coppers in Wildwood will write this idiot up in a heartbeat. They need to be made aware of this.

[Spalumbos62]

By choosing blue and red lights he absolutely intended anyone who saw him to assume he was law enforcement. No doubt about it.

In this case he was just trying to make carts move out of his way, but what about next time? What if next time he pulls behind the stopped cart and interacts with the driver as if he was a cop? What if next time the driver does not pull over for the imposter but it turns out to be a real cop? Being caught using flashing blue and red lights on an unofficial, non-emergency vehicle ought to come with a hefty fine.

You are right about the color of the lights, my bad. But I do like the "passing" warning part. I can't tell you how many times I've been surprised that their is another cart on my butt and didn't hear it bc it was electric. I'm sure I'm not the only one that doesn't wear their hearing aid to the pool. Lol,lol

[Spalumbos62]

I would have pulled over, too. Unlike you, I would have been peeved. Flashing lights can be distracting. Flashing yellow indicates caution. But, flashing red and blue indicates police. That is enough to startle or frighten some unsuspecting people, making them wonder what happened, or "did I do something wrong". People seeing flasing red and blue approaching fast from behind will likely pull over making the false assumption it is police. The "fake cop" is likely using the flashing lights to get that reaction, and, in doing such, is impersonating law enforcement. Just my opinion.

Yes, you are right about the color of the lights, I was just thinking flashing...hence warning I'm coming up behind you, but red and blue was not a good choice.

[kenketo@gmail.com]

Florida statue 316.2397 (2)
It is expressly prohibited for any vehicle or equipment , except police vehicles, to to show or display blue lights.

[kenketo@gmail.com]

Agree 100%

[MartinSE]

I am fairly certain I did see some Sheriff Deputies in golf carts a year or so ago. If it was not a LEO, then in Florida Red and Blue flashing lights will get you a ticket. But, if there are no cops around to catch them, chances are they will get away with it.

I suggest a photo of the cart in action sent to the local constabulary. If they get multiple they MIGHT do something. Maybe. dunno...

[Byte1]

You can be ticketed on the MMP's on private property. A golf buddy of mine was pulled over for speeding down the MMP next to BV.

Not for exceeding the speed limit. There are NO posted speed limits on the MMP's on private property. Yes, you can be charged with DUI, apparently.
Yes, you can be ticketed on public roads while traveling on the golf cart lanes or otherwise.
And I have heard of someone being charged with an open container while sitting in their golf cart, parked at the curb in the square, listening to the entertainment.

[Two Bills]

Not for exceeding the speed limit. There are NO posted speed limits on the MMP's on private property. Yes, you can be charged with DUI, apparently.
Yes, you can be ticketed on public roads while traveling on the golf cart lanes or otherwise.
And I have heard of someone being charged with an open container while sitting in their golf cart, parked at the curb in the square, listening to the entertainment.

Over 20 mph in golf cart is exceeding legal speed limit of golf carts I am led to believe.

[Byte1]

Over 20 mph in golf cart is exceeding legal speed limit of golf carts I am led to believe.

Nope, I don't think so. It is ticketed as a modified golf cart, which used to be, if not still a felony and a high fine. I have not heard of any golf carts getting speeding tickets on MMP's. If so, I bet they beat it in court. There are no posted speed limit signs and it is private property. I am not a legal expert or a LEO in Florida, but I am cautiously sure that I am correct. I believe that the only way you can be ticketed for having a modified golf cart is to be on public property. I am kind of surprised that they can charge you with DUI on private property.

[MartinSE]

(1) No person shall drive or move or cause to be moved any vehicle or equipment upon any highway within this state with any lamp or device thereon showing or displaying a red or blue light visible from directly in front thereof except for certain vehicles hereinafter provided.

Chapter 316 Section 2397 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/laws/statutes/2011/0316.2397)

[davem4616]

age is not necessarily an indication of maturity or wisdom

[Get real]

You can be ticketed on the MMP's on private property. A golf buddy of mine was pulled over for speeding down the MMP next to BV.

nope. no tickets

[banjobob]

Nope just some jerk off with an ego. Blue and red lights sounds like a clown cart lol Maybe next time move to the center of the lanes and stop .

[RoyCooper]

I'm sure I passed this cart last Saturday while heading back down south. His lights were not on, but having the red & blue apparatus mounted to his roof caught my eye. Even with his lights off I wondered if he was LE.

[Number 10 GI]

I'm sure I passed this cart last Saturday while heading back down south. His lights were not on, but having the red & blue apparatus mounted to his roof caught my eye. Even with his lights off I wondered if he was LE.

I've seen that cart here in McClure Village a couple times. Don't know if he lives here. He definitely is not a cop.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Golf clubs on back explains it…. Pulled you over so he could pass and speed on down the path. 30 mph about 2/3s WOT when governor taking out.

Sorry, but how do golf clubs on the back of a cart explain anything other that the occupants probably play golf?

[Malsua]

Sorry, but how do golf clubs on the back of a cart explain anything other that the occupants probably play golf?

Because Law Enforcement officers don't carry recreational gear on their cruisers?

Ever see those course maintenance vehicles with a set of clubs on the cart? Me neither. The same concept applies.

[toeser]

Does anyone have any knowledge or have experienced anything like my ride home from Brownwood Square last Thursday night.
Heading back south to the Monarch Grove area in my golf cart I was approached in the dark by a assclown in a golf cart with blue and red flashing lights from behind, I was the third cart in a line heading south, thinking I was getting “pulled over “ by a law enforcement officer I pulled off of the cart path, this impersonator passed me and continued to startle the two carts in front of me. He was clocking about 30mph at this point, I noticed that he had two sets of golf clubs on his cart, meaning that it was very doubtful he has any authority as a golf cart cop. Don’t know the exact statue of impersonating a police officer in Florida but I’m sure it’s pretty serious. I would like to know more information about this individual if any of you have experienced this before.

Flashing blue and red lights are not allowed on any private vehicle, even a bicycle.

[dewilson58]

Not for exceeding the speed limit.

The ticket was for his golf cart going 25.
Never said anything about a speed limit.
The ticket was for a 19.9 cart going 25.

[dewilson58]

nope. no tickets

Get real...........yes tickets.

:1rotfl::1rotfl:

[DeeCee Dubya]

Just be glad it wasn’t Moe Wolf!

[Accidental1]

Do you know how your friend got caught? Was he being followed by a patrol in a golf cart or was it some sort of radar/laser detection?

[Priebehouse]

One of the Village People? Maybe he was late for the Y-M-C-A!

[mrf0151]

What does this cart look like? EZGO? Yamaha? Color?
I had some idiot pass me at a fast speed last week in a gray EZGO gas cart that was lifted, with no roof. He was acting pretty crazy.
Maybe we can work to get this clown off the paths. This posting is a good start.

[midiwiz]

Never seen one.

police??? here???? :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl::1 rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl::

[DaleDivine]

Nope, I don't think so. It is ticketed as a modified golf cart, which used to be, if not still a felony and a high fine. I have not heard of any golf carts getting speeding tickets on MMP's. If so, I bet they beat it in court. There are no posted speed limit signs and it is private property. I am not a legal expert or a LEO in Florida, but I am cautiously sure that I am correct. I believe that the only way you can be ticketed for having a modified golf cart is to be on public property. I am kind of surprised that they can charge you with DUI on private property.

Yes, my neighbor got a ticket on Stillwater for speeding(23mph- seriously) in his golf cart in 2020 and it stated ON THE TICKET that it was a FELONY. Judge dismissed his ticket before going to court.
:clap2::clap2:

[DaleDivine]

A cart that can go 20+mph can be ticketed even when standing still. Unregistered motor vehicle. Court appearance and big fine. Certified mechanic re-sets your cart back to legal limit if you want to drive it again.

WOW, by that statute a Corvette can be ticketed because it can do 200MPH even though it's sitting in a parking lot or parked at a square. And how can they prove the cart can do 20+MPH while it is sitting still...:ohdear:
:shocked::shocked:

[spd2918]

My guess is his cart has the multi colored under-lighting. Those laws don't seem to be enforced.

What is worse is the very bright white LED lights people add to the front of their carts. Those cheap lights throw light everywhere and blind oncoming drivers.

[Bill14564]

WOW, by that statute a Corvette can be ticketed because it can do 200MPH even though it's sitting in a parking lot or parked at a square. And how can they prove the cart can do 20+MPH while it is sitting still...:ohdear:
:shocked::shocked:

It is not illegal for a Corvette to be capable of going 200mph; it *is* illegal for an unregistered golf cart to be capable of exceeding 20mph. A speed limiter is not required on cars but it is required on a golf cart (both registered and unregistered). Don't have to like it but that's the way it is.

Of course, there would need to be some reason for the ticket such as observation of the golf cart traveling at a speed greater than 20mph. But once the golf cart has been seen capable of traveling faster than 20mph then it is illegal whether it is moving or not.

[Petersweeney]

Your just jealous of his toy……

[Indydealmaker]

You can be ticketed on the MMP's on private property. A golf buddy of mine was pulled over for speeding down the MMP next to BV.

That is because, although private property like a mall parking lot, it is public access.

[jjombrello]

Quite sure the use of blue and red flashing lights is illegal in Florida. No question that the speed is. also.

[loreejl]

In Florida it is illegal to have flashing red/blue lights on your vehicle including a golf cart!!!!!!!

[EdFNJ]

///

[EdFNJ]

It is not illegal for a Corvette to be capable of going 200mph; it *is* illegal for an unregistered golf cart to be capable of exceeding 20mph. A speed limiter is not required on cars but it is required on a golf cart (both registered and unregistered). Don't have to like it but that's the way it is.

Of course, there would need to be some reason for the ticket such as observation of the golf cart traveling at a speed greater than 20mph. But once the golf cart has been seen capable of traveling faster than 20mph then it is illegal whether it is moving or not.
YES, THIS! Someone FINALLY got it exactly right!

[EdFNJ]

WOW, by that statute a Corvette can be ticketed because it can do 200MPH even though it's sitting in a parking lot or parked at a square. And how can they prove the cart can do 20+MPH while it is sitting still...:ohdear:
:shocked::shocked: Golf carts are not cars. That is a totally false equivalency. Of course they would obviously have to see it moving.

Motor Vehicle Statutes (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0320/Sections/0320.01.html)

Florida Golf Cart Laws (https://www.boginmunns.com/faqs/florida-golf-cart-laws/)

According to Florida Statute § 320.01(42), an LSV is any four-wheel vehicle with a top speed that can travel faster than 20 miles per hour but less than 25. Essentially, an LSV occupies the space between golf carts and automobiles.

Meanwhile, Florida Statutes § 320.01(22) defines a golf cart as “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.”

[EdFNJ]

Everyone might want to read this regarding MMP enforcement:

Districtgov MMP enforcement (https://www.districtgov.org/PdfView/PdfView.aspx?path=%27%2fPdfUpload%2fMulti-Modal+Memo+-+Valerie+Fuchs.pdf%27&ql=standard)

[EdFNJ]

Does anyone have any knowledge or have experienced anything like my ride home from Brownwood Square last Thursday night.
Heading back south to the Monarch Grove area in my golf cart I was approached in the dark by a assclown in a golf cart with blue and red flashing lights from behind, I was the third cart in a line heading south, thinking I was getting “pulled over “ by a law enforcement officer I pulled off of the cart path, this impersonator passed me and continued to startle the two carts in front of me. He was clocking about 30mph at this point, I noticed that he had two sets of golf clubs on his cart, meaning that it was very doubtful he has any authority as a golf cart cop. Don’t know the exact statue of impersonating a police officer in Florida but I’m sure it’s pretty serious. I would like to know more information about this individual if any of you have experienced this before.

It could have been some wacko trying to rob you or worse.

[Waltdisney4life]

Great idea I might go out and buy myself a red and blue light!!!

[Byte1]

Almost ALL (stock) golf carts are capable of exceeding 20mph. Coasting down a tunnel ramp will make the slowest of golf carts exceed 20mph. I have been passed by "registered" golf carts using the MMP. A registered LSV is only allowed to go 25mph from what I have read. Doesn't make much sense to me, as they are allowed to travel on public roads that are posted at up to 35mph. But, even the slowest Yamaha electric golf cart I have ever driven, that was only capable of doing about 15mph, did 21mph going South on BV or down El Camino from the Savannah center. Of course, this has nothing to do with the OP's emergency vehicle golf cart report.

[Heytubes]

Couple years ago I saw a motorcycle officer off BV hit the Golf cart path heading north in a hurry.

[GypsyRN]

I'm sure I passed this cart last Saturday while heading back down south. His lights were not on, but having the red & blue apparatus mounted to his roof caught my eye. Even with his lights off I wondered if he was LE.

I have personally seen a black golf cart with blue lights on the front roof area (not certain whether there was a red light also) sitting in the Brownwood Publix Tradewinds Plaza parking lot on several occasions over the past several years. I wondered whether it was "official...if there is such a thing" inasmuch as the owner ALSO had a decal proclaiming that the owner had some affiliation with St. Lucie Police Department BOP (Benevolent Order of Police).

Now whether this individual was the same person as the OP witnessed is pure speculation on my part. But suffice it to say...there is a golf cart owner giving the impression that he/she is some type of LEO, whether valid or NOT. I suspect that he/she is just being nostalgic about his/her former employment...kind of like all the military emblem vinyls affixed to the front of these carts.

And yes one can get into a whole lotta trouble if in any way (and flashing of emergency lights, particularly red OR blue or BOTH is a big NO-NO) they attempt to represent themselves as a LEO. How do I know, you say, because a good friend of might lost his job as a decorated firefighter, because he pulled a distracted motorist over one evening with his flashing red lights in his official fire vehicle merely to check on the perceived impairment of the driver ahead of him. The driver sued him, his department, the county, etc., etc.
Just my opinion/observation. :shocked:

[jimjamuser]

By choosing blue and red lights he absolutely intended anyone who saw him to assume he was law enforcement. No doubt about it.

In this case he was just trying to make carts move out of his way, but what about next time? What if next time he pulls behind the stopped cart and interacts with the driver as if he was a cop? What if next time the driver does not pull over for the imposter but it turns out to be a real cop? Being caught using flashing blue and red lights on an unofficial, non-emergency vehicle ought to come with a hefty fine.
That boy is one sick puppy. And he needs a distemper shot.

[jimjamuser]

Just be glad it wasn’t Moe Wolf!
That person must be famous / infamous?

[VApeople]

Do any of you remember the TV show about Judge Roy Bean who was the "Law west of the Pecos"?

Western Texas was a pretty wild place in the olden days and Roy Bean helped to establish "law and order" and justice to that area. Since the new golf cart paths seem to be beyond the control of the Wildwood police, maybe the residents south of Route 44 need to form a 'vigilante' justice system and assign people to make laws and enforce them.

Kind of like 1967 in California when the Rolling Stones hired some Hells Angels to provide security for one of the concerts in the "Summer of Love". Sounded like a good idea at the time but I can't recall how it worked out.

[PugMom]

i read somewhere a few weeks ago, they are throwing around the idea of golf cart police. the guy who passed you was most likely NOT one of them, & i don't remember when the article said the policing was going to take effect, but i'm sure they'd announce it

[Mrprez]

Do any of you remember the TV show about Judge Roy Bean who was the "Law west of the Pecos"?

Western Texas was a pretty wild place in the olden days and Roy Bean helped to establish "law and order" and justice to that area. Since the new golf cart paths seem to be beyond the control of the Wildwood police, maybe the residents south of Route 44 need to form a 'vigilante' justice system and assign people to make laws and enforce them.

Kind of like 1967 in California when the Rolling Stones hired some Hells Angels to provide security for one of the concerts in the "Summer of Love". Sounded like a good idea at the time but I can't recall how it worked out.

We don’t have time for that as we spend most of our spare time traveling to the northern squares and golf courses.

[JKELLYNY]

NO real cops dressed as clowns more like a Villages Clown returning from an event in one of the squares!! Think outside the freekin box!!

[EdFNJ]

///duplicate

[EdFNJ]

Almost ALL (stock) golf carts are capable of exceeding 20mph. Coasting down a tunnel ramp will make the slowest of golf carts exceed 20mph. I have been passed by "registered" golf carts using the MMP. A registered LSV is only allowed to go 25mph from what I have read. Doesn't make much sense to me, as they are allowed to travel on public roads that are posted at up to 35mph. But, even the slowest Yamaha electric golf cart I have ever driven, that was only capable of doing about 15mph, did 21mph going South on BV or down El Camino from the Savannah center. Of course, this has nothing to do with the OP's emergency vehicle golf cart report. Absolutely 100% true but that is done by the dealer selling it although I don't think free-rolling down a hill would be a violation. Aren't they geared to hold back at that speed even on a hill? They legally can't be sold as a golf cart if they are SET to exceed 20 but quite obviously no one is checking. In fact, the ones that are imported from overseas and come through customs (in the case of those that do that) import forms must state that they meet all local laws for what they are being sold for or they are charged import duties based on other than a golf cart which was the case with mine but again, I doubt anyone is testing them. Once they get here you know what happens.

[Garywt]

I'm sure I passed this cart last Saturday while heading back down south. His lights were not on, but having the red & blue apparatus mounted to his roof caught my eye. Even with his lights off I wondered if he was LE.
If he is going 30 and you passed him, how fast were you going.

[Garywt]

So pretty much everyone agrees these lights are wrong.

Just because there is not a 20mph sign every 50 feet does not mean that 20 is the proper speed on the paths.

My pet peeve, if you have a street legal cart then drive in the street.

When I am traveling 20-22 mph down the path I don’t expect to be passed. If I am going 12-18 then yes I should be passed. I very rarely pass anyone as everyone has a right to be out there. I just don’t understand these need for speed people going 25-30 or more everywhere they go. My cart only goes up to 22 is because when my warranty was up I increased the speed so I would no longer be going 18 50% of the time.

[JMintzer]

If he is going 30 and you passed him, how fast were you going.

Did he say he passed him the same time the OP saw him? No? Then why would you assume he was "going 30" at that particular time?

[UpNorth]

i read somewhere a few weeks ago, they are throwing around the idea of golf cart police. the guy who passed you was most likely NOT one of them, & i don't remember when the article said the policing was going to take effect, but i'm sure they'd announce it

If the police are thinking of using legal speed limit golf carts, they aren't about to catch anybody around here...:icon_wink:

[RoyCooper]

If he is going 30 and you passed him, how fast were you going.

He was heading north as I was heading south.