Where can golf carts go?

[MplsPete]

The currently active "Cracker Barrel" thread says there is a route to C B and beyond which carts can use. I examined this route on Google Maps, and it seems to me that this requires the use of public roadways, which I thought was forbidden. OTOH, cruising through the neighborhoods, which seems to be done with abandon, requires driving on public roads also I think; all the roads are public I think, which is why the gates cannot be true gates. So how can carts drive in the neighborhoods? Seeking clarification; Thanks in advance.

[onfire]

Statutes & Constitution
:View Statutes
:

Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.212.html)

What Are Florida's Golf Cart Laws? (https://www.andrewpickettlaw.com/blog/what-are-floridas-golf-cart-laws/)

It is important to understand the difference between a golf cart and a LSV, as the laws and requirements differ between them. If you exceed 20mph it's a low speed vehicle (LSV) by definition and would require registration, insurance and a licensed driver.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Golf carts may absolutely drive on public roads in The Villages. However, there are limits. If the speed limit on the road is 25 or under, the golf cart may drive on it. If the speed limit is 30, there might be a side-path lined at the edge of the road for golf carts and bicycles (such as Morse Blvd from 466 and north); golf carts can only drive outside that side-path if they're turning left, or passing a slower-moving bicyclist, or merging in as indicated with a sign (such as a few spots on Odell Circle).

If the speed limit is 35 or higher, golf carts aren't allowed to drive on that road.

So it's not a regulation about whether it's public or private. It's a regulation based primarily on the posted speed limit (with exceptions such as roundabouts - golf carts shouldn't be on them either even though the speed limit on roundabouts is only 20).

[JGibson]

You can drive all the way to Spruce Creek if you want. You’re allowed to cross 441 at the light going into SC.

Unfortunately, you can't cross 441 to get to the historic side.

[Bill14564]

You can drive all the way to Spruce Creek if you want. You’re allowed to cross 441 at the light going into SC.

Unfortunately, you can't cross 441 to get to the historic side.

The golf cart bridge works well for traveling to the historic side.

[Topspinmo]

You can drive all the way to Spruce Creek if you want. You’re allowed to cross 441 at the light going into SC.

Unfortunately, you can't cross 441 to get to the historic side.

I don’t know if this allowed or not? But, I see carts crossing at Avenida central crossing to wales pl. there no “no golf carts beyond this point” signs that I can see on Avenida central? It’s been too long since I been at wales pl intersection if there Sign there or not?

[hosegooseman]

The currently active "Cracker Barrel" thread says there is a route to C B and beyond which carts can use. I examined this route on Google Maps, and it seems to me that this requires the use of public roadways, which I thought was forbidden. OTOH, cruising through the neighborhoods, which seems to be done with abandon, requires driving on public roads also I think; all the roads are public I think, which is why the gates cannot be true gates. So how can carts drive in the neighborhoods? Seeking clarification; Thanks in advance.

You can go to Crackel Barrel by golf cart. Google maps is not designed to show a proper golf cart route. It can help in “bicycle mode” but it’s not 100% accurate.

If don’t know how, my recommendation is to use one of the Villages GPS apps available.

[RoadToad]

The Cracker Barrel on 441 is cart accessible from the Historic side via a cart gate on Paradise Drive just West of the Boone Blvd street gate. There is a card reader panel to let you thru. The Historic side is accessed via the Villages cart bridge over 441. BJs, Lowes, and Walmart are also there.

[Rodneysblue]

The currently active "Cracker Barrel" thread says there is a route to C B and beyond which carts can use. I examined this route on Google Maps, and it seems to me that this requires the use of public roadways, which I thought was forbidden. OTOH, cruising through the neighborhoods, which seems to be done with abandon, requires driving on public roads also I think; all the roads are public I think, which is why the gates cannot be true gates. So how can carts drive in the neighborhoods? Seeking clarification; Thanks in advance.
Go to districts.org and search golf carts, multi modal paths. Also sign up for the VHA Golf cart safety training, I believe it is held every month.

[mraines]

You can drive all the way to Spruce Creek if you want. You’re allowed to cross 441 at the light going into SC.

Unfortunately, you can't cross 441 to get to the historic side.

No but Spruce Creekers seem to have card keys to use at the gate and enter the Historic Side.

[bowlingal]

MPLS...be sure to attend the golf cart safety clinic given on Oct 16 at Colony Rec Center at 9AM. They can and will answer any questions you may have. Do not believe everything you read on this or any forum.

[chuckpedrey]

The Villages app provides extensive information about our community including GPS that gives an option to choose directions by golf cart or car. The GPS even provides audio directions.

[Topspinmo]

No but Spruce Creekers seem to have card keys to use at the gate and enter the Historic Side.

If they do IMO only way the got them is from villagers. That path was blocked at one time, then gate with card access was installed.

[Danube]

I don’t know if this allowed or not? But, I see carts crossing at Avenida central crossing to wales pl. there no “no golf carts beyond this point” signs that I can see on Avenida central? It’s been too long since I been at wales pl intersection if there Sign there or not?

It appears that the “no golf carts beyond this point” westbound on Wales PL was removed several months ago, at least. You can tell where the sign was mounted, the post is still there.

Whether it's "legal" to cross US 27/441 at Wales PL / Avd Central, I don't know. Maybe someone removed the signs without authorization.

And yes you can easily get to Cracker Barrell, Lowe's, B.J.s, Wawa, Walmart, Dollar Tree, etc via the cart-only gates and public & private "back streets", as others have noted.

[HORNET]

Go to Spanish Springs, use the bridge to cross over 441, go through the Historic side, need your Village gate card to open gate, head towards Lowe’s parking lot.

[Rodneysblue]

You can drive all the way to Spruce Creek if you want. You’re allowed to cross 441 at the light going into SC.

Unfortunately, you can't cross 441 to get to the historic side.
You can go all the way up to Floor and Decor. You cross over the golf cart bridge to get to the historic side.

[Gatorfan1]

[QUOTE=JGibson;2374992]You can drive all the way to Spruce Creek if you want. You’re allowed to cross 441 at the light going into SC.

Unfortunately, you can't cross 441 to get to the historic side. That is illegal and you can get a ticket.


I suggest you verify that with the Sumter County Sheriff. You can’t cross 441. You must use the golf cart bring over 441.

[Singerlady]

The currently active "Cracker Barrel" thread says there is a route to C B and beyond which carts can use. I examined this route on Google Maps, and it seems to me that this requires the use of public roadways, which I thought was forbidden. OTOH, cruising through the neighborhoods, which seems to be done with abandon, requires driving on public roads also I think; all the roads are public I think, which is why the gates cannot be true gates. So how can carts drive in the neighborhoods? Seeking clarification; Thanks in advance.

Go over the bridge behind Ay Jalisco. You will end on the road which parallels 441. Go straight past Boone Ct. in fact, go 5 houses past Boone Ct. and there is a short path to a gate that lets you out on N 86th court which takes to your access to the back of CB. YOU WILL NEED YOUR GATE ACCESS CARD!

[DrHitch]

You can drive all the way to Spruce Creek if you want. You’re allowed to cross 441 at the light going into SC.

Unfortunately, you can't cross 441 to get to the historic side.

Can you explain how and where you cross 441 to get to spruce Creek?

Yes, there is a bridge across 441 from near downtown Spanish Springs (by the veterans memorial) that accesses Orange Blossom and Country Club Hills

[NoMoSno]

Can you explain how and where you cross 441 to get to spruce Creek?

Yes, there is a bridge across 441 from near downtown Spanish Springs (by the veterans memorial) that accesses Orange Blossom and Country Club Hills
SE 175th Place
Directly in front of Spruce Creek South (not Spruce Creek Del Webb)

[Salty Dog]

Would it be okay to drive in the grass along 44 outside of TV between Lake Deaton Plaza and Dollar General or Pennbrooke Fairways?

[Bill14564]

Would it be okay to drive in the grass along 44 outside of TV?

Some say yes, others say no. Question I would ask is whether it is okay for your neighbors to drive through your lawn? If that isn’t okay then why would it be okay to drive across someone else’s grass?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

SE 175th Place
Directly in front of Spruce Creek South (not Spruce Creek Del Webb)

You can't get to Spruce Creek South FROM Spanish Springs by golf cart. You'd have to cross El Camino Real, drive on the north side of that road, and there is no golf cart path on that side of the road beyond The Villages Health/Premier Medical parking lot. You also can't drive a golf cart on Buenos Aires Blvd (the street closest to Subway in the Publix strip mall).

[NoMoSno]

You can't get to Spruce Creek South FROM Spanish Springs by golf cart. You'd have to cross El Camino Real, drive on the north side of that road, and there is no golf cart path on that side of the road beyond The Villages Health/Premier Medical parking lot. You also can't drive a golf cart on Buenos Aires Blvd (the street closest to Subway in the Publix strip mall).
That's not the question I was responding to.
Read the question asked.

[FloridaGuy66]

I've wondered if it would technically be legal to take the existing cart path to UF Health Emergency across from Brownwood south of 44 and then cross CR179 to the strip mall with VIP Nails and then cross Signature Rd to McDonald's and Sparr Building Supply? Has anyone seen carts there?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I've wondered if it would technically be legal to take the existing cart path to UF Health Emergency across from Brownwood south of 44 and then cross CR179 to the strip mall with VIP Nails and then cross Signature Rd to McDonald's and Sparr Building Supply? Has anyone seen carts there?

I MISREAD YOUR POST AND THOUGHT YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT UF Hospital Spanish Plaines or whatever they're calling The Villages Regional this week - and 441, not 44 - I totally skipped the word "Brownwood" and responded based only on what I thought you were asking. My apologies.

But for what it's worth:

Technically no, it is not legal (crossing 441 to get from the back road to UF Hospital). People do it anyway though and unless there's a crash or someone gets hurt, no one really cares. If you get involved in an accident while driving your unregistered, non-street-legal golf cart across the state road though, you're the one who is held responsible because you weren't supposed to be there.

[Bill14564]

If that area is considered to be Wildwood then I would think the answer lies with the Wildwood Statutes though I don’t know what they say.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Which State Rd is being crossed?

If that area is considered to be Wildwood then I would think the answer lies with the Wildwood Statutes though I don’t know what they say.

I misread the post and edited my response. Apologies!

[FloridaGuy66]

If that area is considered to be Wildwood then I would think the answer lies with the Wildwood Statutes though I don’t know what they say.

My understanding of the Florida law is that you can cross any county road on a golf cart if the speed limit is 30 MPH or less.

In Wildwood, you cannot drive a golf cart on the road but you can cross roads as per state laws.

[Bill14564]

My understanding of the Florida law is that you can cross any county road on a golf cart if the speed limit is 30 MPH or less.

In Wildwood, you cannot drive a golf cart on the road but you can cross roads as per state laws.

I can't find that in state law. Can you provide a citation?

Wildwood ordinance 2017-70 appears to specifically state the opposite.

This only matters if someone tries it and if an officer sees it and if they choose to pursue it.

[FloridaGuy66]

I can't find that in state law. Can you provide a citation?

Wildwood ordinance 2017-70 appears to specifically state the opposite.

This only matters if someone tries it and if an officer sees it and if they choose to pursue it.

I stand corrected. I think this part of the ordinance makes the route that I've approved above to potentially be not allowed.

Operation on public county and state roads. Golf carts may not operate on or cross county roads unless authorized by Sumter County.


Although, I'm not sure whether all roads are considered "county roads", or only ones with the "CR" designation. I'm not sure if Signature Road is considered a county road in the above ordinance. Also, Sumter county road 179 beside the strip mall appears permanently closed off to traffic so I'm not sure if crossing it would still not be allowed.

[Burnie]

I don't understand the fascination about driving everywhere in a golf cart ... if the place you want to go is difficult or confusing when using a golf cart, take a car!

[Dusty_Star]

I don't understand the fascination about driving everywhere in a golf cart ... if the place you want to go is difficult or confusing when using a golf cart, take a car!

Maybe some only have a golf cart.

[FloridaGuy66]

I don't understand the fascination about driving everywhere in a golf cart ... if the place you want to go is difficult or confusing when using a golf cart, take a car!

We have two vehicles. One is a golf cart. One is a car. It's nice to have as many options as possible for the golf cart. In addition, some places for us are quicker to get to and much more convenient for parking by golf cart than car.

[JerryLBell]

You can drive all the way to Spruce Creek if you want. You’re allowed to cross 441 at the light going into SC.
I see carts crossing 466A, 466 and 441 at lights and I hear people say that it's legal here to do so. However, Florida Statutes Title XXIII. Motor Vehicles § 316.2126 says, Driving golf carts on roadways are only allowed on streets with a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour or less but must be registered and insured along with the driver having a valid drivers license. Since none of those roads have a speed limit of 30 mph or less, it certainly sounds like it's illegal to have your non-street legal golf cart on them. And "on them" includes "crossing them."

That said, the Glover Law Firm web page on golf carts in Florida states:

To be considered street-legal in Florida, 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.

Street legal vehicles are defined by Florida Statute 320.01(42) as “any four-wheeled electric vehicles whose top speed is greater than 20 miles per hour but not greater than 25 miles per hour.”

There are several features required for LSV and NEV electric vehicles or street-legal golf carts in Florida, including:


Stop lamps, turn signal lamps, headlamps, tail lamps, parking brakes
Rearview mirrors, reflex reflectors, windshields, seat belts, and VINs
Must be registered and insured in accordance with current regulations (s. 320.02)
The drivers of low-speed vehicles must have valid driver’s licenses
Although Florida NEV and LSV electric vehicles are prohibited from operation on roads with posted speed limits above 35mph, they are allowed to cross roads that have higher speed limits
.
Golf carts are not considered street-legal vehicles on roads with a posted speed limit over 35 mph and must be operated by licensed drivers with valid insurance.

Confused enough?

[NoMoSno]

I see carts crossing 466A, 466 and 441 at lights and I hear people say that it's legal here to do so. However, Florida Statutes Title XXIII. Motor Vehicles § 316.2126 says, Driving golf carts on roadways are only allowed on streets with a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour or less but must be registered and insured along with the driver having a valid drivers license. Since none of those roads have a speed limit of 30 mph or less, it certainly sounds like it's illegal to have your non-street legal golf cart on them. And "on them" includes "crossing them."

That said, the Glover Law Firm web page on golf carts in Florida states:

To be considered street-legal in Florida, 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.

Street legal vehicles are defined by Florida Statute 320.01(42) as “any four-wheeled electric vehicles whose top speed is greater than 20 miles per hour but not greater than 25 miles per hour.”

There are several features required for LSV and NEV electric vehicles or street-legal golf carts in Florida, including:


Stop lamps, turn signal lamps, headlamps, tail lamps, parking brakes
Rearview mirrors, reflex reflectors, windshields, seat belts, and VINs
Must be registered and insured in accordance with current regulations (s. 320.02)
The drivers of low-speed vehicles must have valid driver’s licenses
Although Florida NEV and LSV electric vehicles are prohibited from operation on roads with posted speed limits above 35mph, they are allowed to cross roads that have higher speed limits
.
Golf carts are not considered street-legal vehicles on roads with a posted speed limit over 35 mph and must be operated by licensed drivers with valid insurance.

Confused enough?
The 441 crossing at Spruce Creek was approved by Marion County in 2014. It is legal to CROSS only at that intersection in a regular GC.