Golf Cart Traffic Laws (passing) Help Please!

[Buffalo Ray]

While I totally understand that we should stay in the cart lanes as designated by the diamonds, what are the "official" rules/laws on passing? Are we allowed to sugnal, cross the solid white line, enter the automotive lane and pass slower vehicles/cyclists?

I was recently told that there is a large fine ($180) for crossing the solid white line to pass. I find this hard to believe.

Does anyone know with certainty?

Thank you in advance.

[memason]

While I totally understand that we should stay in the cart lanes as designated by the diamonds, what are the "official" rules/laws on passing? Are we allowed to sugnal, cross the solid white line, enter the automotive lane and pass slower vehicles/cyclists?

I was recently told that there is a large fine ($180) for crossing the solid white line to pass. I find this hard to believe.

Does anyone know with certainty?

Thank you in advance.

Ray.... I'm no expert here, but I have lived here for more than a year and I can tell you, folks in carts cross that white line all the time. For example, if you are making a left turn, you would merge into the auto lane to make the turn. Turning left from the cart lane is not advisable. As for passing....I pass all the time in the auto lane.

Not sure who told you about the large fine, but thats the first I have ever heard of anything like that...

Just my opinion... Others might be different.

[jsw14]

I agree with memason, I drive just like that. No tickets here!!!!

[cappyjon431]

I am certainly no expert but I tend to agree with the previous posters. That being said, I think passing other carts makes you more visible to law enforcement and may increase the possibility of being pulled over IF your cart is souped up and exceeds the 19.9 mph cart speed limit. That would lead to a fairly substantial fine.

[pooh]

Alas, a friend I golf with tells me of her friend who did get a ticket for crossing that solid white line.....$150 fine. What I haven't found out is what county she was ticketed in. I'll try and find out this week when we're playing golf.

[rubicon]

While I totally understand that we should stay in the cart lanes as designated by the diamonds, what are the "official" rules/laws on passing? Are we allowed to sugnal, cross the solid white line, enter the automotive lane and pass slower vehicles/cyclists?

I was recently told that there is a large fine ($180) for crossing the solid white line to pass. I find this hard to believe.

Does anyone know with certainty?

Thank you in advance.

Buffalo Ray: I assume you are speaking of golf cart lanes such as you find on Canal, Morse, Bailey Trail, etc. Assuming this correct then your answer isthat you are suppose to stay within the white line and curb while traveling. As you will ote these cart lanes have merging lines when approaching an intersection such as Canal at Odell. I use both my hand and mechanical signal to alert cars that I am merging. Please note a word of caution as cars seem to not want to stay behind a cart and speed by them to cut ahead.

Haing said that you will encounter extremely slow carts much slower than the 19.5 mph allowed. You will also encounter slow bike riders and finally runners who refuse to use sidewalks and demand use of cartpaths on major roads. So that staying within the solid white line that I talked about...well its your choice pass by them or decelerate

[ldj1938]

Rental carts are set to 12 MPH. How far would you follow one of those? Not far I bet....

[NotGolfer]

Our golf-cart goes the regulated 19.9 MPH speed. We get passed all the time by carts that are MUCH faster (and not necessarily road-ready). I would venture to say...if a police-officer watched that he just might pull the "passer" over to write a citation. Got passed by one the other day and he left us "in the dust" and didn't see a license plate to indicate he was road-ready!! I don't believe you'd get a ticket just by going over the solid line...only "if" you were doing something else that wasn't within the law.

[homeball]

There has been an instance or two where a police car happened to be at a distance behind a golf cart which was traveling in the golf cart lane as it should be. But then the golf cart driver decides to pass another golf cart or whatever which is traveling slower than him in the golf cart lane. So, he pulls out into the auto traffic lane but he is not aware that the deputy is back a bit behind him, so he proceeds to pass the slower cart BUT IN DOING SO HE ACCELERATES TO A SPEED GREATER THAN THE ALLOWED 19.5 MPH to complete his pass. In other words he has a souped up cart. The deputy hits his radar, gets a read on the speed of the passing golf cart and, guess what, it's ticket time.

At another time, the deputy observes a golf cart pulling out into the traffic lane in an unsafe manner in the deputy's judgement and a ticket is issued.

It's important to remember that, when one crosses the white line of the golf cart lane and pulls out into vehicular traffic, one is putting the spotlight on themselves if there happens to be police in the vicinity. There isn't any problem as long as you're doing everything by the rule book. Rule of thumb: always be aware of your surroundings before you get busy.

[CharTalk]

I have been trying to find a list of laws related to the use of golf carts in The Villages. I wonder why they aren't readily available. It seems to me that when you buy a golf cart here, you should either be given a printed copy of laws or at least information on where you could find them.

I have heard that you can be ticketed for leaving the golf cart lane to pass a slower vehicle. This doesn't make sense to me if you are 1) still going the speed limit, 2) don't cut off another vehicle and 3) use the proper signals, Reading the posts on this subject from 2009 no one seemed to really know. So I'll ask again. Anyone know anything on this subject?

[Bogie Shooter]

I have been trying to find a list of laws related to the use of golf carts in The Villages. I wonder why they aren't readily available. It seems to me that when you buy a golf cart here, you should either be given a printed copy of laws or at least information on where you could find them.

I have heard that you can be ticketed for leaving the golf cart lane to pass a slower vehicle. This doesn't make sense to me if you are 1) still going the speed limit, 2) don't cut off another vehicle and 3) use the proper signals, Reading the posts on this subject from 2009 no one seemed to really know. So I'll ask again. Anyone know anything on this subject?

Here is some information for you. Brochure on golf cart safety provided by the HOA.
http://www.districtgov.org/community/GolfCartBrochure.pdf

[paulandjean]

No you will not get a ticket for crossing over the white line.Think of it this way, the white lines are put there for the automobile use not the golf cart use.

[buggyone]

Instead of asking on TOTV, why not call the Sumter County sheriff's office and find out from the source. If possible, visit the office and get it in writing per the regulation.

[rubicon]

A golf cart is not a motor vehicle but neither is a bicycle yet operators must abide by the Rules of the road. Police issue tickets for "unsafe passing" not passing. One major violation on the cart paths is atttributed to those who refuse to stop when approaching a barrier in their lane of traffic. specifically if the lane in which you are traveling is occupied by a pedestrian and a cart is approaching from the opposite direction the operator with the obstruction has the obligation to slow down or stop. However I have yet to see one cart even slow down but instead pull to the center of the cart path passing at the same time as the cart traveling in the opposite direction. Being aware of these rude drivers when I note a pedestrian in the opposite lane I prepare myself to slow down or stop to prevent any potential accidents. The rules of the road apply to all vehicles including signaling ,etc.

[Bogie Shooter]

Instead of asking on TOTV, why not call the Sumter County sheriff's office and find out from the source. If possible, visit the office and get it in writing per the regulation.

Because here you get many, many different opinions.:clap2:

[escapequeen]

Auto drivers on Shay Blvd. in Silver Lake have a habit of passing me in my golfcart on the left when I have my signal on to turn left onto my street.

Now they must be either blind or ignorant or both but to those who do it, and you know who you are, I am not responsible for what I say if I ever get a chance to tell you off.

Please, think people, this is a very dangerous act. Very dangerous!:grumpy:

[asianthree]

I know all these questions were on my golf cart driving test, but I forgot the cheet sheet at home:read:

[Bogie Shooter]

Auto drivers on Shay Blvd. in Silver Lake have a habit of passing me in my golfcart on the left when I have my signal on to turn left onto my street.

Now they must be either blind or ignorant or both but to those who do it, and you know who you are, I am not responsible for what I say if I ever get a chance to tell you off.

Please, think people, this is a very dangerous act. Very dangerous!:grumpy:

Try adding your hand signal, maybe that will get their eye.

[PaPaLarry]

If ONLY we could have ALL Cart Paths off the main streets???? And maybe even all CARTS off the streets, maybe we wouldn't be discussing this issue!! But, it's The Villages, and I still Love it here!!!!! "Happy Motoring":ho::gc:

[robertj1954]

I have been trying to find a list of laws related to the use of golf carts in The Villages. I wonder why they aren't readily available. It seems to me that when you buy a golf cart here, you should either be given a printed copy of laws or at least information on where you could find them.

I have heard that you can be ticketed for leaving the golf cart lane to pass a slower vehicle. This doesn't make sense to me if you are 1) still going the speed limit, 2) don't cut off another vehicle and 3) use the proper signals, Reading the posts on this subject from 2009 no one seemed to really know. So I'll ask again. Anyone know anything on this subject?

These are the Traffic Statutes that apply to low speed vehicles (golf Carts)

1. 316.2122 f.s.
Score: 92.82%
Abstract: 316.2122 Operation of a low-speed vehicle or mini truck on certain roadways. 334.03(15) or (33) is authorized with the following restrictions:(1) A low-speed vehicle or mini truck may be operated only on streets where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. This does not prohibit a low-speed vehicle or mini truck from crossing a road or street at an intersection where the road or street has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour.

2. 320.0847 f.s.
Score: 86.58%
Abstract: 320.0847 Mini truck and low-speed vehicle license plates. �(1) The department shall issue a license plate to the owner or lessee of any vehicle registered as a low-speed vehicle as defined in s. (2) The license plate for a low-speed vehicle or mini truck shall comply with the provisions of s.

3. 316.2126 f.s.
Score: 83.51%
Abstract: 316.2126 Authorized use of golf carts, low-speed vehicles, and utility vehicles. (c) Golf carts and utility vehicles may be operated only on state roads that have a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour or less. (2) State employees, state park volunteers, and state park visitors are authorized to use golf carts and utility vehicles, as defined in s.

4. 316.21265 f.s.
Score: 81.69%
Abstract: 316.21265 Use of all-terrain vehicles, golf carts, low-speed vehicles, or utility vehicles by law enforcement agencies. �(1) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, any law enforcement agency in this state may operate all-terrain vehicles as defined in s. (2) Such vehicles must be clearly marked as vehicles of a law enforcement agency and may be equipped with special warning lights, signaling devices, or other equipment approved or authorized for use...

5. 320.08001 f.s.
Score: 79.67%
Abstract: 320.08001 Electric vehicles; license tax. �The license tax for an electric vehicle or low-speed vehicle is the same as that prescribed in s. 320.08 for a vehicle that is not electrically powered.

6. 320.01 f.s.
Score: 79.67%
Abstract: (10) �Heavy truck� means any motor vehicle with a net vehicle weight of more than 5,000 pounds, which is registered on the basis of gross vehicle weight in accordance with s. (39) �Replacement motor vehicle� means any motor vehicle as defined in subsection (1) under tow by a wrecker to the location of a disabled motor vehicle for the purpose of replacing the disabled motor vehicle, thereby permitting the transfer of the disabled motor vehicle�s operator, passengers, and load to...

7. 317.0003 f.s.
Score: 77.42%
Abstract: (2) �Dealer� means any person authorized by the Department of Revenue to buy, sell, resell, or otherwise distribute off-highway vehicles. (3) �Department� means the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. (6) �Off-highway vehicle� means any ATV, two-rider ATV, ROV, or OHM that is used off the roads or highways of this state and that is not registered and licensed for highway use pursuant to chapter 320.

8. 261.03 f.s.
Score: 77.42%
Abstract: �As used in this chapter, the term:(1) �Advisory committee� means the Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Advisory Committee created by s. (6) �Off-highway vehicle� means any ATV, two-rider ATV, ROV, or OHM that is used off the roads or highways of this state and that is not registered and licensed for highway use under chapter 320. (7) �Program� means the Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Program.

[lightworker888]

I just googled LSV and golf cart speed limits and discovered that there is a legal difference between a golf cart that only goes up to 19.5 mph and a golf cart (car) that goes over 20 and under 25mph. The latter has to be registered as such and the driver has to carry a driver's licence when driving and the cart has to be insured as such. Even if the cart is never driven above 19.5 mph, if you are stopped and the cart can go above 20 and it is not registered or insured as such, then the fine is very costly. This maybe a reiteration of other posters, but it helped to really clarify the info for me so I thought I would share.

Here are a couple of the links that I read.

Florida Law (http://www.starelectriccars.com/Florida%20Law.htm)

GOLF CART OR LOW SPEED VEHICLE? | Newsome Law Firm (http://www.newsomelaw.com/resources/articles/golf-cart-or-low-speed-vehicle)

The Villages Voice (http://www.thevha.net/the-villages-voice?op=3&issue=24&article=547)


LW888

[Granddaughtervisitor]

How old must some one, a visitor, be I drive golf carts in the villages? Answers would be super

[skyguy79]

How old must some one, a visitor, be I drive golf carts in the villages? Answers would be superYou'll find that answer and more information you should know at the following:

Golf Cart Rules of the Road (http://www.villagesgolfcartman.com/id16.html)

[784caroline]

The minimun age is 14

[buggyone]

How old must some one, a visitor, be I drive golf carts in the villages? Answers would be super

The minimum age is 14 - with or without an adult in the cart.

Grams and Gramps had better have much liability insurance on their golf cart or it may cost them everything they have worked for all of their lives if you would have an accident and they get SUED!

[skyguy79]

Granddaughtervisitor, I hope you will still go to the website I gave the link to. There is more important information you should know there other than the age requirement!

[Granddaughtervisitor]

Thanks for all of your help! I thought it was 13 or 14 and I couldn't find it on the Internet. I did read the web page and it answers a couple of other questions I had! Thanks again!

[bluedog103]

Our golf-cart goes the regulated 19.9 MPH speed. We get passed all the time by carts that are MUCH faster (and not necessarily road-ready). I would venture to say...if a police-officer watched that he just might pull the "passer" over to write a citation. Got passed by one the other day and he left us "in the dust" and didn't see a license plate to indicate he was road-ready!! I don't believe you'd get a ticket just by going over the solid line...only "if" you were doing something else that wasn't within the law.
Most carts don't have speedometers. How do you know how fast you're going?

[gerryann]

I was shopping at Pier 1 today. When walking in, I saw two golf carts filled with kids (3 or 4 teens in each). Now, they weren't doing anything wrong, but it just worried me. I know if my grand kids come to visit, they'll want to also......YIKES...just scares the bageebees out of me.

[mrfixit]

Most carts don't have speedometers. How do you know how fast you're going?

We use GPS for speedometers......

Just set it to speed....

[Down Sized]

I have been trying to find a list of laws related to the use of golf carts in The Villages. I wonder why they aren't readily available. It seems to me that when you buy a golf cart here, you should either be given a printed copy of laws or at least information on where you could find them.

I have heard that you can be ticketed for leaving the golf cart lane to pass a slower vehicle. This doesn't make sense to me if you are 1) still going the speed limit, 2) don't cut off another vehicle and 3) use the proper signals, Reading the posts on this subject from 2009 no one seemed to really know. So I'll ask again. Anyone know anything on this subject?

I think that is the answer! NO ONE KNOWS.
Lots of guesses.

[PaPaLarry]

What would be good is, having the Daily Sun put in different cartoon situations every day about golf cart driving in The Villages, like white striped lines, turning signals, diamonds, obeying red lights, merging etc etc etc. Maybe by seeing all these different things that can happen, and showing correct way and wrong way over and over again, maybe we can avoid accidents/

[BobnBev]

OK then, how about this..

The Deputy pulls over a golf cart, now they are both stopped in the golf cart lane. Is it OK for everyone coming up behind him in a golf cart to pass them, or do all 40 have to wait till the golf cart lane is clear? :gc:

[Down Sized]

OK then, how about this..

The Deputy pulls over a golf cart, now they are both stopped in the golf cart lane. Is it OK for everyone coming up behind him in a golf cart to pass them, or do all 40 have to wait till the golf cart lane is clear? :gc:

You mean close the path down and backup traffic like I-4????:MOJE_whot:

[GatorFan]

VHA has a golf cart safety meeting 3rd Wednesday of every month, 10:00 am at Savannah Center. Law enforcement is there to answer all your questions. A great safety meeting that everyone should attend at least once.