Golf Cart Traffic Tickets

[travelguy]

I was wondering how many of us have received traffic tickets while driving a golf cart? Speeding? Failure to yield? Underage driving? Anything else?
Please let us know what happened and where.
Thanks.
:gc:

[Warren Kiefer]

I was wondering how many of us have received traffic tickets while driving a golf cart? Speeding? Failure to yield? Underage driving? Anything else?
Please let us know what happened and where.
Thanks.
:gc:

I can give you some information. The speeding tickets for golf carts are in the $380.00 range. The speeding portion is the smaller of the violation, what the law now determines is that since the cart was exceeding 19.9mph, it is no longer a golf cart. It is now an electric vehicle needing a registration, seat belts, proper brakes, wipers, license plates, insurance, proper lighting and possibly a few other requirements. Each of these violations carry a set fine and really add up.

[KennyC]

Newbie here....

Who gives the ticket, and who gets the money?

Is there a police entity, or just private security?

[Bosoxfan]

The Sherriff usually gives the tickets . I'm assuming the monies go to the county in which the violation occurred.

[westcoast]

I would like to hear from someone you actually got a ticket.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I would like to hear from someone you actually got a ticket.

I was thinking the same thing. If you have a cart that is only capable of 19.9 mph and you get going on a little down hill you can get up to 23-24 mph. Can they clock you with a radar gun and fine you $380.00 for that?

I'd like to know how they would handle it when 14 year old (perfectly legal) kid is driving 24 mph down Rio Grande. They pull him over and ask for a license. He doesn't have one. They ask for ID. He doesn't have one. He refuses to answer any questions. What do they do? Can they arrest the kid and hold him on exceeding the speed limit by 4 mph?

How can they expect a kid who has not studied for and taken a license test to know the rules of the road? From what I understand the rule is that anyone over the ager of 14 is allowed to operate a golf cart anywhere that golf carts are allowed in the Villages. How can the rules of the road possibly be enforced?

[Regor]

Ignorance of the laws is not an excuse. Carts have brakes, when going down hill you could always use them

[red tail]

lots of talk.......no tickets so far.

[JoeC1947]

lots of talk.......no tickets so far.

Maybe the perpetrators are embarrassed?

[JoeC1947]

I was thinking the same thing. If you have a cart that is only capable of 19.9 mph and you get going on a little down hill you can get up to 23-24 mph. Can they clock you with a radar gun and fine you $380.00 for that?

I'd like to know how they would handle it when 14 year old (perfectly legal) kid is driving 24 mph down Rio Grande. They pull him over and ask for a license. He doesn't have one. They ask for ID. He doesn't have one. He refuses to answer any questions. What do they do? Can they arrest the kid and hold him on exceeding the speed limit by 4 mph?

How can they expect a kid who has not studied for and taken a license test to know the rules of the road? From what I understand the rule is that anyone over the ager of 14 is allowed to operate a golf cart anywhere that golf carts are allowed in the Villages. How can the rules of the road possibly be enforced?

I may be wrong but I don't going down a hill counts as speeding. I believe that your cart would need to be modified to exceed the 19.9mph max to get a ticket. Going down a hill is just gravity at work.

[Warren Kiefer]

I was thinking the same thing. If you have a cart that is only capable of 19.9 mph and you get going on a little down hill you can get up to 23-24 mph. Can they clock you with a radar gun and fine you $380.00 for that?

I'd like to know how they would handle it when 14 year old (perfectly legal) kid is driving 24 mph down Rio Grande. They pull him over and ask for a license. He doesn't have one. They ask for ID. He doesn't have one. He refuses to answer any questions. What do they do? Can they arrest the kid and hold him on exceeding the speed limit by 4 mph?

How can they expect a kid who has not studied for and taken a license test to know the rules of the road? From what I understand the rule is that anyone over the ager of 14 is allowed to operate a golf cart anywhere that golf carts are allowed in the Villages. How can the rules of the road possibly be enforced?

Law enforcement expects only one thing, that we all obey the laws that have been set forth. There are no exceptions for kids ... Remember, when a kid was driving a golf cart 24 mph, that golf cart is no longer a golf cart but an electric vehicle and now must obey the electric car rules.. Also about going down hill and exceeding the speed limit, that one of the things brakes are for.

If you are in a car, 55 mph limit, you now coast down a hill and reach a speed of 100mph, an enforcement officer stops you. Do you really believe that he would say, In your case 100mph is OK because you were going downhill.

[villages07]

As far as the 14 year old, prior discussion will show that the Sheriff will issue them a temp/voided license and assess points that will carry over to when they do obtain a legal license.

There haven't been many recent reports of golf cart speeding tickets but a couple of years ago there was an intense enforcement period. I know of someone who got a ticket for 24-25 on Oak Forest Dr and had to pay the $300+ ticket. There was a sheriff's log distributed by email that showed a number of golf cart speeding tickets. So, yes, it does happen and is not an urban legend.

[Irish Rover]

I was thinking the same thing. If you have a cart that is only capable of 19.9 mph and you get going on a little down hill you can get up to 23-24 mph. Can they clock you with a radar gun and fine you $380.00 for that?

I'd like to know how they would handle it when 14 year old (perfectly legal) kid is driving 24 mph down Rio Grande. They pull him over and ask for a license. He doesn't have one. They ask for ID. He doesn't have one. He refuses to answer any questions. What do they do? Can they arrest the kid and hold him on exceeding the speed limit by 4 mph?

How can they expect a kid who has not studied for and taken a license test to know the rules of the road? From what I understand the rule is that anyone over the ager of 14 is allowed to operate a golf cart anywhere that golf carts are allowed in the Villages. How can the rules of the road possibly be enforced?

There should be a drivers test for anyone driving a cart.

[John_W]

...If you are in a car, 55 mph limit, you now coast down a hill and reach a speed of 100mph, an enforcement officer stops you. Do you really believe that he would say, In your case 100mph is OK because you were going downhill.

However, a car has a speedometer. a non street legal golf cart is not equipped with a speedometer. Golf cart operators for the most part have to go the after market route to get a speedometer. If someone with a golf cart that hasn't been tinkered with to exceed 19.9 and they have no speedometer, I would think any form of speeding ticket could be thrown out. Especially if the cart is gasoline, since only electric carts are allowed to be street legal, that would eliminate the unregistered vehicle statue.



.

[buggyone]

Do not forget the golf carts ticketed for having open containers of alcohol in them. If you are at Lake Sumter Landing or Spanish Springs sitting in your cart listening to the music, having a drink from the drink shacks, you can be ticketed even though the cart is parked. Those are public roadways and it has happened plenty of times.

[buggyone]

[QUOTE=John_W;637220]However, a car has a speedometer. a non street legal golf cart is not equipped with a speedometer. Golf cart operators for the most part have to go the after market route to get a speedometer. If someone with a golf cart that hasn't been tinkered with to exceed 19.9 and they have no speedometer, I would think any form of speeding ticket could be thrown out. Especially if the cart is gasoline, since only electric carts are allowed to be street legal, that would eliminate the unregistered vehicle statue.
___________________________
Yeah, try that out on a judge and tell us the outcome of that exchange!

[BobnBev]

Much ado---about nothing..:police:

The Sheriff isn't going after speeding golf carts, he has much bigger fish to catch.

[bluedog103]

Still waiting to hear from someone who received a ticket while driving a golf cart. I'm starting to think this is another urban legend.

[buggyone]

I looked at posts on the same subject in the history of TOTV.

"I just came from a District 6 meeting at which the Sumter County Sherriff’s Dept. presented the golf cart citations issued between Aug 11th and Oct 11th. There were 64 citations in all, 9 for Ran Stop Sign, 1 for Possession of Open Container – Driver, and 56 for No Motor Vehicle Registration. The No Motor Vehicle Registration meant that the non-street legal golf cart was operated in excess of 20mph while on public road – path portion or otherwise. The citation requires a court appearance. In general, offenders are required to demonstrate to the judge that repairs have been made to limit the cart’s speed to 20mph and pay court costs of $250. At the judge’s discretion, the several hundred dollar fine is waived."

[Mack184]

When was the last time you saw a cop with a speed trap set up on a golf cart trail?

[memason]

When was the last time you saw a cop with a speed trap set up on a golf cart trail?

My understanding is that the multi-model paths are private property and law enforcement are not allow to ticket carts there. I believe there are some instances where they are allowed to ticket [ie obvious drunk driving], but speeding is not one of them....yet

Haven't read anything about this in a while, so I might be wrong.

[downeaster]

However, a car has a speedometer. a non street legal golf cart is not equipped with a speedometer. Golf cart operators for the most part have to go the after market route to get a speedometer. If someone with a golf cart that hasn't been tinkered with to exceed 19.9 and they have no speedometer, I would think any form of speeding ticket could be thrown out. Especially if the cart is gasoline, since only electric carts are allowed to be street legal, that would eliminate the unregistered vehicle statue.



.

I believe the law was recently amended to include gasoline carts.

[travelguy]

so far we have 3 pages of comments and not 1 actual instance of someone getting a ticket for a violation while driving a golf cart? this seems really strange.

[bimmertl]

so far we have 3 pages of comments and not 1 actual instance of someone getting a ticket for a violation while driving a golf cart? this seems really strange.

From a prior thread.



https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/sumter-county-golf-cart-citations-8-1-10-11-a-32752/

[Country Dreamer]

My father-in-law received a ticket while driving his golf cart for going through a stop sign, coming out of the "hole in the wall" near the Savannah Center. Sheriff on a motorcycle waiting near the speed bumps. I don't remember the exact amount of the ticket, but it was in the hundreds.

[batman911]

I believe you can be ticketed when you are in the marked cart lanes on the streets.
The streets are public property.

[rubicon]

Well judging from some of the comments we have quite a few nebies here. A cart legally modified to exceed 19.9 mph meaning it is registered as a motor vehicle insured and has he necessary safety equip can travel streets posted no more than 35mph. the street legal can go 25mph.

However a cart gas or electric not registered as a vehicle cannot go above 19.9 mph. if the art exceeds 19.9 an LOE can ticket the driver for driving a vehicle nto regitered as a vehcile since it can exceed 19.9. In addition to the ticket the driver/owner is rwequired to take the cart to a repair shop and adjust the cart so it cannot exceed 19.9 mph.

There have been times in the past when the sheriff set up stations on the cart paths to issue ticketd. This created a lot of discussion as to their right to issue tickets on private property (cart paths). I have not seen a sheriff stationed on a cartpath for sometime. so I am not certain if they cannot or if they OE to set up traps on Morse, Belverdere, etc and ticketcars for exceeding the post limit and golf carts that exceed 19.9 mph for driving a nonregistered vehicle. It does happen and those skeptics should keep a wary eye out for LOE if you have a non-registered cart that excceds 19.9.

What I am not certain of is what legally happens when a street legal cart travels 25mph on a cart path?

For all of the above and for the sake of safety I cut my power back to 19.9mph and delighted i did so

[Jaggy]

a week ago, maybe it was two, I saw a golf cart pulled over on Belevdere by a motorcycle cop.

[buggyone]

When was the last time you saw a cop with a speed trap set up on a golf cart trail?

The police do not have authority on the Multi-Modal trails (golf cart trails) since that is private property. They do have authority on the streets of The Villages.

However, the Developer has given police permission to cite carts on the Multi-Modal trails for drunken driving or endangerment if they see it. Get into a cart accident on one of the Multi-Modal trails and you do call the police.

[travelguy]

An oblivious golf cart driver was on Buena Vista travelling south from the roundabout at Bonita, and going towards Odell Circle (Lake Miona Rec Ctr) and he was not a street legal cart. And of course there were no police around. Am I overly critical in assuming that golf cart drivers should be as accountable for their driving habits as those of us in an automobile?

[paulandjean]

I asked the same question about golf cart tickets,a while back and nobody came forth. They have better things to do. If you are acting like a jerk ,sitting in your golf cart drinking you could get a ticket. However know of no one. I always park and have a couple of beers and listen to the music,and have never had a problem. I even sat there talking to police,drinking a beer and nothing "ever" came up in the discussion.Just "chillin" and having a beer.

[Irish Rover]

Just a heads up on the speedometer issue. When I'm in TV for my two months each year I use an APP called Limiteur (free). It is totally accurate and reliable, at least it is for me. YES, I did test it in a cart that also had a after market speedometer. It works on smart phones. Hope this helps someone.
Irish

[Warren Kiefer]

My understanding is that the multi-model paths are private property and law enforcement are not allow to ticket carts there. I believe there are some instances where they are allowed to ticket [ie obvious drunk driving], but speeding is not one of them....yet

Haven't read anything about this in a while, so I might be wrong.

Vehicle regulations do not apply to multi modal pathways and exempt from county or State regulations.. Law enforcement has authority only on the streets but this does include the marked golf cart lanes. Also remember when crossing a street from the Multi Modal pathways you are fair game.

[Warren Kiefer]

I asked the same question about golf cart tickets,a while back and nobody came forth. They have better things to do. If you are acting like a jerk ,sitting in your golf cart drinking you could get a ticket. However know of no one. I always park and have a couple of beers and listen to the music,and have never had a problem. I even sat there talking to police,drinking a beer and nothing "ever" came up in the discussion.Just "chillin" and having a beer.

Just because you weren't approached about the drinking while sitting in your cart in no way means that what you were doing was legal.

[JoeC1947]

so far we have 3 pages of comments and not 1 actual instance of someone getting a ticket for a violation while driving a golf cart? this seems really strange.

I know someone that got a ticket. Does that count?

[gomoho]

Nope - heresay.

[JoeC1947]

Nope - heresay.

What if I have an affidavit?

[Shimpy]

Ignorance of the laws is not an excuse. Carts have brakes, when going down hill you could always use them

Yea right! How do you know you are exceeding the speed limit in a cart without a speedometer? If ignorance of the law is no excuse how is it that lawyer offices and judges chambers are wall to wall law books? Don't they know all the laws as we are suppose to??????

[paulandjean]

Just because you weren't approached about the drinking while sitting in your cart in no way means that what you were doing was legal.

So are you saying the police ignored the matter?

[Barefoot]

I know someone that got a ticket. Does that count?

Please tell us about it.

[Warren Kiefer]

Yea right! How do you know you are exceeding the speed limit in a cart without a speedometer? If ignorance of the law is no excuse how is it that lawyer offices and judges chambers are wall to wall law books? Don't they know all the laws as we are suppose to??????

The cops will gladly inform you just how fast you were going as they write out the ticket It's no big deal to have a speedometer installed..

[Mack184]

The police do not have authority on the Multi-Modal trails (golf cart trails) since that is private property. They do have authority on the streets of The Villages.

However, the Developer has given police permission to cite carts on the Multi-Modal trails for drunken driving or endangerment if they see it. Get into a cart accident on one of the Multi-Modal trails and you do call the police.
I'm sort of laughing at how seriously my comment has been answered by a couple of posters. I was being sarcastic. I know full well that you're not going to see a cop set up with a radar gun sitting by the side of the golf cart trail What would he use as a chase car? A Smart?? No..probably not..A golf cart can go faster than a Smart! :icon_wink:

[Barefoot]

I'm sort of laughing at how seriously my comment has been answered by a couple of posters. I was being sarcastic. I know full well that you're not going to see a cop set up with a radar gun sitting by the side of the golf cart trail What would he use as a chase car? A Smart?? No..probably not..A golf cart can go faster than a Smart! :icon_wink:

I've seen Motorcycle cops on golf cart trails more than once!

[Country Dreamer]

I would like to hear from someone you actually got a ticket.

My father-in-law received a ticket for not stopping at a stop sign while driving a golf cart. He had just come through the "hole in the wall" near the Savannah Center and a motorcycle sheriff was waiting near the speed bumps. Don't remember the exact amount of the fine, but it was in the hundreds.

[JoeC1947]

I'm sort of laughing at how seriously my comment has been answered by a couple of posters. I was being sarcastic. I know full well that you're not going to see a cop set up with a radar gun sitting by the side of the golf cart trail What would he use as a chase car? A Smart?? No..probably not..A golf cart can go faster than a Smart! :icon_wink:

Actually, the police do have a GEM car set up with lights and all that I have
seen in The Villages.

[philnpat]

The reason why we speed in our carts is so that we can get to our destination before we forget where we're going! :loco:

[billethkid]

if you have a smart phone, down load a speedometer app and you can see how fast you go under differing conditions.

Just like on the roads there should be as much ticketing as possible to create a "this is a speed trap" community so watch your speed.

I do not understand why the only position for many of the "gas" pedal is on the floor??

How many times do we come to a sharp curve only to find a high speed idiot half in your lane because they are going too fast. Too many.
What the hell is the hurry here in TV when some get behind the wheel.

As far as those with motors capable of doing more than the legal 19 mph......let's all hope they get their ticket today!!! What is the hurry??

Remember at 60 mph ant thend end of AN HOUR you will be one mile further.
So going 25-30 for 12 minutes gains WHAT????

Go get em Danno.

btk

[George Bieniaszek]

We have an EZGO electric that according to the radar trailers that the police have set up around The Villages, we have a top speed of 19 MPH. We are legal eagles :) We get a chuckle out of all the people that pass us in their hot-rodded golf carts, (non-Street Legal, of course) weaving in the car lanes and back into the golf cart lanes passing everyone out, only to be 1-2-3 carts ahead of us when we all stop at the Sunset gate waiting to cross and get on the golf cart path at Lake Miona Rec Ctr. Then we see them passing everyone out on the golf cart paths heading towards LSL, only to catch up to them at the tunnels waiting for an opening in the cross traffic, then catching up to them as we enter Canal Street. So exactly, how much time did you save ripping around The Villages at 22-25MPH???

[NotGolfer]

We have an EZGO electric that according to the radar trailers that the police have set up around The Villages, we have a top speed of 19 MPH. We are legal eagles :) We get a chuckle out of all the people that pass us in their hot-rodded golf carts, (non-Street Legal, of course) weaving in the car lanes and back into the golf cart lanes passing everyone out, only to be 1-2-3 carts ahead of us when we all stop at the Sunset gate waiting to cross and get on the golf cart path at Lake Miona Rec Ctr. Then we see them passing everyone out on the golf cart paths heading towards LSL, only to catch up to them at the tunnels waiting for an opening in the cross traffic, then catching up to them as we enter Canal Street. So exactly, how much time did you save ripping around The Villages at 22-25MPH???

Exactly and Amen!!!!!!!

[Golf View]

How does a person know they are exceeding 19 mph when the vast majority of carts are not equipped with a speedometer?:police:

[paulandjean]

How does a person know they are exceeding 19 mph when the vast majority of carts are not equipped with a speedometer?:police:

Sue the cart maker. 19.9 mph pease.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

There should be a drivers test for anyone driving a cart.

I agree. It's pretty simple. If someone is to operate a motor vehicle on a public roadway, they should have to have a driver's license.
The simplest thing would be to require anyone driving a golf cart on any of our public roads to have a drivers license.

I don't know what if anything can be done about driving on the cart paths, but it seems that there are very few places that one can get to without driving on the public roads.

[Indy-Guy]

I was wondering how many of us have received traffic tickets while driving a golf cart? Speeding? Failure to yield? Underage driving? Anything else?
Please let us know what happened and where.
Thanks.
:gc:

People who are members of Talk Of The Villages do not get golf cart tickets.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Sue the cart maker. 19.9 mph pease.

Sue the cart maker? For what? Are they selling an illegal product?

Carts that go over 19.9 mph are perfectly legal in many settings.

This is the same mentality as suing gun manufacturers because people get shot.

[bhand48]

A 14 year old who has no ID, and refuses to give his/her name is inviting themselves on a long ride to a holding room of a sub-station or juvenile facility, untill a parent picks them up. The cart is towed. Then juvenile court. This is not a responsible teen and, a parent is not a responsible parent when allowing the teen to operate a cart in the first place.

[getdul981]

Sue the cart maker. 19.9 mph pease.

The cart maker does not make the carts to go over 15 MPH. They are altered by the dealer, and they make them to go 20 MPH. The ones that go over 20 MPH have been altered by the purchaser.

[mrsyarbie]

As part of Camp Villages each summer the Sumter County Sherriffs department offer a day camp several times for all children 14 years and over who want to operate a golf cart while they are here visiting their Grandparents in TV. It should be encouraged by all of us. It says in the summer camp phamplet that it teaches them about the cart itself and the rules of road when operating a golf cart . I think it is a wonderful class with as many Grandchildren that come to visit us in the summer months...

[TrudyM]

As part of Camp Villages each summer the Sumter County Sherriffs department offer a day camp several times for all children 14 years and over who want to operate a golf cart while they are here visiting their Grandparents in TV. It should be encouraged by all of us. It says in the summer camp phamplet that it teaches them about the cart itself and the rules of road when operating a golf cart . I think it is a wonderful class with as many Grandchildren that come to visit us in the summer months...

From what I am reading the grandparents and parents need to go also.

[My Daily Run]

We have an EZGO electric that according to the radar trailers that the police have set up around The Villages, we have a top speed of 19 MPH. We are legal eagles :) We get a chuckle out of all the people that pass us in their hot-rodded golf carts, (non-Street Legal, of course) weaving in the car lanes and back into the golf cart lanes passing everyone out, only to be 1-2-3 carts ahead of us when we all stop at the Sunset gate waiting to cross and get on the golf cart path at Lake Miona Rec Ctr. Then we see them passing everyone out on the golf cart paths heading towards LSL, only to catch up to them at the tunnels waiting for an opening in the cross traffic, then catching up to them as we enter Canal Street. So exactly, how much time did you save ripping around The Villages at 22-25MPH???
I agree with NotGolfer...I went to Brownwood yesterday and I was passed by many and I lost count how many carts on the path. They were passing each other and weaving in and out but the sad part was I had to break quickly a few times because they would cut me off to get back into the parade of carts. I really felt like hugging the cart in front of me so if someone tried to cut in they couldn't but then decided that I may cause injury to myself...not the idiots that were speeding. They probably got to Brownwood just a few minutes before I did and I found a hard to find parking space right away and saw a few of my buddies who passed me riding around looking to park !!! LOL

[johnlu]

We just moved here and "surfing the classifieds. Came across your posting and found it interesting. We saw you had over 3,000 hits.....how do we find out the results?

[paulandjean]

12-31-2013, All new Villages residents thereafter,must pass a cart driving test and possess a cart driving license.

[BettyCrocked]

Great idea, now what about all the renters?

12-31-2013, All new Villages residents thereafter,must pass a cart driving test and possess a cart driving license.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

An oblivious golf cart driver was on Buena Vista travelling south from the roundabout at Bonita, and going towards Odell Circle (Lake Miona Rec Ctr) and he was not a street legal cart. And of course there were no police around. Am I overly critical in assuming that golf cart drivers should be as accountable for their driving habits as those of us in an automobile?

If you want to hold them accountable, then I would think that you would have to require that they have a valid drivers license. If you are driving an automobile we can assume that you have taken a test that shows that you know and understand the rules of the road.

Kids as young a 14 years old and people without a license are allowed to drive golf carts on our streets. These people have never studied the rules of the road and never been tested on that knowledge. How can they be held accountable?

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

A 14 year old who has no ID, and refuses to give his/her name is inviting themselves on a long ride to a holding room of a sub-station or juvenile facility, untill a parent picks them up. The cart is towed. Then juvenile court. This is not a responsible teen and, a parent is not a responsible parent when allowing the teen to operate a cart in the first place.

On what basis? What law has this teen broken? What arrestable offense have they committed? They are not required to carry IDs. They are only required to respond to police if they are suspected of committing a crime. They are simply driving a golf cart in an area where it is perfectly legal. Nothing in the law, as far as I know, says that they are required to know the rules of the road.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

The cart maker does not make the carts to go over 15 MPH. They are altered by the dealer, and they make them to go 20 MPH. The ones that go over 20 MPH have been altered by the purchaser.

I was told that my cart has a 22 mph motor. I don't think that the dealer put that in.

[Millie Holland]

I understand you can get a ticket for passing another golf cart, bicycle or jogger using the golf cart lane. How is this legal as passing on a white solid line is discouraged not illegal?

Is this just simply a policy that the sherrif's department decided or is it actually legal to ticket someone for that?

[graciegirl]

I understand you can get a ticket for passing another golf cart, bicycle or jogger using the golf cart lane. How is this legal as passing on a white solid line is discouraged not illegal?

Is this just simply a policy that the sherrif's department decided or is it actually legal to ticket someone for that?


Welcome to the forum Millie!

Sorting out truth from fiction is our main indoor sport here.

[bimmertl]

Really, no tickets to golf carts? How about 64 tickets in two months?

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

[JBarracks]

Just a heads up on the speedometer issue. When I'm in TV for my two months each year I use an APP called Limiteur (free). It is totally accurate and reliable, at least it is for me. YES, I did test it in a cart that also had a after market speedometer. It works on smart phones. Hope this helps someone.
Irish

I'll be moving down from Cedar Hill in a month or two...thanks for the info on the APP, just downloaded it.

[buzzy]

Really, no tickets to golf carts? How about 64 tickets in two months?

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

November 2010 article

[golf2140]

I hate to do this but, I received a ticket for going past a STOP sign while living near Summerhill. I was coming rom Glenview heading to Beef O'Bardy's. Motor Cycle guy stopped me, didn't want to hear a word I said. This was three or four years ago. The ticket was $141.00. If you did the online school, no points would be posted to your license nor would your insurance company be notified. I did the online, took almost 8 hours, each page is timed. I was ready to toss the computer out the window.

[GatorFan]

Your insurance company is not notified when you get a ticket nor do they run an MVR again after the policy is issued.

[Tom Hannon]

I had a rental when company came to visit. Clocked at 11 miles an hour I returned the cart and borrowed a neighbors instead. Part of the problem is the white rentals go too slow and they should go at least 18mph. I do pass carts going under 15 but never anything over that. As far as the walkers go, they should step aside when a golf cart is in their path

[rubicon]

Well it took 71 posts for someone to admit to receiving a ticket and it was for a no stopping infraction. Hmmmmmmmmmm It may point to the fact tht those violators are not in the know because they are not members of our team. In otherwords chances are those cowboys passing you at lightning speed are not utilizing the educational benefits of TOTVor they have been very fortunate or luckyso far in not getting caught?

[Tweety Bird]

Do not forget the golf carts ticketed for having open containers of alcohol in them. If you are at Lake Sumter Landing or Spanish Springs sitting in your cart listening to the music, having a drink from the drink shacks, you can be ticketed even though the cart is parked. Those are public roadways and it has happened plenty of times.

Are you sure about this?

[Bogie Shooter]

Are you sure about this?

One of many threads on this subject. Use the search feature above.
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/violation-tickets-39260/

[rhredd1654]

Check the recreation news in today's Sun. It lists violations by golf carts in Sumter County:

EXTRA! EXTRA!
The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office presents a quarterly report to the Village Community Development Districts 1-3, and 5-8 of traffic infractions in the
Sumter County portion of The Villages.
Between Jan. 1 and April 8, the SCSO issued 658 traffic citations in the Sumter
County portion of The Villages alone. In addition to that, during the same time,
the SCSO issued 71 golf cart citations. The vehicle citations ranged from items
such as unlawful speed and improper braking to not wearing a seat belt. However, more than 50 percent of the citations issued to golf carts were for running a stop
sign and more than 20 percent of the citations were for operating a golf cart without
a registration, which is issued when a golf cart exceeds the 19 mph speed limit.
Please continue to keep the safety of yourself and others in mind when you
are traversing throughout the community!

[CWGUY]

As far as the walkers go, they should step aside when a golf cart is in their path

http://www.districtgov.org/community/SHAREposter.pdf

They teach sharing in pre-school. :sad:

[buggyone]

Are you sure about this?

Yes, it has been in the Daily Sun as well as the VHA paper. You will see lots of people doing it but once in a while, the police will ticket them. It does seem to be sort of a selective basis or depending on who is on police duty at the time - but why take a chance?

[Tom Hannon]

I was thinking the same thing. If you have a cart that is only capable of 19.9 mph and you get going on a little down hill you can get up to 23-24 mph. Can they clock you with a radar gun and fine you $380.00 for that?

I'd like to know how they would handle it when 14 year old (perfectly legal) kid is driving 24 mph down Rio Grande. They pull him over and ask for a license. He doesn't have one. They ask for ID. He doesn't have one. He refuses to answer any questions. What do they do? Can they arrest the kid and hold him on exceeding the speed limit by 4 mph?

How can they expect a kid who has not studied for and taken a license test to know the rules of the road? From what I understand the rule is that anyone over the ager of 14 is allowed to operate a golf cart anywhere that golf carts are allowed in the Villages. How can the rules of the road possibly be enforced?

Good evaluation. If I ever get pulled over for speeding , I will tell the cop I am 14 and show him no ID. Do the think the cop will believe me?

[buggyone]

"I'd like to know how they would handle it when 14 year old (perfectly legal) kid is driving 24 mph down Rio Grande. They pull him over and ask for a license. He doesn't have one. They ask for ID. He doesn't have one. He refuses to answer any questions. What do they do? Can they arrest the kid and hold him on exceeding the speed limit by 4 mph?"

A good way to find out is to visit either the Sumter County Sheriff's Office or the Marion County Sheriff's Office and pose the question to them. I am sure someone at the office can give you an answer.

[tommy steam]

A 14 year old who has no ID, and refuses to give his/her name is inviting themselves on a long ride to a holding room of a sub-station or juvenile facility, untill a parent picks them up. The cart is towed. Then juvenile court. This is not a responsible teen and, a parent is not a responsible parent when allowing the teen to operate a cart in the first place.

Some 14 or 15 year olds look like 18 or better. They might be put into general lock up.

[OldManTime]

Also keep in mind if there is an accident, and the cart was thought to be speeding, the cart can be impounded, and torn down, and if found to be modified, a ticket can be issued.
Lady Lake Police are always patrolling in lake county in the villages.

[CFrance]

Check out the May edition of the POA bulletin. There was a Q&A with Lt. Wolfe of the SCSO at their March meeting, and many of these questions were answered.

One in particular I didn't know about concerns walkers in the cart lanes on roads. His answer: "Regardless of whether you are on a bicycle or in a car or golf cart, you have a responsibility to try and prevent any harm to that that person even if you have to come to a stop. It is not about who has the right-of-way, it's not about anybody being right or wrong, it's about what you have the obligation to do because you are the one that is in control of that vehicle."

BTW, POA Bulletin's punctuation, not mine.

[LndLocked]

"walkers in the cart lanes on roads."

They are NOT "cart lanes"!!! Walkers, cyclists, rollerbladers and everyone else has as much right to these "Diamond Lanes" as golf carts do. Drive on Morse Blvd north of 466 and noticed how it is marked.

[Bogie Shooter]

Check out the May edition of the POA bulletin. There was a Q&A with Lt. Wolfe of the SCSO at their March meeting, and many of these questions were answered.

One in particular I didn't know about concerns walkers in the cart lanes on roads. His answer: "Regardless of whether you are on a bicycle or in a car or golf cart, you have a responsibility to try and prevent any harm to that that person even if you have to come to a stop. It is not about who has the right-of-way, it's not about anybody being right or wrong, it's about what you have the obligation to do because you are the one that is in control of that vehicle."

BTW, POA Bulletin's punctuation, not mine.

POA May Bulletin:
http://www.poa4us.org/bulletins_files/bulletin201305.pdf

[Bogie Shooter]

Share the Multi-Modal Paths
http://www.districtgov.org/community/SHAREposter.pdf

[CFrance]

POA May Bulletin:
http://www.poa4us.org/bulletins_files/bulletin201305.pdf

Thanks, Bogie. Duh, I should have done that.

[CFrance]

"walkers in the cart lanes on roads."

They are NOT "cart lanes"!!! Walkers, cyclists, rollerbladers and everyone else has as much right to these "Diamond Lanes" as golf carts do. Drive on Morse Blvd north of 466 and noticed how it is marked.

From what I understood, walkers are supposed to walk on the sidewalks where provided, not on the paths or cart lanes (don't know what else to call them). So my point was that it is interesting to note that you have an obligation to avoid anyone in that lane even if you have to stop, and it's not a question of right-of-way. Not trying to argue what they're called; just trying to impart info from the SCSO lieutenant.

[LndLocked]

From what I understood, walkers are supposed to walk on the sidewalks where provided, not on the paths or cart lanes (don't know what else to call them). So my point was that it is interesting to note that you have an obligation to avoid anyone in that lane even if you have to stop, and it's not a question of right-of-way. Not trying to argue what they're called; just trying to impart info from the SCSO lieutenant.

North of 466 their is a grand total of about 1/4 mile of sidewalks that are adjacent to a "diamond lane" .... which they are properly called. Referring to them as "cart lanes" implys that carts somehow have more "right of way" than anyone or anything else .... which they do not. It is a popular misconception in TV and as you can probably tell, is a hot button issue for me.

Due to the fact that their are no sidewalks north of 466 adjacent to a diamond lane (with the exception that 1/4 mile running in front of Mulberry Grove Rec Center) most people could not leave their neighborhoods to walk, run or bike without utilizing a diamond lane or walking in someone's yard.

I do agree that everyone has an obligation to avoid everyone as possible and that legal right of way does not give anyone the right to hit anyone or anything else.

[Barefoot]

North of 466 their is a grand total of about 1/4 mile of sidewalks that are adjacent to a "diamond lane" .... which they are properly called. Referring to them as "cart lanes" implys that carts somehow have more "right of way" than anyone or anything else .... which they do not. It is a popular misconception in TV and as you can probably tell, is a hot button issue for me.

Due to the fact that their are no sidewalks north of 466 adjacent to a diamond lane (with the exception that 1/4 mile running in front of Mulberry Grove Rec Center) most people could not leave their neighborhoods to walk, run or bike without utilizing a diamond lane or walking in someone's yard.

I do agree that everyone has an obligation to avoid everyone as possible and that legal right of way does not give anyone the right to hit anyone mor anything else.

I'm assuming they're called Multi Modal Lanes since they are shared by golf carts, bicyclists, and walkers/joggers. If all lane users share the lanes respectfully, everyone should be safe and happy. Yes I do wear rose colored glasses. :laugh:

[CFrance]

North of 466 their is a grand total of about 1/4 mile of sidewalks that are adjacent to a "diamond lane" .... which they are properly called. Referring to them as "cart lanes" implys that carts somehow have more "right of way" than anyone or anything else .... which they do not. It is a popular misconception in TV and as you can probably tell, is a hot button issue for me.

Due to the fact that their are no sidewalks north of 466 adjacent to a diamond lane (with the exception that 1/4 mile running in front of Mulberry Grove Rec Center) most people could not leave their neighborhoods to walk, run or bike without utilizing a diamond lane or walking in someone's yard.

I do agree that everyone has an obligation to avoid everyone as possible and that legal right of way does not give anyone the right to hit anyone or anything else.

Fair enough. Thanks for the clarification.

[ROCKETMAN]

I asked a sumter county officer the other day if i am driving inside the white line and i have slower traffic (bike, jogger, roller skater, slow cart) in front of me, can i pull out and pass. He said as long as you do not exceed the 19.9 limit, you can pass.

[beachgirl]

I was wondering if anyone has ever asked for a trial by jury for golf cart violations.

[perrjojo]

As I always say, Share the Road ( or multi modal path). It's the Law...it is also the right thing to do!

[CFrance]

I was wondering if anyone has ever asked for a trial by jury for golf cart violations.

I wonder if there even is such a thing for something of that small magnitude. :shrug:

[Barefoot]

The POA Newspaper (just delivered) has lots of interesting information on this subject!

[OnTrack]

The POA Newspaper (just delivered) has lots of interesting information on this subject!

Yes it does. :thumbup:

It even discusses making a left turn across the auto lane...from the right diamond/cart lane.

Short answer.....DON'T DO IT!!! :D


.

[paulandjean]

Talked to a cop at Spanish Springs last night.Asked if you could make a left -hand turn from the diamond-cart lane,he said you sure can as long as there is "No Left Hand Turn signage. Never seen anything that would warrent a ticket, just as I thought.

[luvmagic2]

I have heard that someone "knows someone" that got a ticket...but I have never actually spoken with anyone that has.

[CFrance]

Talked to a cop at Spanish Springs last night.Asked if you could make a left -hand turn from the diamond-cart lane,he said you sure can as long as there is "No Left Hand Turn signage. Never seen anything that would warrent a ticket, just as I thought.

I don't understand what that means. Why would it be okay to turn left if there is signage saying No Left Hand Turn?

POA bulletin--Lt. Wolfe was pretty clear that you must first safely merge into street traffic before making left hand turn. I guess I would go with his explanation.

[DonH57]

Yes. The POA bulletin does contain the article concerning many golf cart driving issues and I found it to be a very usefull article since it comes from the authorities.

[paulandjean]

I don't understand what that means. Why would it be okay to turn left if there is signage saying No Left Hand Turn?

POA bulletin--Lt. Wolfe was pretty clear that you must first safely merge into street traffic before making left hand turn. I guess I would go with his explanation.

Answer for you. Can I turn left from diamond-cart lane ? answer Yes. However you cannot if there is a "No Left Turn Sign. I myself am sticking with the patrol officer who is on the road,writing tickets for my answer.

[OnTrack]

POA bulletin--Lt. Wolfe was pretty clear that you must first safely merge into street traffic before making left hand turn. I guess I would go with his explanation.

Yep. :thumbup:

I think I would believe Lt. Wolfe, rather than an anecdotal story from some unknown source. ;)

.

[Bogie Shooter]

Answer for you. Can I turn left from diamond-cart lane ? answer Yes. However you cannot if there is a "No Left Turn Sign. I myself am sticking with the patrol officer who is on the road,writing tickets for my answer.

Good Luck!

[Ooper]

Yep. :thumbup:

I think I would believe Lt. Wolfe, rather than an anecdotal story from some unknown source. ;)

.

That's probably why he is still a patrolman and not a lieutenant. Turning left from the diamond lane is a recipe for disaster. Hope I'm not around when this is done!

[paulandjean]

Told the Police Officer of the discussion on this site, he explained about turn ing left. Remember he says,no difference if it was a runner,walker,bicycle,or golf cart. They all are unlicensed and not registered autos.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Ignorance of the laws is not an excuse. Carts have brakes, when going down hill you could always use them

I understand that and I can understand getting fined for speeding although I've never heard of anyone getting a ticket for going 3-4 miles over the speed limit.

But in this scenario, could they give you a ticket for driving an unregistered vehicle? Can they fine you under the golf cart versus LSV law?

I think that all golf carts are capable of exceeding 19.9 mph going downhill.

[Lynn222]

I was wondering how many of us have received traffic tickets while driving a golf cart? Speeding? Failure to yield? Underage driving? Anything else?
Please let us know what happened and where.
Thanks.
:gc:

I know a man who got a golf cart speeding ticket last week. He was on Bailey Trail.

[DonH57]

Our cart is governed and throttles to maintain 19.6 to 20.8 . How ever if I don't brake on a steep downhil she will gather up speed.

[downeaster]

I understand that and I can understand getting fined for speeding although I've never heard of anyone getting a ticket for going 3-4 miles over the speed limit.

But in this scenario, could they give you a ticket for driving an unregistered vehicle? Can they fine you under the golf cart versus LSV law?

I think that all golf carts are capable of exceeding 19.9 mph going downhill.

Not a ticket but maybe a warning.

(3)(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, $60 for all moving violations not requiring a mandatory appearance.
(b) For moving violations involving unlawful speed, the fines are as follows:
For speed exceeding the limit by:*****Fine:
1-5 m.p.h..........Warning
6-9 m.p.h..........$25
10-14 m.p.h..........$100
15-19 m.p.h..........$150
20-29 m.p.h..........$175
30 m.p.h. and above..........$250

[zcaveman]

Not a ticket but maybe a warning.

(3)(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, $60 for all moving violations not requiring a mandatory appearance.
(b) For moving violations involving unlawful speed, the fines are as follows:
For speed exceeding the limit by:*****Fine:
1-5 m.p.h..........Warning
6-9 m.p.h..........$25
10-14 m.p.h..........$100
15-19 m.p.h..........$150
20-29 m.p.h..........$175
30 m.p.h. and above..........$250

These are cars not CARTS

[paulandjean]

That's probably why he is still a patrolman and not a lieutenant. Turning left from the diamond lane is a recipe for disaster. Hope I'm not around when this is done!

Who,s Lieutenant Wolfe,never heard of him. Sounds like somebody has it in for the patrolmen. Thats a shame we should support all the police,not just the non-working brass. Just keep telling yourself<I will not be afraid of making a left turn.,I will not afraid of making a left hand turn. I have all the confidence in my driving,if you do not just do not make those turns. Leave the driving to the big boys as they say.

[DonH57]

All I know about Lt. Wolfe is he is a road supervisor with the SCSO. Met him twice. Nice man.

[OnTrack]

All I know about Lt. Wolfe is he is a road supervisor with the SCSO. Met him twice. Nice man.

I think a person would have to be stupid, not to go by what the Lt. has went on official record and said in the POA Bulletin.

.

[downeaster]

These are cars not CARTS

Are you suggesting a cart travelling 19MPH in a 15MPH zone is treated differently than car travelling 19MPH in a 15MPH zone?

[zcaveman]

Are you suggesting a cart travelling 19MPH in a 15MPH zone is treated differently than car travelling 19MPH in a 15MPH zone?

Nope. I am saying that any cart going over 19.8 is above the allowed speed limit that they are allowed to travel and will be fined as an unlicensed vehicle.

[PJUCTH]

I feel compelled to respond to this thread. I have only lived here 6 years and immediately can think of several people I know that have gotten stopped. But since that doesn't count I will tell you about the old couple I saw with my own eyes pulled over for cutting thru parking spaces in a parking lot. Last year there was an officer at the corner of Donny's BBQ if people did not stop we saw him several times drive his car on to the path to pull the cart over . We couldn't believe the danger he was causing so sat and watched for quite a while. Lastly, just 2 days ago there was a trap At Miona rec center and the gate at Sunset point. If you didn't stop at the crossing of the parking lot he was on you. It was a unmarked SUV. Have also seen Sheriffs in golf carts do the same. If you think they have bigger fish to fry. Try really researching golf cart accidents. I did home care when I 1st moved here. There were plenty of serious accidents. Just ask the victims. Those are the ones that lived to tell.
Just Sayin

[downeaster]

Nope. I am saying that any cart going over 19.8 is above the allowed speed limit that they are allowed to travel and will be fined as an unlicensed vehicle.

Not to split hairs buy I think it is in excess of 20MPH. As a matter of fact if golf cart is going in excess of 20MPH in a 15MPH zone they are subject to speeding ticket in addition to a ticket for operating an unregistered vehicle. The latter will be more painful than the former.

[CFrance]

Who,s Lieutenant Wolfe,never heard of him. Sounds like somebody has it in for the patrolmen. Thats a shame we should support all the police,not just the non-working brass. Just keep telling yourself<I will not be afraid of making a left turn.,I will not afraid of making a left hand turn. I have all the confidence in my driving,if you do not just do not make those turns. Leave the driving to the big boys as they say.

You can be not afraid of making a left-hand turn. Just don't do it from the diamond lane.

[DonH57]

Exactly CFrance.

[sueandskip]

I may be wrong but I don't going down a hill counts as speeding. I believe that your cart would need to be modified to exceed the 19.9mph max to get a ticket. Going down a hill is just gravity at work.

Ask any truck driver about speeding down hill !

[Mimivillager]

My cart only goes 19.9 at max and has a governor on it to slow me down going down-hill. That is from factory.

[paulandjean]

[QUOTE=OnTrack;671810]I think a person would have to be stupid, not to go by what the Lt. has went on official record and said in the POA Bulletin.

.[ Its not against the law, So how could he be on official record. Its his opinion my man. Person would have to be pretty stupid to believe such a statement. Move on, is you are not sure driving, walk ,ride a bike, jog. just watch driving.

[OnTrack]

Its not against the law, So how could he be on official record. Its his opinion my man. Person would have to be pretty stupid to believe such a statement. Move on, is you are not sure driving, walk ,ride a bike, jog. just watch driving.

:laugh:

Thanks for my morning guffaw. :thumbup:

.

[Jimbo120]

There have been many tickets issued on Bailey Trail for carts doing 22 mph and higher.
I know of four people who got tickets.

[JP]

I just can't believe the police don't have anything better to do than issue a ticket to someone going 2 1/2mph more than the 19 1/2 mph "governor regulated" golf cart limit. It is really hard to believe their radar guns are that accurate and just imagine if you were in a car going 38mph in a 35mph speed zone. Do you think that justifies a ticket? If so, everyone on the road would be pulled over and there would be no traffic. Ha. POLICE---go find some real criminals!

[buggyone]

I just can't believe the police don't have anything better to do than issue a ticket to someone going 2 1/2mph more than the 19 1/2 mph "governor regulated" golf cart limit. It is really hard to believe their radar guns are that accurate and just imagine if you were in a car going 38mph in a 35mph speed zone. Do you think that justifies a ticket? If so, everyone on the road would be pulled over and there would be no traffic. Ha. POLICE---go find some real criminals!

Go argue your case in front of a judge with that rationale and tell us what the outcome was. :loco:

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Go argue your case in front of a judge with that rationale and tell us what the outcome was. :loco:

I knew several judges and clerks of court in my area in Massachusetts. Most of them would have thrown these cases out of court and given the policeman a severe dressing down for wasting the courts time.

[ajbrown]

My wife saw a gasser pulled over by a motorcycle police officer on Odell this AM during walk. No clue if speeding, maybe violated a noise or smelly ordinance :evil6:

[Shirleevee]

There have been many tickets issued on Bailey Trail for carts doing 22 mph and higher.
I know of four people who got tickets.

Good, I use Bailey Trail everyday and the golf cart speeders pass me going much faster that 20 1/2 mph...the law is the law..........next ticket issue those that ride with their legs out of the gc, especially on the bridge and in the tunnels. Good way to end up in the ER!

[downeaster]

I just can't believe the police don't have anything better to do than issue a ticket to someone going 2 1/2mph more than the 19 1/2 mph "governor regulated" golf cart limit. It is really hard to believe their radar guns are that accurate and just imagine if you were in a car going 38mph in a 35mph speed zone. Do you think that justifies a ticket? If so, everyone on the road would be pulled over and there would be no traffic. Ha. POLICE---go find some real criminals!

There have been many tickets issued on Bailey Trail for carts doing 22 mph and higher.
I know of four people who got tickets.


I believe speeds of 0 to 5 MPH over the posted limit call for a warning. However, a golf cart that is capable of speeds in excess of 20 MPH is an unregistered motor vehicle. By driving 22 MPH they have demonstrated they fall in that category. Perhaps the tickets were issued for operating an unregistered motor vehicle. If so, they will find the penalties are much more onerous than a speeding ticket.

There are plenty of opportunities for issuing real (25 MPH+) speeding tickets to cart drivers on any number of streets. I can't see them wasting their time on drivers at 22 MPH unless it is for operating an unregistered motor vehicle.

BTW, if there is an effort to reduce cart speeds, I think it is working. I find fewer carts passing me. In fact, on occasion, I have passed carts at my max speed of 19.5 MPH.

[Applepie]

My husband got a ticket in the golf cart for not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign. I was with him in the cart. It was issued by the Lady Lake police. He was near Spanish Springs. The ticket was for $166.00.

[Bogie Shooter]

My husband got a ticket in the golf cart for not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign. I was with him in the cart. It was issued by the Lady Lake police. He was near Spanish Springs. The ticket was for $166.00.

Does he now stop?:police:

[buggyone]

I knew several judges and clerks of court in my area in Massachusetts. Most of them would have thrown these cases out of court and given the policeman a severe dressing down for wasting the courts time.

Well, we are not in Massachusetts, are we?

[DonH57]

Being formerly from Mass myself I know what Winston is saying but, no we are not in new england. We be in the " good old boy " system now. Always differant every where you go.

[Shimpy]

........next ticket issue those that ride with their legs out of the gc, especially on the bridge and in the tunnels. Good way to end up in the ER!

I agree with you, we should all ride just like you do. I'd also like to see drivers ticketed not for just riding with legs spread, but for drivers wearing too short shorts.

[tommy steam]

I agree with you, we should all ride just like you do. I'd also like to see drivers ticketed not for just riding with legs spread, but for drivers wearing too short shorts.
Sorry I haven't read all the posts, but what about zipping down the road with your dog riding in the front seat with you. You will be reading about someone injuring their dog in a golf cart accident . Poor dog does not know that his owner is not using good judgement.

[wendyquat]

I agree with you, we should all ride just like you do. I'd also like to see drivers ticketed not for just riding with legs spread, but for drivers wearing too short shorts.


Yeah and it's really bad when the shorts are too short and their legs are spread! Cooling it perhaps?:loco:

[CFrance]

Being formerly from Mass myself I know what Winston is saying but, no we are not in new england. We be in the " good old boy " system now. Always differant every where you go.

And considering that the state of FL reduced the amount of time of certain yellow lights with cameras to below federal guidelines without telling the public so they can write twice the fines, can you really say they would throw out a ticket or fine for speeding/operating an unregistered vehicle or whatever the H they are writing golf cart drivers up for?

Bottom line with them is the almighty dollar.

[DonH57]

This past week while driving down 27/441 I observed the timing of lights and was very vigilant of other drivers. The yellow lights could not be longers than two seconds. I seen a few cars have to jam the brakes. Totally dangerous.

[perrjojo]

Them, They and the good ole boys are out to rip us off.(said with sarcasm). Those are not laws, just merely suggestions.

[ROCKETMAN]

My husband got a ticket in the golf cart for not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign. I was with him in the cart. It was issued by the Lady Lake police. He was near Spanish Springs. The ticket was for $166.00.

I am sure you are talking about the stop sign on lisbon. That is the street that when you turn right by the stop light on morse and then the first left. It is a popular short cut to spanish springs instead of staying on morse. They have been there the last 3 sat. nights catching people between 5 and 7 pm going to church and events at the square. Cop told my friend he was the 26th that night. Friend at work got it the previous sat. night.:sad:

[dwebb]

From my home I can see the pump house on bailey trail and I often watch the police stopping cars and carts. The officer with a radar gun just steps out and flags the carts in while a motorcycle cop goes after the cars. Can not say who gets a ticket but they do a good amount of business. I don't think the cart paths are watched as much as the paths along the roads.

[Ooper]

I don't think the cart paths are watched as much as the paths along the roads.

I don't believe the cart paths are considered public roads.

[DonH57]

I always wondered why they never enforce the 10 mph speed limit along Paige rd between Hacienda pool and town square. I have never seen LE there. I can't count how many cars and carts have passed me on the bridge there. I'm not counting how many cars have come up behind me, blown the horn, then gave me the one fingered salute as they passed me . Am I missing something there, the posted speed is 10 mph, right? I've had this happen reguardless of what time of day it is.

[weaverk65]

I was just coming home on Morse Blvd (btwn 441/466) and saw a police car pull over a golf cart. First time I've seen that .... usually a lot of radar on Morse pulling cars over.

[ROCKETMAN]

As i understand it they cannot enforce speed limits on cart paths because they are private.

[twinklesweep]

As i understand it they cannot enforce speed limits on cart paths because they are private.

Yes, that is correct. Enforcement is ONLY on public roads where there is a golf cart lane.

[Shimpy]

This time of the year there are many fewer residents and to the police many fewer opportunities to produce revenue, so they are stepping up enforcement on everything, even to what's normally ignored. Jay walkers could be next.

[Shimpy]

This past week while driving down 27/441 I observed the timing of lights and was very vigilant of other drivers. The yellow lights could not be longers than two seconds. I seen a few cars have to jam the brakes. Totally dangerous.

"Union City Cal. was caught trapping motorist with a yellow signal time 1.3 seconds below minimum established by state law. As a result the city was forced to refund more than $1 million in fines. Union City's traffic engineers admitted that they had set the yellow signal time at 3 seconds, despite the state law mandating the time be 4.3 seconds or greater."
The above is a quote out of an article giving many examples of this same sort of fleecing the public. This also was shown to cause a greater number of accidents due to panic stopping for a light and being rear ended.

[DonH57]

That's interesting Shimpy. I was wondering if the national traffic safety board has a ruling on that also or if it's state by safe. Still a very dangerous situation. From what I observed on 441 is there is no way the yellows were at least 2 seconds. Two and a half would be stretching it.

[Barefoot]

This time of the year there are many fewer residents and to the police many fewer opportunities to produce revenue, so they are stepping up enforcement on everything, even to what's normally ignored. Jay walkers could be next.

See, the snowbirds do add some value! :evil6:

[CFrance]

See, the snowbirds do add some value! :evil6:

That's downright funny!:1rotfl:

[BigBopper]

I was told by a judge..ignorance of the law is NO excuse...it's your cart not the kid's. You set the rules. He flunks the test he pays the price, and you get embarrassed, 'bailing' him/her out. the lesson,,don't let any kid drive a cart! PERIOD! If he isn't licensed, then he can't drive...period,,,the end...our carts aren't bumper cars, kiddy cars or alike, they are vehicles just like a car, only smaller...kids don't drive cars for good reasons,,,they shouldn't drive carts..PERIOD.........

[BobnBev]

I was told by a judge..ignorance of the law is NO excuse...it's your cart not the kid's. You set the rules. He flunks the test he pays the price, and you get embarrassed, 'bailing' him/her out. the lesson,,don't let any kid drive a cart! PERIOD! If he isn't licensed, then he can't drive...period,,,the end...our carts aren't bumper cars, kiddy cars or alike, they are vehicles just like a car, only smaller...kids don't drive cars for good reasons,,,they shouldn't drive carts..PERIOD.........

:agree::bigbow::mademyday::clap2::agree:

[Shimpy]

I was told by a judge..ignorance of the law is NO excuse............

I know this is true, but it has always been a pet peeve of mine. Have you ever seen a lawyers office or judges chamber? It's wall to wall covered with law books. If lawyers and judges need all those law books, how can they expect us to know the law? Just saying.

[handyman]

[QUOTE=Shimpy;681333]This time of the year there are many fewer residents and to the police many fewer opportunities to produce revenue, so they are stepping up enforcement on everything, even to what's normally ignored. Jay walkers could be next. S.C.S.D. would not want to be running speedtraps on carts or cars in season ,better to suck as much cash out of the frogs,the only problem being the birds are not allowed to VOTE,but I will

[BobnBev]

[QUOTE=Shimpy;681333]This time of the year there are many fewer residents and to the police many fewer opportunities to produce revenue, so they are stepping up enforcement on everything, even to what's normally ignored. Jay walkers could be next. S.C.S.D. would not want to be running speedtraps on carts or cars in season ,better to suck as much cash out of the frogs,the only problem being the birds are not allowed to VOTE,but I will

Explain please. What will you vote for/against? :shrug:

[DonH57]

Im certain enforcement has been stepped up only due to the fact right now with the less volume of traffic, speeding on Buena Vista, Morse and other main streets of TV can more easily be done. It seemed to me a few months ago traffic moved a lot more slower but there were way more vehicles, carts, and foot traffic. That's just my observation of what I see.

[njbchbum]

[QUOTE=Shimpy;681333]This time of the year there are many fewer residents and to the police many fewer opportunities to produce revenue, so they are stepping up enforcement on everything, even to what's normally ignored. Jay walkers could be next. S.C.S.D. would not want to be running speedtraps on carts or cars in season ,better to suck as much cash out of the frogs,the only problem being the birds are not allowed to VOTE,but I will

do you really think that the officers prefer and are excited to get out of their cars in the heat or the downpour for stepped up enforcement to issue warnings or summonses?

[handyman]

all the stops I've seen on St.Charles and Bailey were motorcycle cops,they like to hide behind the walls at intersections

[nanci2539]

My friends just got a ticket in the Nancy Lopez area - he didn't come to a full stop at a Stop sign, he did a rolling stop. Police were sitting in a car with full view of the stop sign. They pulled him over. He got a $250 ticket. This just happened about a month ago.

[livsea2]

I wonder why the amount of the tickets in the Villages are so high? My wife just got a speeding ticket, her first in over thirty years, and it was $40. There's mention here of ticket being in the 200-300 range. Seems excessive if they're practicing mere traffic law enforcement.

[LndLocked]

I wonder why the amount of the tickets in the Villages are so high? My wife just got a speeding ticket, her first in over thirty years, and it was $40. There's mention here of ticket being in the 200-300 range. Seems excessive if they're practicing mere traffic law enforcement.

Because then they ticket you for exceeding the speed limit for a non street legal vehicle (your normal golf cart) which I 20mph, they write the ticket for "operating an unregistered vehicle" This moves it from a traffic citation to a low level felony and by the time they tally up the ticket cost and court costs it typically costs the golf cart owner in the $300 dollar range.

The folly of this is ..... if this happens in a "car", it is impounded and towed away. Then the owner must pay the fine and show proof of registration and insurance before the car is released. In these cases the golf cart owner gets back in what was an "unregistered vehicle" just a moment ago .... and motors away.

[buggyone]

My friends just got a ticket in the Nancy Lopez area - he didn't come to a full stop at a Stop sign, he did a rolling stop. Police were sitting in a car with full view of the stop sign. They pulled him over. He got a $250 ticket. This just happened about a month ago.

Was this at one of the crossings of the Buena Vista trail onto public road (entrances to neighborhoods) or what? Or was it on a public road completely (in one of the neighborhoods).

[livsea2]

My friends just got a ticket in the Nancy Lopez area - he didn't come to a full stop at a Stop sign, he did a rolling stop. Police were sitting in a car with full view of the stop sign. They pulled him over. He got a $250 ticket. This just happened about a month ago.

This was a post I was referring to, $250 for an offense I see as less serious than speeding, yet a $250 ticket in the Villages and $40 for speeding in Maryland. Doesn't it seem the fines there are out of line?

[NotGolfer]

In my "home-state" in the Midwest I wouldn't want to get a speeding ticket..ever! MORE than $300.00 I'm told!!! We went up to visit this summer...saw many officers along the way just sitting/waiting. It's their job! If we didn't have the laws to adhere to, then think about the behaviors then that folks would have. We ALL need bounderies even if it's not comfortable for some to think about!

[CFrance]

Your speeding ticket may have been for doing 5 mph over the speed limit. Maybe? I believe not stopping at a stop sign, running a red light, etc., are more serious offenses. Or it could be FL is just pricier than your state.

But I won't be rolling through a stop sign here in FL anytime soon.

[jbdlfan]

It's Florida! I earned a speeding ticket about 4 years ago and it was around $200 if I remember correctly. 62 in a 50 zone.

[DonH57]

I never understood why they don't just call speeding in a golf cart speeding. Whether you are going 2 mph or 22 mph you are still operating an unregistered vehicle on a public roadway period. Technically you be operating unsafely if you exceeded 20 mph in a golf cart.

[handyman]

Court costs Don,the county makes more money on must appear court cost,and that is added revenue for the county,one miles an hour over 19.9and you are over the limit ,making you the owner or operator of an illegal and unregistered vehicle,it is a well thought out and I am sure legal scam,to wring a little more cash out of the full time residents,just the way I see it others I am sure will disagree.....

[DonH57]

Thanks Handyman. Makes perfect sense. It was very well thought out indeed. I've seen various scemes in various states to get that extra coin where other revenue sources are not available. The commonwealth states are the worst I've seen.

[buggyone]

Court costs Don,the county makes more money on must appear court cost,and that is added revenue for the county,one miles an hour over 19.9and you are over the limit ,making you the owner or operator of an illegal and unregistered vehicle,it is a well thought out and I am sure legal scam,to wring a little more cash out of the full time residents,just the way I see it others I am sure will disagree.....

Yesterday evening I was on the El Camino multimodal trail going to Spanish Springs in my golf cart buzzing along at my top speed of 19.8. I was passed by a ParCar cart that had to be going at least 35 and more likely 40 mph. In a couple of minutes, he was out of sight.

I am not complaining since he passed me in a safe area nor did he endanger me in any way. However, I would bet he would really gripe if the police cited him if he was speeding like that on a public roadway.

[DonH57]

Buggy, I've been passed by a few of those on El Camino as well. Most of the unsafe maneuvors I've seen have been wreckless passing or going around turns using up the whole road or tailgating. Makes me wonder if they drive their cars that way too.

[GaryW]

There is a red one the is kinda of lifted with bigger tires that goes down the MMP on El Camino... I was on my bike at 28mph and he left me setting. By the time I got up by Enrique, he was stopped getting yelled at by someone in a unmarked truck. Wonder how much it cost him..

[buggyone]

There is a red one the is kinda of lifted with bigger tires that goes down the MMP on El Camino... I was on my bike at 28mph and he left me setting. By the time I got up by Enrique, he was stopped getting yelled at by someone in a unmarked truck. Wonder how much it cost him..

Yes, that is the one that passed me so fast! Do you think it was the police that stopped him and was that today or another time?

[er9027]

Sounds like a "street legal" cart. Should be on the street !:shocked:

[buggyone]

Sounds like a "street legal" cart. Should be on the street !:shocked:

No license plate on it so it was not registered as street legal. Also, the maximum speed limit for a street legal cart on a roadway is 25 mph.

[YouNeverKnow]

There is an unmarked sheriff car right now that has a golf cart pulled over on the corner of Abana Path and Pinellas. Yesterday the same unmarked car had a car pulled over farther down on Abana Path. Must be a speed trap set up in that area this week. Drive safe people!

[GaryW]

Yes, that is the one that passed me so fast! Do you think it was the police that stopped him and was that today or another time?

No I do not think it was the police. It was a older gent yelling at him. I was on Buena Vista on my bike and looked over and noticed him moving. I sped upwards to 30 mph and did not catch him. He had a foot up on the dash and was moving. Just zinging around other carts.
He might not have came close to hitting one, but that is just not safe. Would love to see FHP catch him.

[Kentucky]

In Florida, if you exceed 20mph in a golf cart you are not speeding you are driving an unregistered vehicle on public roads and that is a CRIMINAL VIOLATION.

[Bizdoc]

In Florida, if you exceed 20mph in a golf cart you are not speeding you are driving an unregistered vehicle on public roads and that is a CRIMINAL VIOLATION.

It is a criminal violation which should result in a long prison term when someone else does it.

It is a **** waste of the police time when they do it to catch *me* going a little over the speed limit on a mostly deserted road (which looks like it should be 100 mph but is posted at 25 mph) when they should be out catching real criminals.

see? It is all a matter of perspective.

[GatorFan]

You would be a real criminal if you are breaking the law.

[DonH57]

Oh my !

[CFrance]

It's a moneymaker, mainly. You can drive for three hours on I 96 in MI and see three cops, at MOST, and lots of times only one. The speed limit is 70, but as long as you're not much over 75 and not driving recklessly, they don't care. Driving south, once you hit GA, they're all over the place. Carolina's too.

I went to college in the south. It was true in the '60s too. And heaven help you if you're going two miles over the limit. It's a cash cow.

[DonH57]

I always thought it odd southbound on 95 once you hit South Carolina and Georgia it's pretty much all Sheriff's running the speed traps. I rarely see a state trooper on that part of the interstate. They must have a agreement worked out.

[Cantwaittoarrive]

Police were sitting in the Duval pool parking lot taking radar Saturday aroung 5 or 6 pm I assume they werelooking for speeders in carts and cars

[DonH57]

I never see enforcement of the ten mph on Paige Pl between Avienda and Main in Spanish Springs. Never understood that.

[FMChrissie]

Hi there. If you cut the tie on the governor (not sure I'm using the correct terms here) and your cart is going closer to 25-27 you will receive a ticket in the $240 - 280 range. It can cost anywhere from $800-$1500 to repair the cart if you damaged it by removing the tie, you will be required to attend criminal court and will need to take a certificate to court proving you've had the repairs made to the cart to prevent it from going over 20.2 or whatever the limit is. There are reports of police (not sure which ones) on major roads, Buena Vista etc where they have speed traps set up.

[kittygilchrist]

got passed today by a cart that blasted past, in a confusing move from cart lane to street where there was a merge, while I did 20 in the cart lane..it had no tag. now that's just wrong. but it's small in the scope of world going to hell in a handbasket. :-)))) (Now I have three chins? that's not right.)

[DonH57]

That's an expensive lesson huh?

[Kentucky]

Golf Cart Citation - The real thing

Recently my wife and I were going to Spanish Springs to meet another couple for dinner and a movie. Somewhere along Morse Blvd. ,out of the blue, I see a Deputy Sheriff on a motorcycle with his lights flashing behind me in the (Golf Cart) Diamond lane. I pulled to a stop and the Deputy informed me that I was exceeding 20mph in my “golf cart”. He gave me a slip of paper which stated that the Florida Statute 320.01 defines a golf cart as a vehicle which is NOT CAPABLE of exceeding 20 mph. Because of this, when I exceeded 20 mph I was no longer in a golf cart but I was driving a motorized vehicle on public roads without proper registration or license. He then served me with a citation to that effect and told me it was a criminal offense. He also said that if I produced a certified letter from a golf cart shop that the golf cart was adjusted to not exceed 20 mph the judge may let me off with just court costs. The citation had a date that I was to appear in the county court in Bushnell, FL. It also stated “Criminal Violation court appearance required”.

I thought to myself - here I am enjoying one of the most talked about benefits of “Florida's Most Friendly City” on my way to a movie and I end up as a criminal.

I was very anxious so when I got home I searched the internet trying to find out how hot the water was that I was in. I went to TalkOfTheVillages and found some discussion related to my situation.

I went to the Sumter County Clerk website and found that a CLASS 2 Misdemeanor was a Criminal offense punishable with a fine of up to $500 and 6 months in the county jail.

I thought WHAT! - Morse Blvd. has a speed limit of 30mph - I was not going any speed close to the limit and I could end up fined and in jail because I was in a golf cart and not in a car. And in addition to that I will now have a CRIMINAL RECORD.

I appeared in court in Bushnell at 9:00 a.m. on the proper date. Misdemeanor offenses are prosecuted in Courtroom B of the court house. The Judge took time to explain in great detail how the pleading process worked and the procedure that followed each type of plea. He also said that he puts everyone on probation, usually for six months, to allow them time to pay the costs incurred. One important note stated by the judge is that he evaluates each case on its own merits, so a person should not expect the same sentencing as any other person who committed the same violation. His questions to each person who I witnessed appearing before him, including myself, were to clarify the violation and circumstances related to it.

When I was called to come before him, he read the charge and ask me for my plea. My plea was “No Contest” because I had no Idea I was creating a criminal offense by driving the golf cart in excess of 20 mph. (I now know I was wrong, but I didn’t even think I was speeding since Morse Blvd. has a 30 mph speed limit. - I digress)

The Judge was very pleasant and professional while carrying out his duties. He didn’t fine me but told me I had court costs to pay and that he was withholding adjudication for which I am very grateful. Also, I was placed on probation until the costs were paid.

I then had some papers to sign in the court room. After this I went to the County Clerks office to setup payment and find out the amounts due ($253-court costs) and then to the cashiers office to pay - cash, credit card, (no personal checks). She sent me down the street to take the probation clerk my receipt. The lady at this office had me fill out more papers of personal info for their system and pay them $50. This could only be a money order, nothing else - no cash, no check, no credit card only a money order. The lady in the office said I could get a money order at the Shell gas station on the corner. I walk to the gas station and gave the clerk $51.50 for the $50 money order. After I gave the lady in the probation office the $50 money order she said the case was closed and I should get written notification within a week.

THE GOOD
All the people at the court house were nice and pleasant to deal with. That includes the clerks, the deputies, and the Judge.
THE BAD
It cost $304.50 at the court house and approximately $125.00 for the certification of the golf cart. TOTAL $429.50
THE UGLY
At the end of the process you have a CRIMINAL RECORD.

NOTE: Before you can enter the court room you must be wearing long pants (no Shorts), a tucked in shirt that is buttoned up, no hat, no sunglasses, no chewing gum.

My advice - Don’t exceed 20mph in a golf cart - Drive your car if you need to go faster.

[CFrance]

The only objection I have to your story is your statement: "I thought to myself - here I am enjoying one of the most talked about benefits of “Florida's Most Friendly City” on my way to a movie and I end up as a criminal."

It is a talked-about benefit of TV, but you still must know the laws, and I'm hoping you were not reflecting negatively at The villages because of your experience.

[ajbrown]

Now that you know about the 20MPH thing it is time you also started calling Morris Blvd -> Morse Blvd :1rotfl:

I just kidding around, thanks for taking the time to post the story Kentucky....

[George Bieniaszek]

Just wondering how much over 20MPH were you traveling Kentucky? If you were going 21 maybe 22 then I think the officer would not have pulled you over. If you were really zooming along down Morse, over 25 MPH, then I think you were well beyond officer discretion and were pulled over. Regular golf carts are not equipped to safely transport occupants at high speeds. The brakes, suspension and lack of seat belts put you and others sharing the roadway at a grave risk. The officer did you a favor by preventing a future injury to you or others so that they can enjoy their retirement in this beautiful community.

[LLCFL1118]

The majority of the posts I have just read are pretty dated. In today's golf cart ticket world you are ticketed if exceeding 19.5 - 20 miles per hr. The fine is for driving a non-registered vehicle (because you are driving over the limit your cart is considered like an auto. You can be arrested (no registration, etc.) but I believe it would be due to a major reason (drunk driving, etc). The fine is currently $264.00 and that covers court costs...

[Jejuca]

Kentucky - thanks for posting this information. Our cart speed was set by The Villages. Several people were trying to talk my husband into setting the cart at 22 or 23 for passing purposes. Our insurance company advised against that and said that our insurance wouldn't cover the cart at the higher speed. He now thinks he will learn from your experience and our insurance agent's advice and leave the cart right where it is set at -top speed - 19.5.

[e-flyer]

$404.50....it's going to cost you a lot of dining out, and probably half a day of your time to go to court. It's a hefty fine, and going on your record probably won't help your insurance cost either. Kentucky, thanks for sharing your experience. After reading your message, 19-20 is plenty fast enough for me in a golf cart. Remember to pray for the folks last week that hit a curb last week. One was in critical condition with head injuries, and the other listed as fair condition the last I heard.

[Kentucky]

Thanks for the review of my math and spelling. The numbers reflect accurately my costs.

[Lynn222]

When going down hill, golf carts slow down automatically - at least mine does.

[rdhdleo]

Kentucky, thanks so much for posting. My hubby is a big one for doing the rolling stops and we are going to get our cart checked out as I know it can go faster than it should, it came that way from the dealer btw. I am going to make sure we get that adjusted.!

[Parker]

Well Kentucky, all I can say is Wow. What an ordeal! But I'll learn from it.

[patfla06]

I had a post when we first got our golf cart about how fast people were going and passing me. (I was doing about 19 mph).

I was up again last week and driving my car and I clocked someone in their cart on 466A doing 25mph.

Haven't seen anyone getting a ticket so far.

[LndLocked]

Here is the part of the ticketing a golf cart for going over 20mph as an "unregistered vehicle" that chaps me.

IF this happens in your car/truck, your vehicle is impounded and towed away. It CAN NOT be released until whatever issue that caused problem is resolved. When it is done with a golf cart .... you get back in it and motor away in this technically "unregistered vehicle"

It is however a nice little revenue stream for the County.

[CraigAC]

Thanks for the review of my math and spelling. The numbers reflect accurately my costs.

Great Post! Thank you for sharing this information. It's convinced me to leave my future cart at the factory settings.

[DonH57]

Any speeding ticket I've recieved in the past never resulted in having my vehicle impounded. Is this in Florida?

[graciegirl]

Welcome to the forum, Kentucky. Where in Kentucky? Near Cincinnati?

[LndLocked]

Any speeding ticket I've recieved in the past never resulted in having my vehicle impounded. Is this in Florida?

The ticket is for an "unregistered vehicle" not a speeding ticket. If this is done to your car/truck it will be impounded/towed and not released until the problem is resolved. This is typically some type of tag/registration/insurance problem, or some combination of the three.

[missypie]

Thank you Kentucky for posting such an honest account of your experience.

[Bogie Shooter]

I had a post when we first got our golf cart about how fast people were going and passing me. (I was doing about 19 mph).

I was up again last week and driving my car and I clocked someone in their cart on 466A doing 25mph.

Haven't seen anyone getting a ticket so far.

Driving a cart on 466A is illegal at any speed.

[Matzy]

As far I know we don't have so long down a hill pathways for golf carts that it would make a speed difference going over the limit. And who would check the speed then?
But pretty often golf cars passed me when I was traveling little over 19,5 mph (my speedometer isn't too accurate I believe) so I am very sure that those carts going much faster than 19,9 mph. Actually I don't care too much about this drivers, just I feel sorry for them that they can't measure (or estimate) their speed and don't know any of the risk they could running in.

[patfla06]

Driving a cart on 466A is illegal at any speed.

Sorry!
I meant I was on 466A and they were on the golf cart path on 466 A.
going in the same direction which is why I could "clock" how
Fast they were going.

[nitehawk]

Sorry!
I meant I was on 466A and they were on the golf cart path on 466 A.
going in the same direction which is why I could "clock" how
Fast they were going.

I think most of us would assume that is what you meant -- thanks for the explanation for the people who did not understand

[patfla06]

:bigbow:

[bonrich]

You can get a speedometer app if you have a smart phone. There are many free ones. I put one on my iphone when I had the speed checked by EZGo rep. He also used the speedometer app. We climbed in the cart, looked for an area that was flat and plenty of road to run on. Hold it up so the GPS can kick in and check your speed. Really neat.

[Russ_Boston]

You can get a speedometer app if you have a smart phone. There are many free ones. I put one on my iphone when I had the speed checked by EZGo rep. He also used the speedometer app. We climbed in the cart, looked for an area that was flat and plenty of road to run on. Hold it up so the GPS can kick in and check your speed. Really neat.

You can also use your Garmin or TomTom and place it in speedometer mode. Works great, easy to see and read and lit up at night. Also keeps track of miles traveled since fill-up or charge up.

[Bogie Shooter]

I think most of us would assume that is what you meant -- thanks for the explanation for the people who did not understand

Or some newbies would be wondering where they could buy a cart that could be driven on 466A.

[TomSpasm]

Never would have guessed the policeman was waving me over to give me a ticket for going 25MPH, and/or illegally operating an unlicensed vehicle. What was ironic was that just the morning before, on the other side of the exact same road going slightly uphill (yes, they were shooting radar on a downslope), my neighbor was mocking the speed of my electric golf cart...not that it was fast, but that it was SLOW!

I was advised by the officer that I could take my cart to a "Golf Cart Shop" and have it certified for the speed, so I could certainly try that, although I did not buy it from a dealer, nor have I had it serviced by a dealer.

Does anyone have any experience to offer in fighting this silliness? If my golf cart actually went 25, I wouldn't have a problem with this, but I've been annoyed at how slow mine is compared to practically everyone else, so I just can't believe this happened.

Any advice????

Tom

[BarryRX]

If you don't have a gps or a speedometer, you don't know how fast you were going. The police calibrate their instruments before setting up the radar trap. If you want to pay a lawyer to fight it if you really think you're innocent, go ahead. I would borrow someone's IPhone and download the free speedometer app and check my speed. If you were going over 20 mph, I would recommend having the cart fixed so it only goes 20mph, have them certify the adjustment in a letter that you will have to bring to court with you, pay your fine and get on with Life.

[Indydealmaker]

Never would have guessed the policeman was waving me over to give me a ticket for going 25MPH, and/or illegally operating an unlicensed vehicle. What was ironic was that just the morning before, on the other side of the exact same road going slightly uphill (yes, they were shooting radar on a downslope), my neighbor was mocking the speed of my electric golf cart...not that it was fast, but that it was SLOW!

I was advised by the officer that I could take my cart to a "Golf Cart Shop" and have it certified for the speed, so I could certainly try that, although I did not buy it from a dealer, nor have I had it serviced by a dealer.

Does anyone have any experience to offer in fighting this silliness? If my golf cart actually went 25, I wouldn't have a problem with this, but I've been annoyed at how slow mine is compared to practically everyone else, so I just can't believe this happened.

Any advice????

Tom

Tom, Currently, as far as the law goes, you do not have a golf cart. You do have an unregistered vehicle because it has the capability to exceed 20 mph. The real important thing here is that if you are in a serious accident, the first thing your insurance company does is impound your vehicle to a mechanic who will determine if it CAN go faster than 20. If so, any claims will be denied. If the accident results in serious injury and/or death, you are screwed financially.

The reason you are getting passed is that it has become common for golf carts to be jacked up to GO FAST. Dumb, but common.

[ajbrown]

Stuff snipped by Alan

Does anyone have any experience to offer in fighting this silliness? If my golf cart actually went 25, I wouldn't have a problem with this, but I've been annoyed at how slow mine is compared to practically everyone else, so I just can't believe this happened.

Any advice????

Tom


I doubt you can fight it or that it is worth it. You also (to my knowledge) cannot fix it for anything reasonable. Sounds like you have a cart like my two Club Car series carts. They coast, the controller does not measure the speed of the motor, so if you are going down hill or (believe it or not) with the wind, they pick up speed, even if they go 19MPH on the flats.

When you own that type of cart, you should invest in a $20 speedometer or have someone install one for $70'ish, so you know when gravity is moving you too fast.

You cannot blame the officer as I suspect he/she has no clue that some carts coast downhill. You are far from the type of cart he/she is looking for if he/she is looking for "jacked up" carts. That said, I applaud a crack down of speed and aggressive driving in TV, be it car or golf cart.

[Russ_Boston]

the first thing your insurance company does is impound your vehicle to a mechanic who will determine if it CAN go faster than 20. If so, any claims will be denied. If the accident results in serious injury and/or death, you are screwed financially.



Do you know this for an absolute fact? Do you know someone that this has happened to or are you in the business? I think this is a crucial statement that you are making and I really want to know the absolute truth not conjecture.

[DonH57]

I would not doubt that insurance companies have a playbook for ensuring a claim on something like this gets scrutinized. Despite if it is true there are many "race carts" zooming the villages and more than likely they will only get caught when they get someone hurt.

[karostay]

The speed of golf carts in the Villages has reach ridiculous
I hope law enforcement continues on a daily basis keep up the good work

[TomSpasm]

AJBROWN, you are correct, 2008 Club Car DS, does not slow itself down going downhill.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I would assume that the not "capable of speeds over 19.9mph" law assumes on a flat surface. Unless a cart has governor, I think that they are all capable of going over 20mph downhill. Take the slowest cart you can find to the top of the golf cart bridge and floor it. I would bet that you're going over 20 by the time you get to the bottom of the bridge.

Now, as I understand it, the law doesn't stipulate that you can't drive over 20 mph. What it says is that a golf cart that is capable of going 20 mph and higher has to be reclassified to a street legal vehicle requiring certain safety equipment, registration and insurance.

A good percentage of electric carts in The Villages have high speed motors capable of going about 22 mph on the flat.

I remember back in the day, gas carts had a governor on them so that even if you were going downhill and floored it, it wouldn't go over a certain speed.

But back to the original post. Has anyone on this forum ever gotten a ticket? Not, "I heard of someone getting one" or "my friend told me he got one". Can anyone state that they have received a ticket?

[bimmertl]

Do you know this for an absolute fact? Do you know someone that this has happened to or are you in the business? I think this is a crucial statement that you are making and I really want to know the absolute truth not conjecture.

Russ

You head the nail on the head. I spent over 33 years on the auto claims field including writing policy language and managing litigation against a major insurer and this statement is pure BS.

I also have a close personal friend who works for the Villages Golf Cart repair facility. He knows of no insurance company who ever came and checked the speed of any golf cart under repair from any accident. He did indicate that in some instance Florida HP who were investigating accidents did show up once in a while and check if the cart was modifies. . He doesn't know of any times an insurer denied a claim for a "high speed" cart.

Aside from that, how does and insurance company "impound" your vehicle, that they don't own? Pure nonsense!

[DonH57]

I can verify I have not got a ticket and no one I know of on this forumforum have gotten one. In the roughly 17 months of being here full time I have to yet see law enforcement pointing a radar at me in my cart. I'm not stating they don't. I've never seen them.

[CFrance]

When you go to court for your ticket, do not wear shorts. They won't let you in, and you will be further charged for missing your court date. Also, along with your fine, they put everyone on probation. To get off of probation, you must walk down the block to the probation office, and they will charge you $50 to get off of probation. However, they won't take a check (I can't remember whether or not they accept cash) so they send you across the street to the pharmacy that sells money orders. A convenient little setup, n'est-ce pas? Bring enough money to pay the $50 plus the cost of the money order. Or else just stay on probation for a year.

You also have to have a letter from a golf cart repair place certifying that you have put a governor on your cart so it won't do more than the legal speed limit for non street-legal carts.

There was a thread explaining all this. It happened to my friend, and she explained the whole process to me so I could post it here. But the threads on golf cart tickets are very long, and I don't have the energy to go through them all to find my post. So I'm repeating as much as i can remember. I think I got the most important parts.

[DonH57]

When you go to court for your ticket, do not wear shorts. They won't let you in, and you will be further charged for missing your court date. Also, along with your fine, they put everyone on probation. To get off of probation, you must walk down the block to the probation office, and they will charge you $50 to get off of probation. However, they won't take a check (I can't remember whether or not they accept cash) so they send you across the street to the pharmacy that sells money orders. A convenient little setup, n'est-ce pas? Bring enough money to pay the $50 plus the cost of the money order. Or else just stay on probation for a year.

You also have to have a letter from a golf cart repair place certifying that you have put a governor on your cart so it won't do more than the legal speed limit for non street-legal carts.

There was a thread explaining all this. It happened to my friend, and she explained the whole process to me so I could post it here. But the threads on golf cart tickets are very long, and I don't have the energy to go through them all to find my post. So I'm repeating as much as i can remember. I think I got the most important parts.

LOL. Doesn't that sound exactly like what you would go thru if you had to deal with authorities in Mexico without the trip across the border!:22yikes:

[buggyone]

LOL. Doesn't that sound exactly like what you would go thru if you had to deal with authorities in Mexico without the trip across the border!:22yikes:

I guess the lesson is learned not to break the law in the future!

[DonH57]

[QUOTthe lesson is learned not to break the law in the future![/QUOTE]

True. Thank goodness for the folks involved with the Florida:thumbup: version no mention of a, well, never mind.

[e-flyer]

I can verify I have not got a ticket and no one I know of on this forumforum have gotten one. In the roughly 17 months of being here full time I have to yet see law enforcement pointing a radar at me in my cart. I'm not stating they don't. I've never seen them.

You don't believe this guy? :shrug:

[I]#219 Report Post
Got one of these tickets yesterday 6/18/14 on Bailey Trail
Never would have guessed the policeman was waving me over to give me a ticket for going 25MPH, and/or illegally operating an unlicensed vehicle. What was ironic was that just the morning before, on the other side of the exact same road going slightly uphill (yes, they were shooting radar on a downslope), my neighbor was mocking the speed of my electric golf cart...not that it was fast, but that it was SLOW!

I was advised by the officer that I could take my cart to a "Golf Cart Shop" and have it certified for the speed, so I could certainly try that, although I did not buy it from a dealer, nor have I had it serviced by a dealer.

Does anyone have any experience to offer in fighting this silliness? If my golf cart actually went 25, I wouldn't have a problem with this, but I've been annoyed at how slow mine is compared to practically everyone else, so I just can't believe this happened.

Any advice????

Tom/I]

[CFrance]

My friend got her ticket spring a year ago. She was coasting downhill. I think they clocked her at 24.

[KathieI]

You don't believe this guy? :shrug:

I do, I saw the cop giving him the ticket. :police:

[BarryRX]

I would assume that the not "capable of speeds over 19.9mph" law assumes on a flat surface. Unless a cart has governor, I think that they are all capable of going over 20mph downhill. Take the slowest cart you can find to the top of the golf cart bridge and floor it. I would bet that you're going over 20 by the time you get to the bottom of the bridge.

Now, as I understand it, the law doesn't stipulate that you can't drive over 20 mph. What it says is that a golf cart that is capable of going 20 mph and higher has to be reclassified to a street legal vehicle requiring certain safety equipment, registration and insurance.

A good percentage of electric carts in The Villages have high speed motors capable of going about 22 mph on the flat.

I remember back in the day, gas carts had a governor on them so that even if you were going downhill and floored it, it wouldn't go over a certain speed.

But back to the original post. Has anyone on this forum ever gotten a ticket? Not, "I heard of someone getting one" or "my friend told me he got one". Can anyone state that they have received a ticket?

I received a ticket about a year and a half ago. I was stopped by radar in the same place it was the other day, on Bailey by the pump house near the lake. There were 5 or 6 people pulled over that day. The experience is just as described by others here. I had my cart readjusted so it will only do 20mph and had my cart company give me a letter to that effect. I went to court and one person was turned away for wearing shorts. I was the only one there in a suit. After I pleaded guilty, I was placed on probation. I went to the other end of the courthouse and paid my fine (I wasn't really fined, but I had to pay court costs).
Then I had to go across the street to a gas station to get a money order to pay the fee at the probation office to be taken off probation. As others have stated, I wasn't ticketed for speeding. I was cited for the FELONY of driving an unregistered vehicle. I was really humbled by the experience, because I consider myself a good citizen, yet I knew I was doing wrong. My bad, and I've fixed it so it won't happen again.

[CFrance]

When my friend went to court, there was an elderly man there who had forgotten his court date and showed up a day late. They put him in handcuffs and arrested him.

[Russ_Boston]

Russ

You head the nail on the head. I spent over 33 years on the auto claims field including writing policy language and managing litigation against a major insurer and this statement is pure BS.




I've been on this site for about 7 years and I've realized one thing. You simply can not take anyone's opinion as fact. No matter how they phrase it and make it seem like one.


I had a feeling that the poster was incorrect but I'd still like to hear his side as to how he's so sure about his facts. Who knows maybe he could post a link regarding the veracity of his statement and we could all be educated.

[Russ_Boston]

I received a ticket about a year and a half ago. I was stopped by radar in the same place it was the other day, on Bailey by the pump house near the lake.


When you look at the police log you'll see that the vast majority of the citations are from that location. Watch your speed on Bailey!

[Indydealmaker]

Do you know this for an absolute fact? Do you know someone that this has happened to or are you in the business? I think this is a crucial statement that you are making and I really want to know the absolute truth not conjecture.

Russ, More than one insured has reported on here that this is the case. An Allstate agent on at least one occasion stated this at one of the golf cart safety meeting. It does make sense. A golf cart is insured differently than a motor vehicle. If modifications to the cart change it from a cart to effectively an unregistered and uninsured vehicle, insurance companies, notorious for fighting claims, can use that as a reason to deny.

[ajbrown]

AJBROWN, you are correct, 2008 Club Car DS, does not slow itself down going downhill.

I am interested to hear how you make out with a mechanic adjusting the cart. The only way, short of replacing major components, to make a cart like this not exceed 20 when going down hill is brakes :D.

[john2]

I believe there are way too many police in The Villages, they are never around for REAL crimes but are always around to pump up the public coffers. The cities have so much village money to play with they just hire more people. They make and pass all kinds of laws and rules and regulations to "keep us safe" but the fact is most of them are only there to make money for them.

[PaPaLarry]

All I know is, I'm really satisfied with my 19 mile per hour cart, and it gets me where I want to go. (I might get there 2 or 3 minutes later then everyone else, BUT I'm retired, so I have all day!!) Happy Motoring everyone.

[TwoVillagers2]

I got ticketed and it was for having an unregistered vehicle because I was clocked at 27 mph.usually if you have proof that your vehicle has been modified to comply with the law; your fine will be suspended. However, everyone will pay court cost. In my case $252!

[Bay Kid]

Enjoy the ride!

[dillywho]

I believe there are way too many police in The Villages, they are never around for REAL crimes but are always around to pump up the public coffers. The cities have so much village money to play with they just hire more people. They make and pass all kinds of laws and rules and regulations to "keep us safe" but the fact is most of them are only there to make money for them.

Breaking the law is breaking the law and speeding is breaking the law. Police neither make laws nor selectively decide which ones to enforce. I would rather see them writing tickets for speeding, running stop signs, lights, etc. than for us to have more REAL crime here for them to pursue. Also, as for adding to the coffers, don't think so, but even if it does that's way better than higher taxes on everyone.

Bottom line, don't break ANY laws and there won't be a problem with paying a price. By the way, all this applies to cars and carts alike.

[karostay]

Everyone blames the Birds for speeding and bad driving..Who are we blaming today:highfive:

[Russ_Boston]

Russ, More than one insured has reported on here that this is the case. An Allstate agent on at least one occasion stated this at one of the golf cart safety meeting. It does make sense. A golf cart is insured differently than a motor vehicle. If modifications to the cart change it from a cart to effectively an unregistered and uninsured vehicle, insurance companies, notorious for fighting claims, can use that as a reason to deny.


Thanks.


I'll bet that the majority of people, like me, who purchase a used cart never have it actually modified but it comes that way. I do have a speed odometer and try to keep it to 20mph but sometimes you don't look and wham you're at 24!

[DonH57]

You don't believe this guy? :shrug:

[I]#219 Report Post
Got one of these tickets yesterday 6/18/14 on Bailey Trail
Never would have guessed the policeman was waving me over to give me a ticket for going 25MPH, and/or illegally operating an unlicensed vehicle. What was ironic was that just the morning before, on the other side of the exact same road going slightly uphill (yes, they were shooting radar on a downslope), my neighbor was mocking the speed of my electric golf cart...not that it was fast, but that it was SLOW!

I was advised by the officer that I could take my cart to a "Golf Cart Shop" and have it certified for the speed, so I could certainly try that, although I did not buy it from a dealer, nor have I had it serviced by a dealer.

Does anyone have any experience to offer in fighting this silliness? If my golf cart actually went 25, I wouldn't have a problem with this, but I've been annoyed at how slow mine is compared to practically everyone else, so I just can't believe this happened.

Any advice????

Tom/I]

You lost me here. Please help me out. At what point did I state I didn't believe his story?:shocked: