Passing in the diamond lanes
 

There is a thread on the N***D*** site where someone is claiming to have been issued a ticket for crossing the solid white line of the diamond lane to pass another golf cart.

I did a quick search through this forum thinking that the topic has been discussed already but couldn’t find anything.

Yep it is
 

Been discussing this in our neighborhood for a week or so and yes it is illegal to pass while in the diamond lane, according to the Sheriffs office. I called both the sheriff and local police and confirmed. No exceptions for a golf cart to pass ANY other cart, bike, trike, etc. Hard to believe. Sent an email to Don Wiley asking if Commissioners could address it but he’s indicated it’s a state traffic law and they can’t. Not sure where to go from here

Did they happen to quote the statute?

[QUOTE=Mlr4343;2183343]Been discussing this in our neighborhood for a week or so and yes it is illegal to pass while in the diamond lane, according to the Sheriffs office. I called both the sheriff and local police and confirmed. No exceptions for a golf cart to pass ANY other cart, bike, trike, etc. Hard to believe. Sent an email to Don Wiley asking if Commissioners could address it but he’s indicated it’s a state traffic law and they can’t. Not sure where to go from here[/QUOTE]

Stay in the lane!

[QUOTE=Bogie Shooter;2183360]
I guess one has to make a value judgement. What is more valuable? The money I might have to pay on the slim chance I get ticketed, or the time I'll waste over the course of my remaining days on earth waiting for slow traffic?

I'll take my chances passing the bicyclist going 5mph up the incline.

Read the drivers license test manual. It's pretty universal in the U.S. that you don't cross a solid white line. I believe in some states a solid white line is considered a Traffic Control Device.

It would be useful to know the statute for this. Not suggesting it isn't a law, just would be nice to be able to read the wording of the law.

Spot on
 

I agree - you are technically spot on. Take the muti-modal trails when you are running late for your tee time!

Certainly there must have been a change in whatever statute covers this. Been here ten years. What's described here was not in place back then. Things change.

I have been driving since 1966, and I still remember my driving instructor stating you NEVER cross double yellow lines or solid WHITE lines to pass. On a side note, I see this all the time on Pinellas Place.

[QUOTE=Laker14;2183393]I’m with you. Take a second and look around first.

You are right about Pinellas. But think about this, going west on Pinellas to the Sanibel neighborhood mail station, to get there making a left turn a golf cart has to cross over the solid white diamond lane line then the solid double yellow center lane dividers. Both must be illegal according to what is being stated in this thread. Even cars going west and turning left into that mail station must cross the double yellow center dividing lines. Does that mean left turns at that location is not allowed?

What about all the left turns off Pinellas into the neighborhoods? The golf cart lanes don't have a break in the solid white diamond lane marker as you approach these left turns. Does that mean you could be ticketed because a golf cart has to cross the solid white line to get in the car traffic lane.

Something sounds contradictory here.

I'll add, there are alot of turns into country clubs and executive golf courses that would seem to violate the law. And my last point, driving west on 466A, if you don't get into the right turn lane within that very short dotted line space, you won't be able to turn into Trailwinds.

You aren't required to have a drivers license to drive a golf cart in Florida. You aren't required to take any test, or read any manual.

You will find these words in the Florida Statutes:

However, this subsection shall not be construed as prohibiting the crossing of the centerline in making a left turn into or from an alley, private road, or driveway.