[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Happinow

As I was reading the language on the paper that my guest passes came on i noticed that in order to drive a golf cart you must be 14! Really?? At 14, we all know that these kids think it is a toy. Why is it not that you should have a valid drivers license? Who ever made that rule, should revisit it and perhaps change it to having a license. Actually, my vote would be 18. I know that there are many adults that drive too fast, but 14 seems way too young for that kind of responsibility.

Them smart feller's up in Tallahassee.

[graciegirl]

Yep, Bogie is right once again, it is a state law and not a village one.

[De Lis]

Originally Posted by Happinow

As I was reading the language on the paper that my guest passes came on i noticed that in order to drive a golf cart you must be 14! Really?? At 14, we all know that these kids think it is a toy. Why is it not that you should have a valid drivers license? Who ever made that rule, should revisit it and perhaps change it to having a license. Actually, my vote would be 18. I know that there are many adults that drive too fast, but 14 seems way too young for that kind of responsibility.

I have seen 14 (?) yr. olds driving golf carts with the older person beside them, as well as 14 (??) yr. olds driving them by themselves. (!!!!) Always, ALWAYS they have a smirck on their face.

So, YES!, 14 years of age is far too young to drive a cart! This is considered child's play, but it's not.

Having said that, look at those idiot college age kids just now - gosh, they all could have been killed! Or worse, have killed one of us, as well. With 100,000 people now inhabiting The Villages, maybe it's time to propose BETTER rules / regulations.

I will definitely speak to my older kids when come and visit us next time.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by De Lis

I have seen 14 (?) yr. olds driving golf carts with the older person beside them, as well as 14 (??) yr. olds driving them by themselves. (!!!!) Always, ALWAYS they have a smirck on their face.

So, YES!, 14 years of age is far too young to drive a cart! This is considered child's play, but it's not.

Having said that, look at those idiot college age kids just now - gosh, they all could have been killed! Or worse, have killed one of us, as well. With 100,000 people now inhabiting The Villages, maybe it's time to propose BETTER rules / regulations.

I will definitely speak to my older kids when come and visit us next time.

That's the answer. If the people who own the carts say "no you are too young to drive" that would solve many of the actual and potential problems.
We don't need more rules (that people will just ignore) just more people being responsible.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

That's the answer. If the people who own the carts say "no you are too young to drive" that would solve many of the actual and potential problems.
We don't need more rules (that people will just ignore) just more people being responsible.

Just say no. Tell them a little white lie. Tell them that this is a retirement community and anyone driving a cart under the age of 55 will get wrinkled.

It is a STATE law the 14 can drive carts.

We don't vote here in a CDD. ON ANYTHING. Something to know before you move here. So please don't move here thinking you can change things.

[mfp509]

I also agree that the law should be changed. However, the one in effect now isn't enforced so would it make a difference? Had a situation in my neighborhood where grandparents actually borrowed a second golf cart to give each of their underage grandaughters a cart to "play in". These girls were racing around the neighborhood. Fortunately it started raining and the racing stopped. If I ever see it again, I will be calling the sheriff for whatever good that will do.

[carm310]

I showed our almost 18 year old daughter the picture on this post and talked to her about it. She just received her driver's license a few months ago (we made all of our children wait to get a license - just because the state says it is ok to drive at 16 doesn't take away a parent's right to make that decision for their family). We plan to teach her to drive our cart when we are there in a couple of weeks - responsibly...and you can bet she will only drive it with her mother or father beside her.

Perhaps every parent and grandparent in TV should print that picture and show it to every visiting young person. I realize there may be an "it will never happen to me mentality" response but the reality of a picture like that may get through to some.

Another thing for anyone borrowing a cart (or renting one) to someone for underage and un-licensed drivers - if you do have insurance you most likely are not covered. Our insurance agent was sure to inform us we are covered for licensed drivers only.

[Taltarzac725]

Our 14 year old niece was too scared to try driving the golf cart. She settled for her 18 year old sister driving her around after the 18 year old received a golf cart training lesson from her grandmother.

I wonder if this is the normal age for golf cart driving in other states in the U.S. I remember a lot of 14 or so snowmobile drivers in Minnesota and Wisconsin. I also remember a lot of them being quite a bit younger than 14.

[Graytop]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

That's the answer. If the people who own the carts say "no you are too young to drive" that would solve many of the actual and potential problems.
We don't need more rules (that people will just ignore) just more people being responsible.

In this day and age, I really do appreciate it when someone advocates personal responsibility,...not more laws,....kudos!

When I moved here 4 years ago I remember feeling a bit intimidated when I ventured out on my golf cart, and that feeling lasted for a few months until I became familiar with golf cart lanes, white posted entrances & exits, what roads I could and could not drive on, etc.. Now that I know the cart trails, rules, etc....I still venture out with care. It's a dangerous world out there even if you're familiar with it. I can't imagine someone turning their teenage kids or grandkids loose in The Villages by themselves....Just my opinion.

[Villageshooter]

my kids knew the meaning of NO.. to be honest,, for the most part they werent much of a hassle at all,,, now my grandkids,, they ask,, I melt like a Popsicle in the August sun! I had no idea who these Knuckle Heads were,, but they were big time shook up,,, we all learn lessons in life,,, lets just hope they did,,, There are some of us old folks around here that are just as scary,, and we know everything,, just ask us.... i live by the motto ,, IT IS NOT KNOWING HOW SMART I AM , IT IS KNOWING WHAT I DONT KNOW, AND ADMITTING IT!

[Bogie Shooter]

Shouting is not necessary.

[Schaumburger]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Just say no. Tell them a little white lie. Tell them that this is a retirement community and anyone driving a cart under the age of 55 will get wrinkled.

It is a STATE law the 14 can drive carts.

We don't vote here in a CDD. ON ANYTHING. Something to know before you move here. So please don't move here thinking you can change things.

I have driven a golf cart on my last 3 visits to TV. Now I know where the wrinkles are coming from!

[Schaumburger]

Originally Posted by Graytop

In this day and age, I really do appreciate it when someone advocates personal responsibility,...not more laws,....kudos!

When I moved here 4 years ago I remember feeling a bit intimidated when I ventured out on my golf cart, and that feeling lasted for a few months until I became familiar with golf cart lanes, white posted entrances & exits, what roads I could and could not drive on, etc.. Now that I know the cart trails, rules, etc....I still venture out with care. It's a dangerous world out there even if you're familiar with it. I can't imagine someone turning their teenage kids or grandkids loose in The Villages by themselves....Just my opinion.

When I have rented in TV each home came with a golf cart. I have been very careful/conservative while driving these golf carts as I know the carts are not my property, nor do I want to risk injuring other people or myself. Just my 2 cents.

[zcaveman]

Does anyone think that these three teenagers are not going back home and brag about the cart roll-over and what a great time they had?

And they even have a picture to show for it!!!

[paulandjean]

Because thats what teenagers do. You must know that by now.Remember their brain has not fully developed until they are in their twenties.