[SteveFromNY]

Originally Posted by SteveZ

Let us remember that TV is not an independent nation or state. All of the streets are county roads, so drivers must follow state/county laws, and TV doesn't have the authority to place any restrictions on what happens on county roads. To add more confusion, there's three counties and one city dissecting the TV area. If there is to any mandatory cart registration or driver qualification, that would have to come from the state.

Also, while there is nothing but good intentions with the idea of cart registration and driver "licensing," the law of unintended consequences may negate many of the good intentions.

Don't get me wrong, I'd like things safer, too. However, as in the earlier "streel legal" cart which wasn't example, if people consider themselves above the law, all of the laws in the world (followed only by the law-abiding) won't change that arrogance.

VERY WELL SAID! I agree!

[TrudyM]

Originally Posted by SteveZ

Let us remember that TV is not an independent nation or state. All of the streets are county roads, so drivers must follow state/county laws, and TV doesn't have the authority to place any restrictions on what happens on county roads. To add more confusion, there's three counties and one city dissecting the TV area. If there is to any mandatory cart registration or driver qualification, that would have to come from the state.

Also, while there is nothing but good intentions with the idea of cart registration and driver "licensing," the law of unintended consequences may negate many of the good intentions.

Don't get me wrong, I'd like things safer, too. However, as in the earlier "streel legal" cart which wasn't example, if people consider themselves above the law, all of the laws in the world (followed only by the law-abiding) won't change that arrogance.

Aren’t the cart paths the private property of the villages ET all? Would they not then fall under the purview of the districts? And can’t you choose to incorporate to form a town (all except Lady Lake of course) if you want too? If something is decided to be for the public good there usually is a way to get it done under the law isn’t there. And restrictions can be put on the residents as to what is allowed visa vie their resident ID’s and the actions in the rec centers, isn’t this the same?

[SteveZ]

Originally Posted by TrudyM

Aren’t the cart paths the private property of the villages ET all? Would they not then fall under the purview of the districts? And can’t you choose to incorporate to form a town (all except Lady Lake of course) if you want too? If something is decided to be for the public good there usually is a way to get it done under the law isn’t there. And restrictions can be put on the residents as to what is allowed visa vie their resident ID’s and the actions in the rec centers, isn’t this the same?

And that will give us more government... Why? And there are 3 counties involved (Lake, Sumter & Marion), as well as the City of Lady Lake.

To each their own, but to me one of the selling points of TV is that there exists here the means as one grows older to maintain independence and mobility. Being able to get to all medical care, food shopping entertainment and such by golf cart - instead of having the later pressure of a car - is why this is such a great retirement community. If the goal is to see how fast we can get older golf cart drivers out of the way so the younger residents aren't impeded in their rush to whatever, then we've gone backwards.

For some strange reason, TV has lasted many a year without golf cart registration, "licensing" and the like. If there was a serious problem, the local law enforcement agencies - and there are at least five involved (3 county sheriffs, one city PD, and FL Highway Patrol) - would be leading the parade for specific changes, and the insurance industry would be with them side-by-side to cut claims and raise premiums. Surely we have a sufficient quantum of public safety professionals surrounding us here to keep things as safe as possible, and they haven't been hammering for changes.

So, what is the public good being protected? All additional "protections" seem more in making things more difficult as one grows older than more convenient.

[swrinfla]

As is inevitable, I think, with SteveZ. He says it the way it should be!

A small aside here: today I was traveling along the Buena Vista golf cart path (what? multi-modal transportation trail?) and came across a cart with Grandpa and a most probably 14-year-old granddaughter. Guess who's driving! Right, the girl. BUT SHE LOOKED ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIED AND WAS PROGRESSING AT A SNAIL'S PACE! Undoubtedly, she became cooler and more comfortable, and may have later terrorized the pathway. But, I was amused by the look of sheer terror on her face!

SWR

[starflyte1]

I too, agree with SteveZ. Why CHANGE what is working as is?

[l2ridehd]

Not having to register carts is a freedom I do not want to lose. However these idiots who let there grandkids drive the cart are going to spoil it for everyone. If the legal age for driving a cart is 16 then no one under that age should be allowed to drive. Registration will not solve that problem. Only some type of police action can address that. Maybe we need golf cart bumper stickers that say "Under 16 not allowed" to drive or something like that. You can make us get registration (more government control) even plates and licenses (even more control) but neither addresses the real problem. Dumb grandparents. Someone will get seriously hurt or killed and then everyone will be up in arms, politicians making speeches, police being responsive, and rules enacted. Why does it have to go that far to solve such a simple issue. Every time you see it "yell at them" Tell them just how dumb they really are. Or do nothing, be the silent majority, and wait for the rules and regulations.

[downeaster]

COLOR="Red"]Quote:
Originally Posted by downeaster
I think TH has a point here. I have heard many Villagers say we should be required to register golf carts so why not "talk" about it here? I didn't see where TH suggested it and reading between the lines gives no clue where he stands on the subject. All he seems to be looking for is a yea or nay.
My response is nay. I see little benefit.[/COLOR]

Originally Posted by Yoda

Are you suggesting that we do this for every golf cart on every golf course in the country?

How about every golf cart?

That's what will happen.

Yoda

I am not suggesting anything. I was addressing some criticism of TH's original post.
Some responders seemed to considered it frivolous.
I also added I do not agree with golf cart registration.

[rsandstrom]

The reason you needed to register your bicycle & buy a license plate was because your city fathers found another way they could tax you. They stay awake at night dreaming of new ways to get your money

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by l2ridehd

If the legal age for driving a cart is 16 then no one under that age should be allowed to drive. .

The age is 14.

[Hancle704]

There was a time when TV was really a golf cart community. Operation of said carts were restricted from sun uo to sun down. Made no difference if you had lights, etc. Some folks spent a great deal of time and effort to change the rules so that carts could be operated 24/7 if they had lights, horn, turn signals and brakelights. Everyone appreciated this new freedom to use carts instead of their autos. Back then there were very few accidents involving golf carts

Shortly after the rules changed, folks started to opt for more speed and freedom to drive as if they owned the roads. The just "say no" idea never caught on for some folks and they gave up the keys to their carts to the grandkids and overloaded the cart with more people than they were designed to safely handle. More and more speed became the goal and the ability to pass real golf carts and in some cases automobiles with their souped up
carts.

Because there is no way to id a cart and owner since the trail fee stickers were removed it became more difficult to see who should be visited by the SO.

Bottom line imho, the rules could very easily be changed back to the restrictive hours if things get worse. We have seen greater enforcement by SO with speed checks and if the authorities wanted to, they could enforce the hours of use as spelled out in State Statute regarding use of golf carts in a gated community. No one really wants to see that happen. It can be avoided if folks would just realize that because they are retired, they are not given a free pass to act stupid or, disregard the law. Common sense should not be left at the state border.

[Hancle704]

As you can see, our use of golf carts is a priviledge that could be restricted.

Might be a good idea to copy the statute and keep it handy for a occasional reminder.

316.212 Operation of golf carts on certain roadways.--The operation of a golf cart upon the public roads or streets of this state is prohibited except as provided herein:

(1) A golf cart may be operated only upon a county road that has been designated by a county, or a municipal street that has been designated by a municipality, for use by golf carts. Prior to making such a designation, the responsible local governmental entity must first determine that golf carts may safely travel on or cross the public road or street, considering factors including the speed, volume, and character of motor vehicle traffic using the road or street. Upon a determination that golf carts may be safely operated on a designated road or street, the responsible governmental entity shall post appropriate signs to indicate that such operation is allowed.

(2) A golf cart may be operated on a part of the State Highway System only under the following conditions:

(a) To cross a portion of the State Highway System which intersects a county road or municipal street that has been designated for use by golf carts if the Department of Transportation has reviewed and approved the location and design of the crossing and any traffic control devices needed for safety purposes.

(b) To cross, at midblock, a part of the State Highway System where a golf course is constructed on both sides of the highway if the Department of Transportation has reviewed and approved the location and design of the crossing and any traffic control devices needed for safety purposes.

(c) A golf cart may be operated on a state road that has been designated for transfer to a local government unit pursuant to s. 335.0415 if the Department of Transportation determines that the operation of a golf cart within the right-of-way of the road will not impede the safe and efficient flow of motor vehicular traffic. The department may authorize the operation of golf carts on such a road if:

1. The road is the only available public road along which golf carts may travel or cross or the road provides the safest travel route among alternative routes available; and

2. The speed, volume, and character of motor vehicular traffic using the road is considered in making such a determination.

Upon its determination that golf carts may be operated on a given road, the department shall post appropriate signs on the road to indicate that such operation is allowed.

(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a golf cart may be operated for the purpose of crossing a street or highway where a single mobile home park is located on both sides of the street or highway and is divided by that street or highway, provided that the governmental entity having original jurisdiction over such street or highway shall review and approve the location of the crossing and require implementation of any traffic controls needed for safety purposes. This subsection shall apply only to residents or guests of the mobile home park. If notice is posted at the entrance and exit of any mobile home park where residents of the park operate golf carts or electric vehicles within the confines of the park, it is not necessary for the park to have a gate or other device at the entrance and exit in order for such golf carts or electric vehicles to be lawfully operated in the park.

(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, if authorized by the Division of Recreation and Parks of the Department of Environmental Protection, a golf cart may be operated on a road that is part of the State Park Road System if the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less.

(5) A golf cart may be operated only during the hours between sunrise and sunset, unless the responsible governmental entity has determined that a golf cart may be operated during the hours between sunset and sunrise and the golf cart is equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield.

(6) A golf cart must be equipped with efficient brakes, reliable steering apparatus, safe tires, a rearview mirror, and red reflectorized warning devices in both the front and rear.

(7) A golf cart may not be operated on public roads or streets by any person under the age of 14.

(8) A local governmental entity may enact an ordinance regarding golf cart operation and equipment which is more restrictive than those enumerated in this section. Upon enactment of such ordinance, the local governmental entity shall post appropriate signs or otherwise inform the residents that such an ordinance exists and that it will be enforced within the local government's jurisdictional territory. An ordinance referred to in this section must apply only to an unlicensed driver.

[Yoda]

Originally Posted by rsandstrom

The reason you needed to register your bicycle & buy a license plate was because your city fathers found another way they could tax you. They stay awake at night dreaming of new ways to get your money

[garsha]

If it's not broke what are we trying to fix? System seems to work just fine the way it is. I am not interested in any additional govt fees, especially when it isn't needed.

[OutsiderWithInterest]

Anyone who wants golf carts licensed is not a friend of mine!

ENOUGH GOVERNMENT ALREADY!!!!!!!!! ENOUGH, ENOUGH, ENOUGH.

The argument about drunk driving on golf carts is ridiculous. If we're going to go down this path, let's just get it over with and take it to its ultimate conclusion. Let's license WALKING. If someone has too many, and they start walking around the square, they could fall and hurt themselves or, god forbid, fall on someone else! A 250 pound man walking at 5 MPH isn't something to laugh about friends. If not operated properly, a walking human can be a deadly weapon.

It never ceases to amaze me how far people will go to make everyone else live according to their standards.