[Pepperhead]

This gal needs to read TOTV because, based on some of the posts in this thread, she is putting out some bad info.

[NJblue]

Originally Posted by Carl in Tampa

Nah, you changed your answer when it was pointed out that the OP was about golf cart paths, not multi-modal as you had erroneously stated.

However, let's find an area of agreement. I agree that virtually everyone calls the multi-modal paths "golf cart paths." That is what has added much confusion to this discussion. Language can be slippery, particularly since most people are imprecise in what they say. Apparently in your view the precise are "anal."

The fact remains that no matter where you are, if you have modified your golf cart so it can exceed 20 mph and are caught driving over 20 mph you can be cited.

On the other hand, for 2 mph over 20 seems to be an unlikely charge.

No one is questioning that golf carts are limited by law to 20 MPH. However, that was not the OP's question. The question pertained to speed limits on golf cart paths - not speed limits on golf carts. There is a big distinction and for those who preach precision in language, it should be clear.

[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by NJblue

Perhaps you are new to TV, but you are wrong in stating that only golf carts are authorized to use golf cart paths. Whether they are the "diamond lanes", multi-modal paths or actual golf cart paths on a golf course, LSVs are allowed on all three. Hence, one can not declare that there is a speed limit of 20 on them just because one type of vehicle that uses them is restricted to 20 MPH.

Ah, you got me.... sort of.

I had not thought of LSVs being permitted on the golf cart paths. From what I was told when I bought my cart, LSVs are technically too heavy to operate on the golf cart paths without the explicit permission of the golf course operator. And, frankly, I've never noticed an LSV on the golf cart paths, where I seldom go.

But, on the other point, I did not claim that there is a speed limit of 20 on any of the three types of path because golf carts are limited to 20 mph. I've made no claims about speed limits, although I'm about to in another post. I've only addressed that it is illegal for a golf cart to go over 20 mph anywhere because that speed is addressed in the state law defining golf carts.

[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by NJblue

No one is questioning that golf carts are limited by law to 20 MPH. However, that was not the OP's question. The question pertained to speed limits on golf cart paths - not speed limits on golf carts. There is a big distinction and for those who preach precision in language, it should be clear.

As is commonplace in forums, the discussion ranges far beyond the question of the OP.

On the first page of this thread an erroneous assumption was made: " The multi-modal trails are private property and the local law enforcement officers do not have authority to give tickets - except if they see open alcohol containers or reckless driving."

It was in response to this incorrect statement that the discussion moved to law enforcement on private property regarding any other motorized vehicle designed to carry passengers, and the subject of golf carts developed in subsequent posts.

Glad to see you now agree that the OP asked about golf cart paths and not multi-modal paths.

[NJblue]

Originally Posted by Carl in Tampa

As is commonplace in forums, the discussion ranges far beyond the question of the OP.

On the first page of this thread an erroneous assumption was made: " The multi-modal trails are private property and the local law enforcement officers do not have authority to give tickets - except if they see open alcohol containers or reckless driving."

It was in response to this incorrect statement that the discussion moved to law enforcement on private property regarding any other motorized vehicle designed to carry passengers, and the subject of golf carts developed in subsequent posts.

Glad to see you now agree that the OP asked about golf cart paths and not multi-modal paths.

But, it really doesn't matter does it? Whether he met one or the other or the third, the answer is all the same (sort of). There is no special limit on any of the paths (with the technicality that the paths shared with roads have an implied limit corresponding to that of the road).

[Topspinmo]

IMO the villages don't have multi-modal paths. They are golf cart paths which allow walker's, jogger's, and bicycles... A multi-modal path allows modes of personal transportation. The powers to be has very limited view on multi-modal IMO.

As for the speed limit and this has been raked over far too many times it 19.9 MPH the limit of all golf carts. If I modify my cart by installing different gearing, larger diameter tires, or changing the electronics' to make the cart go faster than 19.9 MPH I now have modified golf cart which requires same Safety features as LSV for what I have read through the many post on this subject...

One thing that I find interesting Classified ADDs of used carts are all the extra modifications that have been done hence "FAST" in the classified add. We all like FAST. Just not when we got caught!

[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by NJblue

But, it really doesn't matter does it? Whether he met one or the other or the third, the answer is all the same (sort of). There is no special limit on any of the paths (with the technicality that the paths shared with roads have an implied limit corresponding to that of the road).

Actually, none of the entire discussion really matters much. Going back to the original question, I've never heard of anyone getting a ticket for going 2 mph over the speed limit, where there is a posted limit, have you?

I'm kind of housebound, recovering from extensive spine surgery, so I'm spending more time than usual on "social media." Otherwise I would be out running around rather than being so involved in these exchanges of opinions.

For now, you will probably see me posting quite a bit.

[shankerman]

20 mph seems fine if you're an old lady, However, if you're stuck behind someone in a smelly gas cart driving 20 mph, it's pure agony.

[buggyone]

Originally Posted by shankerman

20 mph seems fine if you're an old lady, However, if you're stuck behind someone in a smelly gas cart driving 20 mph, it's pure agony.

Then pass the cart that is doing 20 mph. If you do it on a public roadway, you can get cited by the police if they are around and you will pay a hefty fine. If you pass someone on the multi-modal trail at a speed higher than 20 mph, chances are that you have no problem - unless you do it unsafely and cause an accident. If you pass unsafely and cause an accident while going faster than 20 mph, you will have a huge problem. You will most likely be sued and your insurance company will not pay off since your cart was modified to go faster than 20 mph. You very likely will lose everything you have worked your whole life to achieve - but that is your choice, isn't it?

[The Buckeyes]

Originally Posted by buggyone

Yep, that is the fact. The multi-modal trails are private property and the local law enforcement officers do not have authority to give tickets - except if they see open alcohol containers or reckless driving.

Personally, I believe volunteers of Seniors vs Crime should be given radar guns and have the authority to give citations on the multi-modal trails for speeds over 20 mph.

radar guns and citations....good luck with that....are you serious?

[buggyone]

Originally Posted by The Buckeyes

radar guns and citations....good luck with that....are you serious?

Am I serious about that?

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by shankerman

20 mph seems fine if you're an old lady, However, if you're stuck behind someone in a smelly gas cart driving 20 mph, it's pure agony.

Girls. Meet at my house at five tonight. The new super soakers are in.

[quirky3]

Originally Posted by shankerman

20 mph seems fine if you're an old lady, However, if you're stuck behind someone in a smelly gas cart driving 20 mph, it's pure agony.

For reference, see the following thread:
World's 1st Women-Only Parking Lot

[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Girls. Meet at my house at five tonight. The new super soakers are in.

LOVE IT!

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by Carl in Tampa

ROCKETMAN
Senior Member

Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 180
Smile No ticket
I asked several deputies and they all said the same thing. Reckless driving and alcohol they can enforce. But if your going 30 mph and not weaving in and out of traffic, nothing they can do. Same as stop signs in parking lots, just informational.

-------------------------------------------


This, again, from the speech referenced in the newsletter:

We have aggressively gone after golf carts running stop
signs and those who have rigged the golf cart
to do more speed than what the manufacturer
specification states that it is supposed to do.

A previous post quoted the definition of golf cart under Florida law as being limited to 20 mph. They DO write speeding tickets for exceeding the speed defined for golf carts.

Golf carts cannot legally go 30 mph.

Even Low Speed Vehicles (LSV) which are licensed and operate on the streets cannot legally go 30 mph. Florida Statute 320.01 says: (42) “Low-speed vehicle” means any four-wheeled electric vehicle whose top speed is greater than 20 miles per hour but not greater than 25 miles per hour, including neighborhood electric vehicles.

Perhaps some deputies need to go back to school. Or you misunderstood or misquoted them.

Carl, I believe you are correct. Golf carts are not designed to go over 20 m.p.h.. And it has been stated by Villages authorities that the speed limit, in The Villages, is 20 m.p.h. unless otherwise posted. It can't be any clearer than that. If there's no speed limit sign, the speed limit is 20.