[Mikeod]

Originally Posted by Carl in Tampa

320.01 Definitions, general.�As used in the Florida Statutes, except as otherwise provided, the term:
(1) �Motor vehicle� means:
(a) An automobile, motorcycle, truck, trailer, semitrailer, truck tractor and semitrailer combination, or any other vehicle operated on the roads of this state, used to transport persons or property, and propelled by power other than muscular power, but the term does not include traction engines, road rollers, special mobile equipment as defined in s. 316.003(48), vehicles that run only upon a track, bicycles, swamp buggies, or mopeds.

(22) �Golf cart� means a motor vehicle that is designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes and that is not capable of exceeding speeds of 20 miles per hour.

The Sumter County Sheriff has stated he doesn't have authority to cite speeding on the MM paths. I would think that would be clear enough.

[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by mikeod

The Sumter County Sheriff has stated he doesn't have authority to cite speeding on the MM paths. I would think that would be clear enough.

Did you read the article? He also said: "b) If we can articulate reckless driving anywhere in the State of Florida, public or private property, you are fair game."

Speeding can be an element of reckless driving. The charge can be "reckless driving by driving at a speed unsafe for conditions."

Conditions can include narrow paths, congested traffic, inclement weather, etc..

Be aware that you can be cited for reckless driving on an Interstate highway posted for 70 mph when you are driving 70 mph if 70 is too fast for conditions, in conditions listed above. Note you won't be charged with speeding, but reckless driving.

[ROCKETMAN]

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.

[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.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Carl in Tampa

ROCKETMAN
-------------------------------------------


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.



.

The above statement dealt with carts on county roads/streets.
-running stop signs
-rigged for higher speeds.

[mickey100]

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

I've never seen a speed limit posted so how would it be possible for LE to enforce one.

There used to be posted limits on the Morse bridge by Sumter. 10 mph I think. Not sure if the signs are still there, but they are routinely disregarded in any event.

[Mikeod]

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.

It is apparent you have made up your mind on whether carts on MM paths can be cited for reckless driving when all they are doing is exceeding 20mph. That's fine. Others disagree and feel it is eminently possible to drive a cart on the MM paths in a non-reckless manner while exceeding 20mph. End of story. Have a good day.

[clekr]

I understand there are those who believe the mm are private and therefore you cannot get a speeding ticket thereon. However, I met someone who saw a Sumter county deputy with his cycle up in the shrubbery decider on Morse with radar shooting the carts. My guess is he does not agree with that view.

[perrjojo]

Does it really matter if you can get a ticket? Does it really matter if the is a law written somewhere? What matters to me is that golf carts are not meant to travel at more than 20 mph on our multimodal paths. Why does anyone want to drive beyond the speed that is considered safe or as the insurance companies would say...reasonable and customary? Jeesh! Are we adults or what?

[buggyone]

Originally Posted by clekr

I understand there are those who believe the mm are private and therefore you cannot get a speeding ticket thereon. However, I met someone who saw a Sumter county deputy with his cycle up in the shrubbery decider on Morse with radar shooting the carts. My guess is he does not agree with that view.

I love these "a friend of a friend of a co-worker told me..." stories. I put a lot of credence in them.

[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by mikeod

It is apparent you have made up your mind on whether carts on MM paths can be cited for reckless driving when all they are doing is exceeding 20mph. That's fine. Others disagree and feel it is eminently possible to drive a cart on the MM paths in a non-reckless manner while exceeding 20mph. End of story. Have a good day.

Well, noooo....

That's not what I said. I said that speeding could be an element of reckless driving when combined with other elements, such as narrow paths, congested traffic and inclement weather.

I quoted Florida Statutes and the speech of the deputy.

But the point is that you can be cited no matter where you are for exceeding 20 mph in a golf cart --- as stated by the deputy. I quoted the law that limits all golf carts to that speed. The roadway need not be posted.

The deputy said that catching drivers who have modified their golf carts to exceed 20 mph is one of their main enforcement efforts.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Originally Posted by mikeod

The Sumter County Sheriff has stated he doesn't have authority to cite speeding on the MM paths. I would think that would be clear enough.

What's clear about that regarding speed limits. Are street legal carts not allowed on multi modal paths? Are bicycles allowed on multi modal paths? If I'm not mistaken, motor scooters with engines under 50CCs are allowed on paths. They are all legal and all capable of going over 20 mph.

[donb9006]

Carts don't require a license to drive. A 13 y/o can drive one. If stopped, ONLY have your villages ID, problem solved.

[Djembe dude]

Actually a person has to be 14 years old to drive in the villages, check the villages rules on this. I personally don't think anyone under 18 should be allowed to drive a cart.

[Sydney]

[quote=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.[/quote]
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