[Talk Host]

Over the past couple of weeks, I have seen several of the "street legal" carts on the cart trails around the Villages. As you know, they can go about 30 miles an hour, maybe more.

I'm wondering if it's really a good idea to allow any registered vehicles on the cart trails along with walkers, bikers and non registered carts. My thinking is that people aren't expecting to see a cart zooming around the corner at those speeds. I have also seen motor scooters.

Yes, I know some people have souped up their non street carts to go faster, but not quite as fast as the street legal ones.

[Karen83]

Our street legal cart has a switch that will govern it at cart pathway speed.

Of course, maybe some will not use it, but then it would seem that the speed limit that applies to all other carts, would apply to them also. I've seen some carts that are not street legal go very fast!

Let's enforce existing laws before adding more.

We live off of Rainey Trail where there are no paths, and the street legal alllows us easier access to Buena Vista.

[dillywho]

Street legal carts are allowed on the golf courses, so why wouldn't they be allowed on the cart paths? To be on the golf courses, the tires have to meet course specs outlined for all carts. As for the speed, many carts go well above the legal speed that are not street-legal (as previously stated). Everyone should just do the right thing and stay within the legal limits whether in any type of cart or in an automobile.

[katezbox]

On another thread, Bryan gave lots of details on this topic. One of his key points is that there are some streets even the street legal carts can't be on. The speed limit on the cart paths is already defined. It needs to be enforced. Those who own street legal carts and play by the rules shouldn't be penalized because of a few who do not.

Just my opinion - and I know a lot of you will disagree.

k

[chacam]

Originally Posted by katezbox

The speed limit on the cart paths is already defined.

Where is it defined ?

[SteveFromNY]

Originally Posted by chacam

Where is it defined ?

The only place I recall seeing a speed limit sign is the Morse Ave bridge - 10MPH.
Don't really know if there is a speed limit on the paths. There is a speed limit for carts though, and that's 19.5 or 20, where ever they are (unless they are street legal and then it's 30.
It's all so confusing.
Maybe people could just act responsibly, and drive safely, and we wouldn't need rules and regulations to control their behavior on the cart paths too. Nah, never happen.

[sandybill2]

Originally Posted by SteveFromNY

The only place I recall seeing a speed limit sign is the Morse Ave bridge - 10MPH.
Don't really know if there is a speed limit on the paths. There is a speed limit for carts though, and that's 19.5 or 20, where ever they are (unless they are street legal and then it's 30.
It's all so confusing.
Maybe people could just act responsibly, and drive safely, and we wouldn't need rules and regulations to control their behavior on the cart paths too. Nah, never happen.

One thing I have noticed and I'm sure others have as well--there are apparently lots of cart drivers who turn onto the paths at such a speed that they hit the divider--tire prints on most of them--some really bent--some I have seen have actually been knocked down. Too bad there isn't some way to hold those damaging them responsible for their replacement.

[DDoug]

Now let me see my car will fit under the bridges on the path and it is street legal. Now if I dont go over the 20 mph speed does that mean I can drive on the path. What determines what type of vehicile can use those paths. One other question how does a golf cart become street legal and most do not have front brakes,try doing a panic stop at full speed with your cart and see how long it takes to stop.I think you will be suprised. Bottom line respect these little cars they are not toys,they could kill you.

[Whalen]

What about the people in cars who think that 15 to 20 mph is acceptable on Morse, Buena Vista..............It's a long way from Havana to Sumter at 20 mph in a car.

[katezbox]

Originally Posted by chacam

Where is it defined ?

19.7 MPH is the allowed speed on the golf cart paths unless posted otherwise

[collection6]

street legal carts are allowed to do 25mph, not 30 as previously stated

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by DDoug

Bottom line respect these little cars they are not toys,they could kill you.

Well said.

[Talk Host]

Originally Posted by collection6

street legal carts are allowed to do 25mph, not 30 as previously stated

Sorry about that. I was misinformed. My neighbor down the street has one and he said his will do 35 and that it is legal. My mistake. His lie

[chacam]

Originally Posted by katezbox

19.7 MPH is the allowed speed on the golf cart paths unless posted otherwise

Where is that stated ? ? What statute ? ?

[dillywho]

Originally Posted by chacam

Where is that stated ? ? What statute ? ?

If you will simply check with law enforcement, I am sure they can answer both questions. Otherwise, you might attend one of the golf cart safety clinics. You can get the same information there and much more. They are conducted for free by law enforcement.