Street Legal Golf Carts: Here’s the whole story!
Golf carts of all kinds have become increasingly popular in Florida, particularly around the beaches and suburban areas. They provide an efficient and eco-friendly way to get around, utilizing electric without much noise to boot! They are popular among tourists and locals alike for beach cruising, visiting nearby attractions, and running errands. They are also used for transportation in residential communities and small towns, where they are an affordable and convenient alternative to cars.
Golf carts are great, especially during the busy tourist season. What is a little tricky is the way in which golf carts can become street legal and how they may not be legal in other cases. The use of street legal golf carts in Florida, their safety, and the joys of golf cart ownership are topics around Northwest Florida’s Walton County as well as the luxurious 30A community.
One of the primary advantages of owning a golf cart is their environmental impact. They are an eco-friendly mode of transportation and emit less pollution than traditional gas-powered vehicles. This is particularly important in beach communities, where preserving the environment is a top priority. Here is a bit more insight about golf carts, insurance, and street legal distinctions.
Safety Considerations
While golf carts are a convenient and fun way to get around, it’s important to prioritize safety when using them. Golf carts are considered low-speed vehicles and must follow the same rules of the road as cars. This includes obeying traffic signals and signs, driving on the right side of the road, and using turn signals.
In addition, golf carts should be equipped with basic safety features such as seat belts, headlights, turn signals, and mirrors. Drivers and passengers should also wear helmets and other protective gear, especially when driving on busy roads.
Getting Golf Carts Insured
Golf carts are considered motor vehicles in Florida, and owners are required to carry insurance. Florida law requires that golf cart owners carry liability insurance, which covers damages or injuries that you cause to others in an accident. However, it is recommended to also carry comprehensive insurance, which covers damages to your golf cart caused by theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
Fun Fact: We have covered many personal or recreation golf carts, businesses that use golf carts, and ones that you will see on the courses around Northwest Florida!
Golf Cart Ownership
Owning a golf cart can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially for those living in beach communities. Golf carts are an affordable mode of transportation and can be customized to fit individual tastes and preferences. They are also easy to maintain, and many owners enjoy the DIY aspect of maintaining and customizing their carts.
One of the joys of golf cart ownership is the sense of community that comes with it. Many beach communities have golf cart clubs or associations, where owners can connect with other enthusiasts and participate in events and activities. Golf cart parades are also popular in many communities, especially during the holiday season.
How to make a golf cart legal for the streets?
The owner needs to follow these steps:
- Check local laws:
Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles or local government to find out what specific requirements need to be met to make a golf cart street legal in your area.
- Add safety features:
Golf carts may need to have additional safety features installed, such as seat belts, headlights, turn signals, and brake lights.
- Get insurance:
Most states require insurance coverage for golf carts that are street legal. Check with your insurance agent to see what options are available. Harris is here to help!!
- Register the cart:
In most cases, golf carts will need to be registered with the DMV and display a license plate.
One you pass a standard safety instruction, paired with the correct paperwork, your golf cart will meet all requirements for street use.
Additionally, The Walton County Sheriff’s Office and Street Legal Golf Carts made a safety video about Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs), also known as Street Legal Golf Carts.
- The video covers the rules and regulations of driving LSVs, such as where they can be driven, who can drive them, and where they can be parked.
- LSVs can only be driven on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less, and drivers must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license.
- Seat belts are required, and children must be in appropriate car seats. LSVs cannot be driven on sidewalks, bike paths, or beaches and drinking and driving is strictly prohibited.
- To read more and to watch their awesome video, click here!
Who is Street Legal Golf Carts?
Family owned Street Legal Golf Cart dealership of new and pre-owned street legal golf carts with multiple locations across the country. With Lowest prices and the best customer service in town, you won’t be disappointed!
Have a question about your golf cart, or other interesting modes of transportation?
Call us at 850.244.2111 or email at service@harrisinsurance.com so we can help you insure your vehicle at a great price! We work for you and quote with confidence!
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Views expressed here do not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein is for general guidance of matter only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. Discussion of insurance policy language is descriptive only. Every policy has different policy language. Coverage afforded under any insurance policy issued is subject to individual policy terms and conditions. Please refer to your policy for the actual language.
