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RVCA Update

Golf Cart SAFETY AND LEGAL

REQUIREMENTS

By: Charles Tatelbaum, RCVA Legal Counsel

ith the proliferation of golf
carts and similar four wheel
W recreational vehicles within
our community, it is important that everyone be
aware of the legal requirements and safety
protocols in place in order to utilize golf carts
and similar vehicles within Rio Vista and the
greater Fort Lauderdale community.

Of primary importance is the recognition that
only licensed motor vehicle drivers can operate a
golf cart or similar vehicle on the streets of Fort
Lauderdale. As of July 1 of this year, individuals
under 18 years of age MUST have a valid Florida
learner’s permit or driver's license in order to
operate a golf cart on the streets of Fort
Lauderdale. Those 18 years and older, must have
a valid Florida driver’s license in order to operate
a golf cart on the streets of Fort Lauderdale.

Besides the significant safety issue when
underage inexperienced drivers are operating a
golf cart, should an accident occur, there would
be no insurance coverage for the owner of the
golf cart because it was being operated by an
underage and illegal driver. Because of a
perceptive increase in underage operation of golf
carts within our community, the Rio Vista Patrol
will be enforcing the law which involves
significant penalties for underage driving.
Prioritizing safety of the residents and those who
utilize the golf carts, the Florida Legislature has
passed a law setting forth the safety requirements
for golf carts, which are defined as a motor
vehicle that is designed and manufactured for
operation or a golf course or for sporting or
recreational purposes and that is not capable of
exceeding speeds for 20 miles an hour. The law
allows golf carts to be operated on the roads that
are designated for golf carts and on city streets.
Additionally, there is a separate definition for low-
speed vehicles which are four-wheel vehicles
whose top speed is greater than 20 mph.

6 rio vista civic associartion • www.riovistaonline.com

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