how old do you have to be to drive a golf cart of the course

by Max Berge 9 min read

There are rules and regulations regarding the appropriate age to drive a golf cart in the United States. The requirement changes from state to state. The majority of American states require that a child be at least 14 years old to drive a golf cart.Jun 9, 2021

What is the age limit for riding a golf cart?

  • in master planned communities with a uniform set of restrictive covenants in place,
  • on public or private beaches,
  • during the daytime and no more than two miles from where the owner usually parks the golf cart and for transportation to or from a golf course, or

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Do you need a license do drive a golf cart?

Golf carts are not required to be titled or registered and, therefore, are not required to be insured with PIP and PDL insurance coverage. Golf cart operators are not required to have a driver license; however, to operate a golf cart on designated public roadways, a person must be 14 years or older.

Do you need drivers license to drive a golf cart?

There is always an exemption of golf carts from registration and requirements in most states. However, most states only allow a driver who has a valid driver’s license and who is at least 14 to 16 years of age to drive a golf cart on a public roadway. There are different rules guiding and regulating golf carts driving, and it differs per state.

Is there age limit for driving golf carts?

The age limit for driving a golf cart in the United States is 16 years old. However, it’s possible to get a special permit from your state or local government.

How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart on a golf course in North Carolina?

(16)Any person who operates a golf cart must be at least sixteen (16) years of age or older. No person may operate a golf cart unless that person is licensed to drive upon the public streets, roads and highways of North Carolina and then, only in accordance with such valid driver's license.

How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart on a golf course in Colorado?

fourteen or olderColorado drivers have to be fourteen or older to get behind the wheel of a cart. You are permitted to drive these carts without owning a driving license.

What state can you drive at 13?

What is the minimum age to drive in the USA? The minimum age to drive in the USA is just 16 in some states, however other states require you to be at least 18. You can obtain a learner's permit in Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, North and South Dakota at just 14 years old.

Can a 13 year old drive a golf cart in Florida?

In Florida, a golf cart can be driven on public roads at a speed limit under 25 miles per hour as the driver is at least 14 years old. If the cart is driven over 20 miles per hour, the driver will need to have a special license.

What is the legal definition of a golf cart?

The definition of a golf cart is relative to each state laws. The delineation as a golf cart or vehicle is based on overall weight, seat capacity and maximum speed. If any golf cart is faster or heavier than what the state law prescribes, it is classified as a motor vehicle.

Why is a golf cart necessary?

Without a doubt, there are different options to transport our golf clubs such as lightweight shoulder and tripod bags, trolley bags, electric carts and even buggies for those who prefer to save energy to hit.

What are the state age requirements?

Before we get started, it should be noted that most age requirements and other rules and regulations guiding driving a golf cart mainly applies to a public property, these rules do not apply to a private property i.e. driving on a private property is not subject to state age-restrictions, and all other state rules and regulations do not apply.

Driving a golf cart: rules and regulations

Other than age requirements, there are other rules and regulations guiding the driving of a cart. It is important to note that though rules and regulations are set and enforced by the government. The responsibility lies on the individual to put prioritize the safety of the individual driving the cart.

Driving a golf cart: useful tips

Rules notwithstanding, the onus lies on the golf driver to ensure that they prioritize their own safety while driving, this will require that the driver keeps to safety tips such as:

Final Thoughts

In this article, we have provided information on what a golf cart is, what state requirements for driving it are in different states, how to drive these carts on a golf course. We also gave you some useful tips on maintaining your golf cart.

How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in Connecticut?

Connecticut. Legal age of the driver is 16 years . A driver’s license is required to drive a golf cart. All the drivers need to carry their driver’s licenses and put a flag on top of the golf cart to keep other road users alerted of your presence.

How old do you have to be to drive a cart?

Legal age of the driver is 16 years . Driving requires a permit from the local government, a sticker saying that the cart has been approved for use on local streets. The carts can only travel on roads with a posted limit of 35 mph and only during daylight hours. The driver needs to have a driver’s license and insurance.

How fast can a golf cart go in Nebraska?

Nebraska defines a golf cart as a four-wheeled vehicle with a maximum ground speed of less than 20 miles per hour. We cannot track the official information about the legal age of driving a golf cart in this state. We advise you to check with your local government.

How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in Arkansas?

Arkansas. Legal age of the driver is above 14 years. No driver's license is required to drive a golf cart. A person under the age of 14 years will be held responsible in the event of an accident and the responsibility will be transferred to the child’s parents.

Is it legal to drive a golf cart in Arizona?

Arizona. As Arizona requires a person to make their golf cart street legal when driving on public roads, drivers must follow the standard driving laws. Privately, The driver is under no obligation to obtain a driver's license to operate a golf cart.

Can you drive a golf cart in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire does not allow golf carts on public roads. If you wish to drive a golf cart outside the golf course, then you must meet the specifications laid down by the state. Golf carts must be registered and insured. Drivers must need to have a driving license.

Can you drive a golf cart in Mississippi?

You must need to be of legal driving age to operate a golf cart in Mississippi. If you are not at level driving age, you can only drive under the direction of your parent or legal guardian. It is not allowed to drive a golf cart on federal highways, state highways, and interstate highways.

How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart?

For most states, the minimum age to drive a golf cart is 14 years old. Some states allow the driver to be as young as 13. Each state has their own set of rules for driving a golf cart though, so you’ll want to make sure you are following the law in your state.

What age do you have to be to drive a golf cart in Florida?

Florida’s minimum age is 14-15. For Texas, you have to be a licensed driver to operate a golf cart, except on private property and on golf courses. California’s minimum age is 13. South Carolina’s minimum age also 13.

What are the safety rules for golf carts?

It’s also a good idea to remind them of simple golf cart safety rules that include: No Joy riding or reckless driving. Yield to pedestrians. Only operate from the driver’s side of the golf cart. Stay focused while driving and remove distractions. Check your blind spots often.

How fast can a golf cart go?

Since golf carts don’t typically go faster than 15-20 mph, most people don’t think anything wrong with kids driving them. Unfortunately, every state has a specific age requirement for driving a golf cart.

Can you put seat belts on a golf cart?

Golf Cart Safety. If you want your younger kids to drive, but want a little more safety for them, you can install golf cart seat belts while they’re driving and golf cart bars for them to hold onto if they’re passengers.

Can you drive a golf cart on private property?

Driving on Golf Courses and Private Property. If you’re out driving your golf cart on private roads and golf courses, then these age restrictions don’t come into play. Just make sure you’re following proper safety precautions while you’re out with the young drivers and you’ll be fine.

Do you need a driver's license to drive a golf cart?

Most of the laws are for residential roads and you won’t need to have a valid driver’s license. If you try to take a golf cart on a public road, then most agencies require the driver to have a valid driver’s license. If you’re thinking about buying a golf cart, age restrictions are just one of many things to consider.

Age Restrictions For Driving a Golf Cart

Age is an important criterion for driving motorized vehicles and understandably so even if it’s a golf cart. It’s believed that teens are more prone to rash driving and higher driving age will ensure safety for the driver as well as the pedestrians.

Do You Need a Driving Licence For Golf Carts?

Just like the age restriction for golf carts, every other law associated with driving a golf cart differs from state to state. As mentioned before, Texas requires the driver to have a legal driving license before driving golf carts. And for that, the driver has to be at least 16 years old.

What Is a Golf Cart?

Before we proceed, it is essential to understand what actually is the legal definition of a golf cart according to your state laws.

Driving Laws On Private Property For a Golf Cart

The laws that govern golf carts on public properties are not the same as the rules for private properties.

Punishments For Underage Golf Cart Driving

Although golf carts are different from traditional motor vehicles, they still are motorized automobiles required to follow all the rules & regulations enforced by the state.

Conclusion

Driving can be a lot of fun. It is also an essential skill that every parent should teach their child. However, this should not be done at the cost of someone’s life or limb. Driving requires sufficient skills and expertise, and children aren’t ready to take that kind of responsibility.

How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in Texas?

You need to be at least age 14 to drive a golf cart in most states. However, Texas only allows drivers who are above 16 years of age. So, in a simple answer, it depends on your state of residence.

How many people can you have on a golf cart?

2. The total number of people allowed on a cart should never exceed four people, including the driver. 3. Don’t drive a golf cart on the sidewalk. 4. A valid driver’s license and liability insurance is a prerequisite for every golf cart driver.

How fast can a golf cart go?

operate on a golf course for leisurely purposes. 2. carry golf equipment. 3. carry only 2 people. 4. operate at optimum speeds of twenty miles per hour.

Can you drive a golf cart on the sidewalk?

No! No vehicle is allowed to be driven on public sidewalks. You can only drive golf carts on sidewalks of the golf course to cross from a place to another, but noon a public sideways in the streets.

Minimum age requirements to drive a golf cart in the US

The majority of the states, such as Florida, require a child to be at least 14 years old to drive a golf cart. However, some states, such as California and South Carolina, have a golf cart driving legal age of 13 years. And in other states like Texas, the minimum age is 16 years.

Minimum age requirements to drive a golf cart in Canada

Big cities such as Ontario have gold cart regulations that state that Golf carts are allowed to operate on the road after inspection and receive a permit from the Ontario Police Department. Additionally, gold cart operators have to be 16 years and older and must have a valid driver’s license.

Minimum age requirements to drive a golf cart in the UK

The minimum age for driving a golf cart falls under the category of vehicles 350 kg or less with a maximum design speed of not more than 45 km/his 16 years old. Minors using golf carts on private property fall under the responsibility of the Health and Safety Authority.

Minimum age requirements to drive a golf cart in Australia

In Australia, you must have a class C driving license to operate a golf cart. The minimum age requirement is 16 years with supervision or 18 years without supervision. The golf cart must also not exceed a speed limit of 25 km/h on level ground.

Can children drive golf carts?

No. Children should never be allowed to drive a golf cart. They lack the judgment capability to operate a vehicle and the necessary motor skills. There is also the risk of forceful ejection should they hit a pavement or car, resulting in grievous body injuries.

Legal Age To Drive A Golf Cart In Florida

Apparently, at least 14 years old. Yes, that’s the least for age requirement and no, you don’t need any license for that. Also, keep in mind that this is about designated public roadways area.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it’s not necessary for golf cart operators to have a driving license. But just like I said Earlier, you must be at least 14 years old or more. Also in some cases, with speed limitations, one may need to have a special driving license. But that’s not the general ruling.

Wrap Up

And that was about how old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in Florida. Make sure you are not crossing the decided ruling to play it safe. Also, if you are going to the location for a vacation, then go for golf carts that come with optimal condition batteries to drive without a problem.

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Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

  1. Legal age of the driver is above 12 years.
  2. Anyone who is above 12 years of age can operate a golf cart as long as they are accompanied by a licensed driver who is an adult.
  3. You need to have a valid driver's license or permit to drive a golf cart alone.
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