5 Most Golf Cart Friendly States
The golf cart may be a familiar sight on American roads, but it's also being adopted as an alternative means of transportation in some states. Many communities have started programs to integrate carts into their transportation networks.
In many cities, golf carts are a medium for visiting neighbors, farmer's markets, or nearby places. This means you could find your perfect community with enough space for all those moments throughout the day where they’re needed the most.
But what do we know? We’ve already got our hands full so let us discuss some states where this should go down easy.
1. Georgia
Georgia has a great mix of rural and urban environments, making it an exciting place to live, work, or visit. The carts of this state have a unique culture that is reflected in their golf cart laws. The golf carts are allowed for safe and easy mobility on roads, making them perfect to use around town or even when you're out exploring. Golf carts may only operate on streets with posted speed limits of 20 MPH or less, but this does not prevent them from crossing any road at properly marked crossings!The driver should have a valid driver's license, or they must be accompanied by someone who does.
Age Limit: Anyone above the age of 12 can drive a golf cart as long as they
are accompanied by an adult over 18 with a driver's license.Exception: If the driver is 15 and has a permit, they can drive a golf cart alone.
Top Golf Cart Friendly Cities: Type island, Peachtree City, ST. Simons, Augusta, Palm Desert, and more.
2. South Carolina
South Carolina is home to many golf cart-friendly communities, and in recent years, golf cart enthusiasts have created a golf cart lifestyle here. In South Carolina, you can only drive a golf cart during daylight. During these hours, you can drive on secondary highways or streets with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. You are allowed to cross over roads that have higher speed limits.
However, you can't go too far. In South Carolina, Golf cart drivers must follow the same traffic laws that apply to motor vehicles.You need a driver's license, proof of liability insurance, and the registration certificate issued by the DMV.
Age Limit: Anyone who is 16 years older with a driving license can drive a golf cart. It is illegal for children and unlicensed drivers to drive golf carts on public roads. If you're seated next to your child, they cannot operate the vehicle.
Golf Cart Friendly Cities: Daufuskie, Myrtle Beach, Charleston
3. Florida
Florida is a state that gives you the luxury of golf cart living. That's why it's on our list. Florida does not require titles or registration for traditional golf carts. Therefore, you do not need to worry about getting insurance for your golf cart. You don't even need a driver's license to drive one.
If you live in Florida and are at least 14 years old, driving a cart on public roads at 20 miles per hour with speed limits under 25 mph is legal. You need to have a special license to drive over 20 mph, and the cart needs to be DMV registered and insured. But, you're only allowed to use a golf cart during sunrise and sunset.
Age Limit: 14 years old
Golf Cart Friendly Cities: The Villages, Ocean Reef, Destin, North Captiva Island, Useppa Island, Cedar key
4. California
California is a big state with many winding roads and freeways, and drivers are allowed to drive a golf cart in California. However, these vehicles must follow state and federal laws to be legal. Golf carts are only allowed on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or lower.
If you want your golf cart to be legal, it must not weigh more than 3000 pounds and cannot travel faster than 25 miles per hour! California allows communities to designate themselves as a golf cart community. Carts used in these selected communities must be upgraded to make them safe for the road. These upgrades include headlights, seat belts, turn signals, side mirrors, windshields, etc.
Age limit: A person needs to be at least 13 Years of age.
Golf Cart Friendly Cities: Laguna Woods Village, Catalina Island, Palm Desert
5. Arizona
Arizona is a beautiful state with breath-taking weather and incredible driving conditions. Golf carts are treated like motor vehicles in Arizona, so they have most of the same rights on public roads. It is important to make your golf cart street legal when driving on public roads in Arizona. You must follow all of the standard rules for safe motor vehicle operation. The speed limit for a cart in this state is 35 mph or less per hour or less. You need a driver's license to operate a golf cart on public roads.
Age Limit: We advise you to check with your local government.
Golf Cart Friendly Cities: Sun City
Which States have Strict Golf Cart Rules?
Golf carts are not allowed on public roads in Alabama, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Missouri, and Rhode Island. The laws are next level strict in New York. You can be arrested for operating a golf cart on public roads, parking lots, or sidewalks.
Know the Laws in Your State and Locality
The laws for golf carts vary from state to state, but you must know what regulations apply in your area before driving one on public streets. For instance, some states don't have any restrictions, while others ban them altogether. Learning about these differences ahead of time will help make your experience better no matter where you stay.
If it's legal to operate a golf cart in your area, make sure that your model meets all federal requirements, and you should be good for state mandates as well. Do your research, so nothing goes wrong. However, know if your local and state governments allow gasoline-powered golf carts. Some may require that you use an electric one as well! And check to see what kind of license plates will be needed for this vehicle.
Learn more about How old you have to be to drive a golf cart!
Final Words
There are many other states in the US where golf carts are legal on roads. We've only scratched the surface with this list. The golf cart has become a popular vehicle for people who want to enjoy the outdoors and protect nature. As time goes on, you will likely see more carts in circulation because of this trend!
For any additional help with street legal golf cart parts, accessories or tires, visit Golfcartgarage.com
Further Read
How to Adjust a Golf Cart Governor
Replacing Golf Cart Batteries: One at a Time Vs. All at Once