golf carts illegal on public roads / bike path

[SoWalSally]

By ELLA CARO

Golf carts cannot legally be driven on public roads or bike paths in Walton County, according to a spokesman for the Walton County Sheriff's Office traffic division.ÝSgt. Joe Preston said drivers apprehended disobeying this law will be given "moving violation" citations with a fine of $115.50.Ý He said golf carts cannot be registered or licensed, and may only be used on private roads.

He explained the difference between golf carts and low speed vehicles. The latter, when properly outfitted and insured, may be licensed and driven on public roads, by licensed drivers, where posted speed limits are 35 miles per hour or less. The one exception for golf carts, Preston said, is when the cart is included in a permitted parade like the Fourth of July parade on CR-30A.

The increase in golf carts on public roads is becoming a serious problem in south Walton, Preston said, and is aggravated by real estate developers using them as promotional features for property sales and rentals. Advertising that says "five minutes from the beach by golf cart," and "free golf carts with property purchase" is being used to bolster sales. The sheriff's department has already warned two local developers about their misleading ads, and is preparing to crack down on more.

Golf carts seen parked at beach accesses or other parking lots will be issued a warning. Carts driven within subdivisions which have private roads must have a driver at least 14 years old.

A spokesman for the South Walton Community Council (SWCC) said their growth management committee has made a project of ensuring that golf carts are used safely and within the restrictions of state statutes. The growing number of golf carts on public roads, especially those driven by children, is fast becoming a safety hazard, according to SWCC.

Visitors to the area have complained there isn't enough public education on the subject. SWCC members expressed hopes that cooperation among the sheriff's office, the media, the South Walton Tourist Development Council and the SWCC growth management committee will help prevent accidents involving golf carts and will keep traffic moving on public roads.

[John R]

Visitors to the area have complained there isn't enough public education on the subject.

i'm pretty sure golf carts are not legal on the roads in atlanta, birmingham, houston, nashville, memphis, juneau, trenton, columbus, bowling green, greensboro, etc, etc

[Jdarg]

i'm pretty sure golf carts are not legal on the roads in atlanta, birmingham, houston, nashville, memphis, juneau, trenton, columbus, bolling green, greensboro, etc, etc

How did Bowling Green make the cut?? I love it!

Golf carts may be appropriate in a very few situations. Like for old people on the golf course. Maybe for older people living in a golf community. If I am biking or walking on 30-A, I don't want to see a golf cart. That is why I visit the SoWal area and not a golf/beach resort.

I live in non-golfing subdivision here, but there is one golf cart in my neighborhood and I am OK with it- here is why. The driver is about 20 years old and has Down's Syndrome. He lives on a small cul-de-sac, and spends hours driving his golf cart slowly around the circle, with his radio on the seat next to him, bothering no one and not disrupting any traffic or pedestrians. Smiling ear to ear. This golf cart TRULY has a purpose and is useful- he loves it more than anything. It makes me smile to see him enjoying himself so much.

[Kimmifunn]

Wait...what was that sound? Oh, it was the sound of Whitey's heart breaking.

[Jdarg]

Wait...what was that sound? Oh, it was the sound of Whitey's heart breaking.

OK you have lost me here. Is she a sucker for a sweet golf cart story?

[Kimmifunn]

OK you have lost me here. Is she a sucker for a sweet golf cart story?

Whitey loves riding golf carts. Jfunn's mom has one and Whitey always wants to ride it. When I first met Jfunn she was traveling via golf cart!

[aquaticbiology]

first the little electric scooters, then the golf carts

time to buy a stinky 2 cycle noisebox used rent-o-scooter (beeep beeeep) in retaliation

[jessifunn]

Whitey loves riding golf carts. Jfunn's mom has one and Whitey always wants to ride it. When I first met Jfunn she was traveling via golf cart!

that's just the way i roll.

[bluemtnfriend]

I was backing out of Goatfeathers SEafood Market Saturday, trying to be very mindful on 30A traffic both ways when two young boys about 10 or 12 years old flew past my rear bumper in a golf cart. I shook all the way back to our condo. I would have stopped the little boogers and given them a talking to but they were long gone.

[whiteyfunn]

So can they still be used in the parades? If not, I will boycott SoWal 4ever.

[Sandcastle]

first the little electric scooters, then the golf carts

time to buy a stinky 2 cycle noisebox used rent-o-scooter (beeep beeeep) in retaliation

I agree. If I can’t use my golf cart to get to my deeded beach walkover, I’ll just buy a rusty diesel pick-up with a fifth wheel and leave the thing parked along 30-A, running, while I’m enjoying the sunset at the beach. I guess that’s legal.

[Smiling JOe]

I agree. If I can’t use my golf cart to get to my deeded beach walkover, I’ll just buy a rusty diesel pick-up with a fifth wheel and leave the thing parked along 30-A, running, while I’m enjoying the sunset at the beach. I guess that’s legal.

That will be fine, but don't park it on the "bike path" because that is illegal. For all I know, it may also be illegal to park any vehicle on the right of way of 30A -- especially 5th wheel big dooleys, due to their obstruction of sight which could lead to traffic accidents and deaths.

[skippertoo]

[QUOTE=jhbeebe]I feel a more uniform enforcement of the existing laws as well as more education by the county to the public would make a big difference. Perhaps the TDC could help out, as well as the vacation rental business. At any given moment if you go to the Old Florida Beach access (Gulfview Heights) there will be 4-5 Golf carts stacked up and parked in the yellow lined off "no parking zone".

Many of the VRBO listings for that area (especially the ones across 30A) have golf cart listed in their ads to try to get renters and the renters would assume that it is ok the way it is worded.

[ktschris]

How did Bowling Green make the cut?? I love it!

Golf carts may be appropriate in a very few situations. Like for old people on the golf course. Maybe for older people living in a golf community. If I am biking or walking on 30-A, I don't want to see a golf cart. That is why I visit the SoWal area and not a golf/beach resort.

I live in non-golfing subdivision here, but there is one golf cart in my neighborhood and I am OK with it- here is why. The driver is about 20 years old and has Down's Syndrome. He lives on a small cul-de-sac, and spends hours driving his golf cart slowly around the circle, with his radio on the seat next to him, bothering no one and not disrupting any traffic or pedestrians. Smiling ear to ear. This golf cart TRULY has a purpose and is useful- he loves it more than anything. It makes me smile to see him enjoying himself so much.

I loved this story.

[Rather B Paddlin]

Developments north of 30-A in the Gufview Heights area have sold the houses with golf carts to use in the development - cut me a break. The new Draper Lake development south of 30-A has golf cart access paths cut through the woods onto Betty St. and Buddy St. (public roads) that lead to a private golf cart parking area that they are building off of Gulfview Heights Street (public road).

What are owners thinking by allowing renters to use golf carts? Especially on 30-A, the bike path, and wink wink the grassy strip between the bike path and 30-A (owners have told renters there was nothing in the law about using the grassy strip). This situation is an accident waiting to happen.

Shame on the developers for misleading the buyers. Shame on the owners for misleading the renters.

Solution : Sheriff Deputy parks at Goatfeathers every morning from 9am-12am and 3pm-6pm. The county will make an easy grand a day.

Buy a golf cart (I did)for your own use until it is stopped and enjoy the ride.

[Unplugged]

Developments north of 30-A in the Gufview Heights area have sold the houses with golf carts to use in the development - cut me a break. The new Draper Lake development south of 30-A has golf cart access paths cut through the woods onto Betty St. and Buddy St. (public roads) that lead to a private golf cart parking area that they are building off of Gulfview Heights Street (public road).

What are owners thinking by allowing renters to use golf carts? Especially on 30-A, the bike path, and wink wink the grassy strip between the bike path and 30-A (owners have told renters there was nothing in the law about using the grassy strip). This situation is an accident waiting to happen.

Shame on the developers for misleading the buyers. Shame on the owners for misleading the renters.

Solution : Sheriff Deputy parks at Goatfeathers every morning from 9am-12am and 3pm-6pm. The county will make an easy grand a day.

Buy a golf cart (I did)for your own use until it is stopped and enjoy the ride.

You are so right RBP - we own in that same neighborhood and keep ours locked up. Owners who allow their guests to use the carts are irresponsible and asking for trouble - I remind them of that each time I speak with any of them. I don't blame the developers - buyers should do their homework before purchasing. I like your proposed solution
__________________________________________________ ______

[Rather B Paddlin]

I disagree about the warnings. Signs are posted all over the bike path to stop the operation of motorized vehicles on the path. Also, warnings will not deter someone who is at the beach for a week.

I do agree not to penalize the mislead renter. Levy heavy fines against the owner of the golf cart, who rented a house out under the premise that the renter could use it to get to the beach that is over a mile away. A few fines to owners or developers will get the attention needed.

But again as an owner, how could you hand the keys of a golf cart over to a renter knowing it is going to be used illegally and be placing the renters family in a very dangerous situation. I would love to hear the other side to this topic.

I love using my cart in my neighborhood, but would gladly give it up if the law was enforced. The tragedy is the situation will take care of itself after the first golf cart gets t-boned by an suv on 30-A.

[John R]

I think it is a fair solution as well, however, instead of hammering unsuspecting people right off the bat with tickets and fines, most whom have been told or represented that it is okay - why not have the county or TDC make some effort to get the word out to the public as well? Maybe a few warning tickets would serve notice too. Talking about it in this forum is also a great way to get the info out in addition.

it was also in the paper, as evidenced by the original post. and, the bikepath is clearly marked with signage about no vehicles on the path.

[Smiling JOe]

I think it is a fair solution as well, however, instead of hammering unsuspecting people right off the bat with tickets and fines, most whom have been told or represented that it is okay - why not have the county or TDC make some effort to get the word out to the public as well? Maybe a few warning tickets would serve notice too. Talking about it in this forum is also a great way to get the info out in addition.

Nothing like some real tickets to get the word out rapidly. There is nothing faster.

[sunsetdunes]

I feel a more uniform enforcement of the existing laws as well as more education by the county to the public would make a big difference. Perhaps the TDC could help out, as well as the vacation rental business. At any given moment if you go to the Old Florida Beach access (Gulfview Heights) there will be 4-5 Golf carts stacked up and parked in the yellow lined off "no parking zone".

For what it is worth I believe that it is mostly tourists who do not know any better, as well as some SoWal homeowners who live here part time who also may be not fully aware, especially if a developer has told - or sold - them otherwise. Lately, I have frequently seen pre-adolescent kids driving golf carts on the public roads and bike path, and cause some very scary near misses. I would be extremely unfortunate to see any accident occur from this here along 30-A.

We've had the same problem in Inlet Beach with kids driving carts. I have seen children who can't be more than 9 years old driving with a cartload of kids on the public streets. They run stop signs, drive at night with no lights, and generally are a danger to themselves and others. One night while walking back from the beach I was almost hit by a kid who ran a stop sign.

If this type of vehicle is going to be operated on public roads, it needs to be properly licensed and driven by people old enough to understand the consequences of breaking the laws, not to mention properly insured. The first time there is an accident and a bunch of kids get hurt or killed, I suspect there will be an outcry similar to the one that accompanied the lack of lifeguards on the beaches. And, I would hate to think of the liability associated with an owner allowing their tenants to use a cart in such a manner!

I also brought the problem to the attention of Brad Pickle at TDC. I think anyone who sees carts being operated illegally should call the problem to the attention of Walton County Sheriff's Dept. I have complained to the Sheriff's office in the past, but the problem persists, but hopefully more complaints will get their attention.

[Smiling JOe]

Alas, the gods of SoWal have spoken. I was trying to think about not scaring away unsuspecting tourists who would be misinformed. However, after hearing everyone's feedback, I concur.

Maybe you are too nice.

[kurt]

Alas, the gods of SoWal have spoken. I was trying to think about not scaring away unsuspecting tourists who would be misinformed. However, after hearing everyone's feedback, I concur.

I shudder at the thought of ruffling visitor feathers but there is nothing wrong with laying out the rules of the land.

It would be nice if only golf carts and other mild & nonoffending conveyances were allowed South of 98, and something ultimatley i would prefer, but it would be harder for most of us to get to Snapperhead's.

[Sandcastle]

In my opinion it’s a lot more dangerous to ride a bike on the bike path in SoWal than to drive a golf cart on the back roads.

Have you ever tried to pull out into 30-A from Dogwood Street, or any of the other streets in Old Seagrove? The vegetation makes it impossible to see bicycles approaching from the east or the west. Drivers don’t even know that a bike path exists until they’re almost across it. Kids speed along the bike path completely unaware that the vehicles approaching 30-A can’t see them. I prefer to drive to Route 395 and pull out onto 30-A from there, rather than chance hitting someone by accessing 30-A from any other point.

The same is true when leaving Paradise by the Sea and Seacrest Beach II. All of this is extremely dangerous, not to mention the crossover west of the Wheelhouse. I could throw in the risk of riding a bicycle through the back roads in Old Seagrove and being swallowed alive by a pothole, but my fingers are getting tired.

[Paige]

In my opinion it’s a lot more dangerous to ride a bike on the bike path in SoWal than to drive a golf cart on the back roads.

Have you ever tried to pull out into 30-A from Dogwood Street, or any of the other streets in Old Seagrove? The vegetation makes it impossible to see bicycles approaching from the east or the west. Drivers don’t even know that a bike path exists until they’re almost across it. Kids speed along the bike path completely unaware that the vehicles approaching 30-A can’t see them. I prefer to drive to Route 395 and pull out onto 30-A from there, rather than chance hitting someone by accessing 30-A from any other point.

The same is true when leaving Paradise by the Sea and Seacrest Beach II. All of this is extremely dangerous, not to mention the crossover west of the Wheelhouse. I could throw in the risk of riding a bicycle through the back roads in Old Seagrove and being swallowed alive by a pothole, but my fingers are getting tired.

I agree. We rented Thyme after Thyme in west Seagrove (just next to Seaside) last summer and we had several close calls with bikers when pulling on to 30A. Being that close to Seaside, the bike traffic is unbelievable. This year we rented further off 30A.

[Rather B Paddlin]

In my opinion it’s a lot more dangerous to ride a bike on the bike path in SoWal than to drive a golf cart on the back roads.

Have you ever tried to pull out into 30-A from Dogwood Street, or any of the other streets in Old Seagrove? The vegetation makes it impossible to see bicycles approaching from the east or the west. Drivers don’t even know that a bike path exists until they’re almost across it. Kids speed along the bike path completely unaware that the vehicles approaching 30-A can’t see them. I prefer to drive to Route 395 and pull out onto 30-A from there, rather than chance hitting someone by accessing 30-A from any other point.

The same is true when leaving Paradise by the Sea and Seacrest Beach II. All of this is extremely dangerous, not to mention the crossover west of the Wheelhouse. I could throw in the risk of riding a bicycle through the back roads in Old Seagrove and being swallowed alive by a pothole, but my fingers are getting tired.

?????????
Using your rational all motorcycles should be banned because they are dangerous. The bike path is for bikes. The road is for cars. Actually, it is legal to ride your bike on the road. I do agree with the hazards you have presented and have seen a number of near misses. But the bottom line is it is illegal for golf carts to be on the road or bike path. Golf carts are made for golf courses. How many golf courses let you drive your car on the course?

[Paige]

I think the point was that it is hard to see the bikers b/c of obstructions which is dangerous. Not that there should not be bikes.

[SGB]

I happened to see 2 police cars stopped by the bike path today, talking to a golf cart filled with kids. The kids looked like they were about to cry. They had the golf cart on the bike path near The Retreat in BMB.

[Miss Kitty]

I happened to see 2 police cars stopped by the bike path today, talking to a golf cart filled with kids. The kids looked like they were about to cry. They had the golf cart on the bike path near The Retreat in BMB.

Busted. They should give a talk to the parents and make them cry as well.

[Sandcastle]

I think the point was that it is hard to see the bikers b/c of obstructions which is dangerous. Not that there should not be bikes.

Thanks Paige, that is the point. We use our bikes a lot, but we’re very aware of the danger when we approach a side street. Excited kids on vacation usually aren’t. I’m really surprised that there haven’t been some very serious situations.

We occasionally see kids going wild on golf carts, but there is a constant stream of kids riding bicycles on the path east of Seaside. I think the county should have some liability here. If they provide a bike path it should be safely maintained and visible by approaching traffic.

[4robbins]

This thread is pretty old. What is the current golf cart situation along 30A? What about low speed street legal cars like the one below?

[Joe]

The vehicle you pictured can be licensed and insured and hence driven on Florida roads with a speed limit of 35mph or less. You can cross roads with a speed limit of up to 45mph but cannot drive down any road with a limit over 35mph. The vehicle must have a license plate and be insured to be street legal.

[hnooe]

I happened to see 2 police cars stopped by the bike path today, talking to a golf cart filled with kids. The kids looked like they were about to cry. They had the golf cart on the bike path near The Retreat in BMB.

Thank you police..where the heck are the darn parents? I hate to say it but, mark my words, there is going to be a serious accident one day created by an underaged Golf Cart driver somewhere on 30A! At that point, painfully but hopefully, it will put a COMPLETE stop to it!

[wrobert]

Thank you police..where the heck are the darn parents? I hate to say it but, mark my words, there is going to be a serious accident one day created by an underaged Golf Cart driver somewhere on 30A! At that point, painfully but hopefully, it will put a COMPLETE stop to it!

There are no cities in south Walton, thus no police cars that have jurisdiction. But I do know what you mean.

[wrobert]

The vehicle you pictured can be licensed and insured and hence driven on Florida roads with a speed limit of 35mph or less. You can cross roads with a speed limit of up to 45mph but cannot drive down any road with a limit over 35mph. The vehicle must have a license plate and be insured to be street legal.

What statute covers this? The only minimum speeds that I recall in Florida are on Interstate Highways.

[Joe]

Here is the link to the Statute:

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/...16/Sec2122.htm



316.2122 Operation of a low-speed vehicle on certain roadways.--The operation of a low-speed vehicle, as defined in s. 320.01(42), on any road as defined in s. 334.03(15) or (33), is authorized with the following restrictions:

(1) A low-speed vehicle may be operated only on streets where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. This does not prohibit a low-speed vehicle from crossing a road or street at an intersection where the road or street has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour.

(2) A low-speed vehicle must be equipped with headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, taillamps, reflex reflectors, parking brakes, rearview mirrors, windshields, seat belts, and vehicle identification numbers.

(3) A low-speed vehicle must be registered and insured in accordance with s. 320.02.

(4) Any person operating a low-speed vehicle must have in his or her possession a valid driver's license.

(5) A county or municipality may prohibit the operation of low-speed vehicles on any road under its jurisdiction if the governing body of the county or municipality determines that such prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.
(6) The Department of Transportation may prohibit the operation of low-speed vehicles on any road under its jurisdiction if it determines that such prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.