Golf Cart Laws and Liability in Florida: What You Should Know
Florida is home to some of the largest golf communities in the country. If you live in one, It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with Florida golf cart laws. More specifically, take time to learn about those which pertain to liability. This might be useful if you’re ever involved in an accident while riding around in your golf cart-friendly community. Keep reading to discover more about golf cart laws and liability in Florida.
You Don’t Necessarily Need Insurance To Drive a Golf Cart in Florida
If you wish to enjoy the peace of mind it can provide, you’re welcome to insure a golf cart in Florida. Plenty of comprehensive golf cart insurance policies are available for those who own one.
However, Florida golf cart laws do not require golf cart owners to insure their low-speed vehicles, which can sometimes cause complications in the aftermath of golf cart accidents.
If you’re ever involved in an accident caused by a golf cart owner who doesn’t have insurance, you must aim to recover damages directly through this person. Likewise, you might be responsible for compensating another golf cart owner if you cause a crash and don’t have insurance.
You Can Only Drive a Golf Cart on Certain Roads in Florida
If you live in a golf community in Florida, you will likely be allowed to drive on many, if not all, of the roads throughout it. Otherwise, you must be careful about where you drive a golf cart.
Golf cart operation isn’t permitted on many public roads in Florida. You might be ticketed if caught driving a golf cart on one of these roads, as you’ll likely break local ordinances.
You could also complicate a legal case if you’re involved in a golf cart accident on a road you weren’t supposed to be driving on in the first place. Even if you didn’t cause the crash, liability might still land in your lap.
You Have To Abide by Basic Traffic Laws When Driving a Golf Cart in Florida
Florida has established driver requirements for golf cart drivers. Anyone 18 or older must have a valid government-issued identification to drive a golf cart. Those 15 with a learner’s permit or 16 or 17 with a driver’s license may also legally operate golf carts.
Golf cart drivers must also obey all the usual rules of the road in Florida. Here are several traffic and safety regulations you must abide by:
- You must drive under the designated speed limits.
- You must avoid driving a golf cart while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- You must keep a golf cart equipped with functioning headlights, brake lights, etc.
Failing to comply with Florida golf cart laws could compromise any legal case you pursue following an accident. Your inability to remain within the limits of these laws might make you liable for an accident.
Call Us If You Have Been Injured in a Florida Golf Cart Accident and Need to Seek Compensation
In recent years, golf carts have become a convenient way for people to travel from point A to point B in Florida. If you own a golf cart, you know first-hand that they can be fun to drive.
Just ensure you know all about the Florida golf cart laws before climbing behind the wheel of one. You might inadvertently impact your ability to file a golf cart accident case if you break any laws that affect liability.
If you’ve suffered an injury in an accident involving a golf cart, Lyons & Snyder would be happy to discuss your case and help you determine which steps to take when seeking compensation for your injuries. Contact us any time at 954-627-1779.
