Do You Need A License To Drive A Golf Cart? (Check Out Whether You Need A Valid Driver’s License To Drive A Golf Cart!)

Last Updated on October 25, 2023 by Alex PT

Whether or not you need a license to drive a golf cart depends on where you are driving it. In most states, you must have a valid driver’s license to operate a golf cart on public roads. However, some states allow drivers without a license to drive a golf cart on private property or in designated golf cart areas.

What Is A Golf Cart?

Even if there may be a different definition for the term, in most American states, a golf cart is particularly outlined by law to be a vehicle that is built to:

1. 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

5. Have a minimum of 3 wheels in exposure to the ground, then

6. Have a maximum empty mass of 1,300 lbs.

The Table Below Contains Information On Whether You Can Drive A Golf Cart On Sidewalks And Whether You Can Drive A Golf Cart At Age 15.

Can You Drive A Golf Cart On Sidewalks?	No! No vehicle is allowed to be driven on public sidewalks.
Can You Drive A Golf Cart At Age 15?	You need to be at least agehttps://sportblurb.com/golf-cart-horsepower/https://sportblurb.com/golf-cart-horsepower/ 14 to drive a golf cart in most states.

Do You Need A License To Drive A Golf Cart?

1. Understanding the Basic MethodologyThe requirement for a golf cart license mainly depends on the regulations of a particular state or locality. Some states do not necessitate a driver’s license to operate a golf cart, while others do. It’s always essential to ascertain local regulations before driving a golf cart.
2. States That Require a Driver’s License for Golf CartsThere are numerous states, such as California, Florida, and Texas, that demand a driver’s license to operate a golf cart. To avoid any penalties or trouble with law enforcement, it’s imperative that individuals ensure they have the necessary licensing beforehand.
3. States That Do Not Require a LicenseConversely, there are states like Idaho and Alaska that do not necessitate a driver’s license for operating a golf cart. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check with local authorities or roadway guidelines before assuming it’s unnecessary.
4. Age RequirementEven in states that do not require a golf cart license, an age limitation may apply. The age threshold commonly falls between 14 and 16 years. Therefore, it’s critical to know not only the licensing requirements but also the age prerequisites.
5. Golf Course RegulationsOn privately owned golf courses, they may have their rules and regulations. Some may require a valid driver’s license, while others might simply mandate golfer discretion when operating a golf cart.
6. Safety PrecautionsRegardless of licensing requirements, safety when driving a golf cart should be a priority. Using seat belts, maintaining a reasonable speed, and ensuring proper operation of the cart are vital aspects to consider.
7. Insurance ConsiderationsAlongside licensing provisions, some states ask golf cart drivers to have insurance coverage. In the event of an accident, having such coverage can protect the driver financially and legally.
8. Penalties for Non-complianceNon-compliance with licensing and insurance laws can result in penalties, including fines and even jail time in some circumstances. It is advisable to understand the consequences to prevent inadvertent breaches of the law.

How Old Do I Have To Be To Drive A Golf Cart?

You may just wonder about the age requirement for driving a golf cart if you visit a nearby golf course. It is no surprise that most people who are new to golf think that anybody can handle a golf cart since it looks simple to operate. Just like we said the age restrictions differ according to your state of residence.

Can You Drive A Golf Cart On Sidewalks?

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 one place to another, but noon a public sideways in the streets.

Can You Drive A Golf Cart At Age 15?

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.

Rules Of Driving Golf Carts By Some Few Popular States (USA)

After extensive research, we’ve compiled a list of four states in the US with their requirements and restrictions on driving a golf cart on golf courses and other areas.

South Carolina

The laws in South Carolina state that:

1. Before driving on any secondary street or public street, you should have a legit permit.

2. You’re only allowed to drive within four miles of your home or office.

3. You’re expected to replace the golf cart permits every five years depending on your state

4. A new permit should be obtained with the current information if you change your residential address.

5. Before getting a permit, it is essential to provide proof of valid insurance.

6. You should be at least sixteen years old with a valid driving license.

7. 35 mph is the maximum speed limit

8. The driver should account for any failure to adhere to the regulations

9. The parent is accountable for a fine or legal action if a kid below age 14 does not abide by the requirements.

Arizona

1. You are only permitted to drive a golf cart on roadways at a maximum speed of 25 mph.

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.

Alabama

1. Unless a golf cart has a low-speed vehicle upgrade, it will not be allowed on public roads of Alabama.

2. You must have a valid driver’s license and be 18 years old to drive a golf cart on public roads.

3. Golf carts are only allowed to be driven between sunrise and sunset with headlights n at all times.

4. Do not operate a golf cart while under the influence of hard drugs or alcohol.

5. Adhere to the mandatory speed limit for low-speed vehicles

6. A driver cannot drive a golf cart between lanes of traffic or rows of drivers.

7. You must always watch out for other larger and faster vehicles

8. You must be on seat belts, meaning the cart should have one.

9. You cannot drive with a child that’s not up to age five.

10. Your golf cart should have a vehicle identification number

Washington

1 If you want to drive a golf cart in the state, you must have a valid driver’s license and be sixteen years old.

2. All the required equipment must be on a golf cart.

3. Gold carts cannot be operated anything half hour after sunset or half-hour before sunrise

4. Golf carts are not allowed in bicycle-designated zones

5. You cannot operate a golf cart with a revoked driver’s license

6. You will benefit from all of the rights applied to normal motor car drivers as well as the same legal actions when you forget to abide by the requirements

Closing Thoughts

There’s usually an exemption of golf carts from specifications as well as registration in many states. Nevertheless, many American states just let a driver who’s got a valid driver’s license and who’s no less than fourteen to sixteen years of age operate a golf cart on a public roadway. You will find rules that are different in regulating and leading golf cart driving, which varies a state. We’ve come to the final chapter of this informative article. We hope you were able to find resources in your quest to know if you need a driver’s license to drive a golf cart. Please do not hesitate to contact us for questions or comments. Thanks!

References:

https://www.quora.com/Do-you-have-to-have-a-drivers-license-to-drive-a-golf-cart
https://www.golfcartgarage.com/blog/how-old-to-legally-drive-golf-cart-50-state-list/