Q: Can you give a refresher on the recently passed laws concerning age requirements for golf cart operators?
A: Beginning last Oct. 1 and in effect today, a person operating a golf cart on a public road or street under the age of 18 must possess a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit. (In order to get a learner’s permit, you must be at least 15 years old.) The idea is that the operator must have some “rules of the road” training. If the operator is 18 or older, they must possess a valid government issued identification or driver’s license.
Q: Can a person with a learner’s permit operate a golf cart without an adult?
A: Yes.
Q: What is your message to parents who allow underaged children to operate a golf cart if they are in an adjacent seat, or perhaps with the child on their lap?
A: This is against the law. The law says the person operating the golf cart must be at least 15 years old with a learner’s permit or driver’s license regardless of if there is a parent in the golf cart. We recommend that children be property restrained for safety and so that the driver is not distracted.
Q: What is the fine for a golf cart operator who is determined to be underage?
A: It would be a non-moving uniform traffic citation, and the fine is $166.
Q: Where may golf carts be driven?
A: Let’s talk about golf carts first, then low speed vehicles or LSVs. Golf carts do not have headlamps or a license plate and may not exceed 20 mph. They may be driven on certain roadways designated for golf carts with speed limits of 30 mph or less. This includes certain neighborhoods in Nocatee and Ponte Vedra Beach. They may be driven on a designated multi-use path, but not a bike path or sidewalk.
Low speed vehicles have headlamps, stop lights, windshields, seat belts and are registered; they have a license plate. Their speed can go up to 25 mph and they can only operate on public roads and streets with posted speeds of 35 mph or less. The operator must have a valid driver’s license in their possession, as with a car.
Q: What is the best way for our readers to contact you with any questions or suggestions about this article?
A: They can email me at sheriff@sjso.org or call me at (904) 824-8304. Also, our website, www.sjso.org has a wealth of resources, from alarm registration to Crime Stoppers to our Neighbors app.
