In some cities, they have specific laws for low-speed vehicles. A little more leniency can encourage people in this field to invest in this type of vehicle. Any city that has its own specific laws for LSVs will publish them on its official website. While each of these state guides provides an in-depth approach to golf cart laws in your state, it`s recommended that you do the research yourself and contact your local community. While golf cart laws in Florida are rather relaxed, LSV laws are strict. Essentially, a person drives a standard vehicle with certain limitations. The first major limitation is that they are not allowed on roads with speed limits above 35 mph. The other involves night walks. Even when equipped with headlights, many communities limit the use of low-speed vehicles at night. Before a person buys a new vehicle to get around, it is important to know all the rules and regulations of the state. Let`s take a look at the different laws you should know. Whether you drive a golf cart or LSV, Florida Highway Code applies.
This is important because you can expect an expensive fine even if you drive a golf cart down a quiet street in the neighborhood. While all moving offences can apply to golf carts, some that often lead to tickets include: Therefore, the operation of an LSV or EVN necessarily follows the same laws, requirements and conditions as a standard vehicle. This is a detailed guide to Florida`s golf cart and low-speed vehicle laws. We`ve created this guide to help you, as a consumer, determine Florida`s laws. For more information on federal laws regarding golf carts and low-speed vehicles, click here. With many retirement communities scattered throughout the Sunshine State, Florida is a hotbed for golf carts and low-speed vehicles (LSVs). The state has recently passed laws for golf carts and low-speed vehicles. The regulations and laws regarding golf carts in Florida are extensive.
From registration requirements to the right on public roads, there are countless laws that apply to the operation of these vehicles. These laws are further complicated by the need to distinguish between golf carts and LSVs. PLEASE NOTE: Golf cart laws may vary from city to city, so please check with your local municipality for laws in your area. We are in the process of collecting laws by municipality for you, but it is a huge undertaking that takes time. Thank you very much. Florida and other states have specific laws and regulations on LSVs, NEVs, and golf carts that govern the use and construction of golf carts or “road-legal” low-speed vehicles (LAVs). Defined by Florida Law 320.01 (42) as “all four-wheeled electric vehicles with a maximum speed greater than 20 miles per hour but not more than 25 miles per hour,” include NEV low-speed vehicles or district electric vehicles. Golf carts that are not considered LSV may not be used on roads, with a few exceptions listed in § 316.212.
As with motor vehicles, low-speed vehicles are subject to a registration tax equivalent to that required by Florida law p. 320.08 for non-electric vehicles. Please note that the use of a “golf cart” (standard) on public roads is illegal in the State of Florida. However, if a local government entity chooses to lower national and state standards for manufacturing, performance, and safety, and allow “golf carts” to access public roads, specific issues would necessarily have to be addressed and local ordinances would have to be implemented by the local government unit to allow the use of “golf carts” on its roads. See summary below for this option: History.–p. 2, chap. 83-188; p. 1, chap.
84-111; p. 2, chap. 88-253; pp. 322, c. 95-148; p. 4, chap. 96-413; p. 168, c.
99-248; p. 7, chap. 2000-313; p. 6, c. 2005-164. District Electric Vehicles (EVVs), Low-Speed Vehicles (LAVs) and Golf Carts in the State of Florida. 320.08001 electric vehicles; Registration tax.–The registration tax for an electric vehicle or a low-speed vehicle is the same as that prescribed in § 320.08 for a vehicle that is not electric. In addition, it is possible to convert a golf cart into an LSV by changing its ability to travel at more than 20 miles per hour.
If this happens, the owner must now comply with state regulations for LSVs. Otherwise, costly fines could be imposed. A golf cart must be equipped with effective brakes, reliable steering equipment, safe tires, a rear-view mirror and red reflector warning devices at the front and rear. More information about golf carts and roads/equipment can be found at this link HERE. Despite the lack of top speed, these vehicles can still cause damage. Following the law when driving a car or slow vehicle results in a safer community as a whole. Is this condition suitable for medium-speed vehicles? Currently, there is no state law. As golf carts become increasingly popular in Florida, it`s important to make sure you know the requirements if you plan to drive them on public roads. Currently, there are places where you can legally drive your golf cart and places where you cannot. Many golf cart manufacturers are starting to list their golf carts as LSV.
In this article, we`ll explain what a LSV is and what you need to be street legal when driving your golf cart in Florida! In general, Florida only allows a golf cart to travel on a highway if it shares a subdivision, trailer park, or golf course. You also don`t need to title or register a golf cart with the state. If you`re driving a golf cart in Florida, you`ll still need to follow the rules of the road, like yielding the right-of-way. (3) Low-speed vehicles or mini-trucks shall be registered and insured in accordance with section 320.02 and shall bear their title in accordance with chapter 319. A NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle) is a nationally recognized road vehicle classification established in 1998 under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 500 (FMVSS 500). The above information is based on Florida`s current status as of January 2021.