Golf carts aren’t just for the green anymore. From coastal towns to suburban neighborhoods, these compact vehicles have become a preferred mode of transportation for more than just golfers. However, laws regarding their usage can be surprisingly complex, varying widely from state to state and even town to town. Some places allow golf carts on public roads, while others keep them confined to private property or designated paths. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most interesting and bizarre golf cart laws across the U.S. and highlight just how unique the rules can get. Whether you’re a golf cart owner or just curious about the quirks of golf cart legality, these stories will leave you with a new appreciation for how different communities regulate these fun vehicles.
1. Peachtree City, Georgia – Golf Cart Superhighway
Peachtree City is arguably one of the most golf-cart-friendly cities in the U.S. With over 100 miles of golf cart paths, residents use these carts for daily activities like grocery shopping or picking up kids from school. Teens as young as 15 years old with a learner’s permit are allowed to drive golf carts, making them a common sight throughout the city.
2. Villages, Florida – Customization Galore
In The Villages, a massive retirement community, golf carts are more than just transportation – they’re rolling works of art. Residents customize their carts into everything from mini firetrucks to replica sports cars. Golf carts are legal on public roads here, and the community even hosts parades where residents show off their unique designs.
3. Arizona – Golf Cart Limos
Golf cart limos are becoming a popular trend in Arizona, especially in areas like Scottsdale. These extended golf carts can carry up to six passengers and serve as eco-friendly alternatives for events or local transportation. However, they must meet specific safety regulations like headlights, tail lights, and windshields to be street-legal for nighttime driving.
4. South Carolina – Beach Bound, But With Limits
In beach towns like Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head, South Carolina, golf carts are common for trips to the beach. However, strict laws govern their use. Golf carts can’t be driven on primary highways and must stay within four miles of the owner’s home. Additionally, they’re restricted to daylight hours, so beachgoers have to plan their cart trips accordingly.
5. Key West, Florida – No Drinking and Driving
In the laid-back island city of Key West, golf carts are as common as bicycles, but the law is strict when it comes to alcohol. Driving under the influence (DUI) laws apply to golf carts just like regular cars, so think twice before having a drink and getting behind the wheel of your cart. The Key West police regularly enforce these laws.
6. California – Designated Golf Cart Districts
Cities like Palm Desert have taken their love for golf carts to a new level by creating “Golf Cart Districts.” In these areas, golf carts can legally drive on roads where the speed limit is 25 mph or less, and the cities even have special parking and charging stations just for golf carts.
7. Arkansas – No Sidewalk Shenanigans
In Arkansas, it’s illegal to drive a golf cart on sidewalks unless you’re crossing one perpendicularly to enter a driveway or street. Sidewalk safety laws are strictly enforced, and violating this rule could result in a fine, which might surprise some unsuspecting cart owners.
8. Texas – A City-by-City Patchwork of Laws
Texas is a patchwork of golf cart regulations. In cities like Galveston, golf carts are legal on roads with speed limits below 35 mph, especially in beach areas. However, other cities have strict prohibitions, and navigating the varying laws can be tricky for residents and tourists.
9. Alabama – Young Drivers Allowed
In Alabama, golf carts can be driven by children as young as 12, but there’s a catch. They must be accompanied by someone 21 years or older when driving on public roads, creating an unusual dynamic where children can technically be in the driver’s seat as long as they have an adult supervisor.
10. South Dakota – Snow Tires for Golf Carts
When winter hits South Dakota, some residents equip their golf carts with snow tires to navigate icy streets. In certain small towns, these winterized golf carts have become an alternative to snowmobiles, allowing residents to get around town even in the harshest conditions.
11. Ohio – Police Inspections Required
Ohio requires golf cart owners to pass a police inspection before their vehicles are allowed on public roads. The inspection ensures that the cart has required safety features like headlights, seat belts, and turn signals, making Ohio one of the few states with a formal police check for golf carts.
12. South Carolina – Permit for Public Road Use
In South Carolina, residents must obtain a permit from the DMV to drive their golf carts on secondary roads. Permits are only valid within four miles of the owner’s residence, and obtaining one can be surprisingly complicated, leading to confusion among many residents.
Honorable Mention: Pawleys Island, SC – A Reversal of Expectations
In a quirky twist, the town of Pawleys Island allows golf carts with a registration sticker on its streets, but it doesn’t permit Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs). This might seem backward, considering LSVs have higher safety standards, are licensed, insured, and typically faster, meaning they’re less likely to impede traffic. It’s an interesting contradiction for a town that prioritizes low-key living, leaving many to wonder why the more street-compliant LSVs are banned while golf carts are embraced.
A Quirky Landscape of Golf Cart Laws
As golf carts continue to gain popularity as an eco-friendly and fun alternative to cars, local governments have had to craft regulations that balance public safety with convenience. From designated cart districts to strict DUI laws and creative snow-bound solutions, golf cart use rules are as varied as the vehicles themselves.
While golf carts can be a convenient and even entertaining way to get around, it’s essential to know the laws in your area. Whether you’re cruising along the beaches of South Carolina or navigating a snow-covered street in South Dakota, local regulations can differ dramatically. Stay informed, and always comply with local golf cart laws to avoid fines or penalties.
Disclaimer: Laws surrounding golf carts and Low-Speed Electric Vehicles (LSVs) change frequently, and this article is for informational purposes only. Always consult your local jurisdictions or a legal professional for the most current regulations and guidance on golf cart usage in your area.