Golf carts are no longer just a staple of the green fairways. Across many American communities, golf carts and low-speed vehicles (LSVs) have become common modes of short-distance travel. Whether cruising around a beach town, zipping through a gated community, or using a golf cart for short errands, driving a golf cart or LSV on the road comes with a unique set of responsibilities.
With an increasing number of jurisdictions allowing street-legal golf carts and LSVs on roads—typically those marked 35 mph or lower—it’s crucial to practice proper road etiquette. While golf carts are smaller, slower, and often easier to maneuver than traditional cars, they still operate in the same shared space. This means golf cart drivers must follow standard road rules and show courtesy to other motorists to ensure everyone’s safety.
In this article, we’ll cover the key points of golf cart etiquette and provide you with essential tips for driving your golf cart safely and respectfully when sharing the road with cars.
Understanding the Basics of Golf Cart and LSV Etiquette
Driving a golf cart on the road is a privilege with its own rules and responsibilities. Unlike traditional golf carts used solely for the course, street-legal golf carts and LSVs are modified to meet legal requirements for road travel. This includes things like seat belts, headlights, turn signals, rearview mirrors, and proper registration. Although these vehicles can legally operate on specific roads, it’s important to remember they are still slower and less robust than cars. This makes understanding and practicing road etiquette essential.
Know Your Local Laws
Before you even hit the road, it’s critical to familiarize yourself with the specific golf cart and LSV laws in your area. While most jurisdictions limit golf carts to roads with speed limits of 35 mph or lower, some areas may have stricter regulations, limiting them to even slower streets. Additionally, some municipalities require specific permits, stickers, or registrations to make your golf cart road-legal.
Ensure you also understand the restrictions regarding where golf carts can be driven, as some areas entirely prohibit them from primary roads. Always carry the necessary documentation, including proof of insurance and registration, in case you’re stopped by law enforcement.
Use Proper Signals
Just like when driving a car, it’s essential to use proper signals when operating a golf cart or LSV on the road. This means signaling when you plan to turn or change lanes. Most street-legal golf carts and LSVs are equipped with turn signals, but if yours isn’t, you’ll need to use hand signals to indicate your intentions to other drivers.
Here’s a quick refresher on hand signals:
- Left Turn: Extend your left arm straight out to the side.
- Right Turn: Extend your left arm with your elbow bent and your hand pointing upward.
- Stop: Extend your left arm with your elbow bent and your hand pointing downward.
Being predictable and communicating your intentions to other drivers is key to preventing accidents and ensuring a smooth traffic flow.
Stay in Your Lane and Follow the Traffic Flow
While golf carts are smaller than most vehicles on the road, they are still expected to stay in their lane and follow the natural flow of traffic. Do not ride on the shoulder unless local laws permit it, and avoid swerving in and out of lanes.
Golf carts and LSVs typically have a maximum speed of around 20-25 mph, meaning you’re often driving slower than surrounding traffic. To avoid causing disruptions, it’s important to drive as far to the right as possible without going into unsafe areas like ditches or soft shoulders. Stay alert and aware of cars approaching from behind, and always follow the speed limit.
Pull Off to Let Traffic Pass
One of the most important rules of golf cart etiquette is to pull off the road when it is safe to let faster-moving cars pass. It can be frustrating for drivers behind a slow-moving golf cart, especially in areas where passing isn’t allowed, or there’s only one lane.
If you notice a line of cars building up behind you, the courteous thing to do is to find a safe place to pull off to the side of the road and let them pass. This could be a driveway, parking lot, or wide shoulder—make sure it’s safe and legal to stop. This small consideration can go a long way in reducing frustration for other drivers and keeping the road safe for everyone.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Golf carts and LSVs offer an open-air experience, but you must be even more vigilant about your surroundings. Always check your mirrors and look over your shoulder before turning or changing lanes. Since golf carts are slower and less visible than traditional vehicles, it’s important to take extra caution when merging into traffic or crossing intersections.
Additionally, be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists. In many communities, golf carts share space with bike lanes and pedestrian walkways, so always yield to foot traffic and cyclists when necessary. Avoid distractions like texting or eating while driving—just because you’re in a smaller vehicle doesn’t mean the risks are any less real.
Obey All Traffic Signals and Signs
This should go without saying, but sometimes, the relaxed nature of golf cart driving can lead to a more casual attitude toward following the rules of the road. When driving a golf cart or LSV, always obey all traffic signals and signs, just as you would in a car.
This includes stopping at stop signs, yielding at crosswalks, and adhering to speed limits. Traffic laws apply to golf carts and LSVs just as they do to any other vehicle, and failure to follow them can result in fines, penalties, or even accidents.
Avoid Driving in Hazardous Conditions
Golf carts and LSVs are not built for all weather or road conditions. Avoid driving in heavy rain, fog, or at night unless your cart has safety features like headlights, taillights, and windshield wipers. It’s generally best to avoid driving in poor visibility conditions, as golf carts are less stable and more prone to accidents than larger vehicles in adverse weather.
It’s also important to remember that golf carts should never be operated on highways or roads with high-speed traffic, even if you only need to cross the street. Always find alternative routes that are safer and more suitable for your vehicle.
Keep it Quiet and Respectful
Golf carts and LSVs are often used in quiet, residential areas or tourist destinations where people come to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Part of being a responsible golf cart driver means keeping noise levels down. Avoid honking unnecessarily, blasting loud music, or revving the engine (if you have a gas-powered cart) in residential neighborhoods. Consideration for others is an important aspect of golf cart etiquette.
Passenger Safety
While it’s tempting to pack a few extra passengers onto your golf cart for a fun ride, always adhere to the passenger limit of your vehicle. Overloading a golf cart can make it unstable, increasing the risk of tipping over or losing control. Ensure that all passengers are seated properly and that everyone is wearing seat belts if your golf cart has them.
Also, make sure children and pets are safely seated. Standing or hanging onto the side of a moving golf cart is dangerous and should always be avoided.
Final Thoughts: A Smoother Ride for All
Driving a street-legal golf cart or LSV on public roads offers a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around, but it also requires a mindful approach to road safety and etiquette. By following these basic principles—signaling properly, pulling over when necessary, obeying traffic laws, and being considerate of other drivers—you can help ensure that everyone enjoys a smoother and safer ride.
After all, part of the charm of using a golf cart is the relaxed, leisurely pace. So take your time, follow the rules, and enjoy the ride! Safe driving starts with good etiquette, and in golf carts, that makes all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my golf cart on the road in areas with higher speed limits?
No, most jurisdictions only allow golf carts or LSVs (Low-Speed Vehicles) to operate on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or lower. Some areas may have stricter speed limits, so it’s important to check your local laws. Driving a golf cart on higher-speed roads is dangerous and could lead to fines or legal issues.
2. Do I need to use turn signals when driving a golf cart on the road?
Yes, if your golf cart is equipped with turn signals, you should always use them to indicate turns or lane changes. If your cart doesn’t have turn signals, you can use hand signals. This helps other drivers understand your intentions and ensures safer driving for everyone on the road.
3. What should I do if cars are piling up behind me while I’m driving my golf cart?
If you notice cars building up behind you, it’s polite and safe to pull off to the side of the road when possible to let them pass. Look for a wide shoulder, driveway, or parking lot to pull over safely. This helps reduce traffic frustrations and ensures smoother traffic flow.
4. Can I drive my golf cart at night or in bad weather conditions?
It’s generally advised not to drive golf carts in low visibility conditions, such as at night or in heavy rain. While some golf carts have headlights and taillights, they are still less visible than larger vehicles, making night driving riskier. Additionally, driving in the rain can make the roads slippery and reduce your control over the vehicle.
5. What is the passenger limit for a golf cart, and is it safe to overload it?
Every golf cart has a specific passenger limit, which should always be followed for safety. Overloading a golf cart can make it unstable, increasing the risk of tipping or losing control. All passengers should be seated properly, and it’s important to avoid having anyone stand or hang off the side while the cart is moving.