A.G. Gancarski
The Senate has passed legislation previously approved by the House to impose age limits on golf cart operation statewide.
Now it will be up to Gov. Ron DeSantis to decide finally whether to sign the uniform restrictions to replace what has been a patchwork of local regulations, or lack thereof.
HB 949 would ban young drivers from operating the carts on “certain roadways” (namely, public roads) unless they had driver’s licenses or learner’s permits that had not been suspended or revoked.
The House version was substituted for the version introduced by Sen. Erin Grall (SB 1290) since it has already passed the other chamber.
The bill would replace language in current law, which exempts golf cart drivers from license requirements altogether.
Golf carts can be seen in certain neighborhoods, usually upscale communities. The legislation would put guardrails on operation, but not particularly severe ones, treating illegal operation as a “noncriminal traffic infraction.”
Children are often injured in golf cart accidents, at rates significantly higher than adults, and these injuries often lead to head, neck or spine injuries.
Adding to the problem, golf carts lack safety equipment that normal cars have, a problem when they’re used as alternative transportation in neighborhoods and at resorts, particularly when driven by people as young as 14 years old. Without a license requirement, there is no meaningful way to enforce an age rule.
The Florida Sheriff’s Association supports the legislation.
If the bill becomes law, it kicks in on July 1.
11 comments
PeterH
May 1, 2023 at 11:42 am
Imagine if DeSantis instituted a “learners permit” for fire arms!
Dario
May 1, 2023 at 2:28 pm
Why don’t you go back to nj?
T. E. Reamy
May 7, 2023 at 9:51 pm
I think that would be a good idea!
Richard Bruce
May 1, 2023 at 11:48 am
What’s the difference between a golf cart and an electric car or a motor scooter? Not all golf carts are electric. Same laws should apply.
Rob Desantos
May 1, 2023 at 1:47 pm
There are significant differences between all three of those vehicles, but thanks for chiming in with your always-wrong takes, Richard.
Richard Bruce
May 2, 2023 at 11:54 am
State House is just equalizing rules between Slow Speed Vehicles and Golf Carts. By definition, golf carts are used only on golf courses. They may travel on public roads in or around golf courses and do not require a license. Problem is people are abusing the licensing and registration exemption granted to golf carts. New legislation will force “golf carts” to be made street legal if driven on public roads.
Bill Pollard
May 1, 2023 at 11:55 am
ATVs should have been included in this law. Their riders cause more problems in my area than do golf carts.
nail
May 1, 2023 at 12:06 pm
DeSantis bowed to The Villages who have to many grandchildren riding around in golf carts. What he should do is ban driving while drunk.,
The Villages for trump/desantis are always drunk, causing accident and driving into the ponds. But they don’t stop there. They are also know as the GOP community that has the highest STD and pedophile rate in one little FL GOP community….as long as they extend the checks to the GOP they are safe from any fascist intervention.
Rob Desantos
May 1, 2023 at 1:48 pm
Everything that is wrong with the Florida GOP is well represented in The Villages.
Michael K
May 1, 2023 at 7:37 pm
Are gun racks for holding your AR-15 mandatory golf carts yet?
Lee
May 11, 2023 at 7:20 am
And skateboards and bicycles? LoL
People love to be dominated!
Keep crying, this will be the next NewYork.
Comments are closed.