How Old Do You Have To Be To Drive A Golf Cart?

Golf carts are small motorized vehicles that are commonly used on golf courses to transport golfers and their equipment. However, they are also used in a variety of other settings, such as retirement communities, resorts, and theme parks, for short-distance transportation. If you are interested in driving a golf cart, you may be wondering how old you need to be to do so legally. In most states of the US, you cannot drive a golf cart unless you are 14 years old.

In this article, we will explore more about the age requirements for driving a golf cart.

Driving Age for Golf Carts

The age requirements for driving a golf cart can vary depending on the state or country you live in. In some states in the United States, there is no minimum age requirement for driving a golf cart. However, other states have specific laws that dictate the minimum age for operating a golf cart on public roads.

For example, in California, a person must be at least 14 years old to operate a golf cart on public roads. In Florida, the minimum age is 14 as well, unless the driver is accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old. In Arizona, a person must be at least 16 years old to operate a golf cart on public roads.

In addition to state laws, many private communities and resorts have their own rules regarding the minimum age for operating a golf cart. These rules may be more restrictive than state laws, so it is important to check with the specific community or resort before operating a golf cart.

Minimum Age to Operate a Golf Cart in 50 States of the US

Please keep in mind that these age limits are subject to change and it is important to verify the most up-to-date laws and regulations in your state.

State	Minimum Age to Operate a Golf Cart	Other requirements
Alabama	18 years old	Your golf cart should be upgraded to LSV (low-speed vehicle)
Alaska	16 years old	Driver’s license or learner’s permit with adult companionship.
Arizona	No statewide minimum age requirement, but may vary by local jurisdiction	No license is required to operate a golf cart. Only street-legal golf carts are allowed on public roads.
Arkansas	14 years old	No license is required to operate a golf cart. Golf carts are only allowed on country roads.
California	13 years old	A maximum of 2 people are allowed to ride in a golf cart. The golf cart should not weigh more than 13,00 pounds.
Colorado	14 years old	Golf carts are illegal on public roads. You can drive a golf cart on personal property and the decision of driving age solely depends on the golf cart owner.
Connecticut	16 years old	A driver’s license is a must to drive a golf cart. You have to place a flag on your golf cart when driving on roads to let other people know. Golf carts are only allowed at day time.
Delaware		For 14 years old, the speed limit is under 25mph. To drive above 25mph, a driver needs to have a designated license.
Florida	14 years old	For 12 years old, the company of an adult who is a licensed driver is necessary. To drive alone you have to require a proper license or permit that allows you to drive a golf cart.
Georgia	12 years old	Golf carts are not street-legal in Hawaii, you can drive them on golf courses only. To drive golf carts at night you have to make sure your cart consists of headlamps and brake lights.
Hawaii	16 years old	Your golf cart should be upgraded to LSV (low-speed vehicle). You also have to get a licensed vehicle number.
Idaho	No statewide minimum age can be found.	You can drive golf carts on the road if the town allows it. A slow-moving vehicle sign and a safety flag are necessary.
Illinois	18 years old	The use of golf carts is prohibited on public roads, however, several municipalities have allowed the use of golf carts within a speed limit of 35mph.
Indiana	16 years old	A driver’s license is a must to drive a golf cart.
Iowa	18 years old	A permit is required from a local government that says you have got permission to use a cart on streets. The speed of the cart should not exceed 35mph.A driver’s license and insurance are a must to drive a golf cart.You can operate a golf cart during the day.
Kansas	13 years old	The weight of a golf cart should not exceed 1800 pounds without a load.
Kentucky	16 years old	A driver’s license is a must to drive a golf cart. Some roads have been established by municipalities to allow the use of a golf cart.
Louisiana	Licensed driver	A driver’s license is a must to drive a golf cart.Some roads have been established by municipalities to allow the use of a golf cart.
Maine	14 years old	Golf carts are only allowed in low-speed areas surrounding golf courses. The speed of the cart should not exceed 35mph. You can operate a golf cart during the day.
Maryland	12 years old	A driver’s license is a must to drive a golf cart. You have to get your cart registered, inspected, and titled in order to use them on the roads.
Massachusetts	16 years old	A driver’s license is a must to drive a golf cart. The speed of the cart should not exceed 20mph.You can operate a golf cart during the day.Golf carts are not allowed on any kind of highway.
Michigan	16 years old	A driver’s license is a must to drive a golf cart.
Minnesota	16 years old	Local government decides whether golf carts can be used on public roads and highways.If allowed you have to get a special permit and a license.
Mississippi	15 years old	A driver’s license is a must to drive a golf cart. The speed of the cart should not exceed 20mph. You can operate a golf cart during the day. Golf carts are not allowed on any kind of highway.
Missouri	16 years old	A driver’s license is a must to drive a golf cartIn some cities of Missouri use of golf carts is not allowed on public roads.
Montana	14 years old	The speed of the cart should not exceed 20mph. Golf carts are not allowed on any kind of highway
Nebraska	No statewide minimum age can be found.	Golf carts are not allowed on public roads. A safety certificate is required to operate a golf cart. With a 13-year-old presence of a licensed adult is compulsory. Only 18 years old with a driver’s license or safety certificate can carry a passenger.
Nevada	No statewide minimum age can be found.	Golf carts must have headlights, tail lamps, stop lamps, reflectors, emblems, mirrors, and brakes.
New Hampshire	13 years old	Golf carts are not allowed on public roads. A safety certificate is required to operate a golf cart. With a 13-year-old presence of a licensed adult is compulsory.Only 18 years old with a driver’s license or safety certificate can carry a passenger.
New Jersey	18 years old	You can operate a golf cart during the day. Golf carts are not allowed on state or federal roads, only on local roads.
New Mexico	15 years old	Golf carts are not allowed on state highways. You are allowed to drive golf carts in some towns, while other towns do not allow it.
New York	14 years old	Golf carts are not allowed on public roads, side roads, and parking lots. You can use them only in some special cases.
North Carolina	16 years old	A driver’s license is a must to drive a golf cart
North Dakota	16 years old	Golf carts are not allowed on state highways.You are allowed to drive golf carts in some towns, while other towns do not allow it.
Ohio	16 years old	The speed of the cart should not exceed 25mph. Golf carts are allowed on public roads and highways.
Oklahoma	16 years old	The speed of the cart should not exceed 25mph.Golf carts are allowed on public roads and highways.
Oregon	16 years old	Golf carts are allowed on low-speed public roads up to one mile. You must be 16 years old before crossing a highway.
Pennsylvania	12 years old	Golf carts are allowed on low-speed public roads up to one mile.You must be 16 years old before crossing a highway.
Rhode Island	13 years old	Golf carts are not allowed on city streets.
South Carolina	16 years old	The speed of the cart should not exceed 35mph. A legal permit is required to drive golf carts on public streets and highways.
South Dakota	14 years old	A driver’s license is a must to drive a golf cart. You have to insure your golf cart for driving. You can drive golf carts at night with lights.
Tennessee	16 years old	Your golf cart should be upgraded to LSV (low-speed vehicle). You must register and title your golf cart before driving.
Texas	16 years old	Golf carts are allowed on local roads if allowed by the government.
Utah	18 years old	Your golf cart should be upgraded to LSV (low-speed vehicle). You must title and have VIN your golf cart before driving.
Vermont	13 years old	Your golf cart should be upgraded to LSV (low-speed vehicle). The speed of the cart should not exceed 35mph.
Virginia	16 years old	The speed of the cart should not exceed 25mph. A driver’s license is a must to drive a golf cart. You can operate a golf cart during the day.
Washington	16 years old	The speed of the cart should not exceed 25mph. A driver’s license is a must to drive a golf cart
West Virginia	16 years old	Your golf cart must be upgraded to LSV (low-speed vehicle).
Wisconsin	16 years old	Your golf cart must be upgraded to LSV (low-speed vehicle).
Wyoming	No statewide minimum age can be found.	Your golf cart must have VIN and safety requirements. License plates and insurance are compulsory to drive a golf cart.

Regardless of the specific age requirements, it is important to remember that driving a golf cart requires responsibility and caution. Golf carts are not toys, and they can cause serious injury or property damage if not operated properly. It is important to follow all traffic laws and safety guidelines, such as wearing a seatbelt and not exceeding the speed limit.

What are the Requirements to be fulfilled in order to Drive Golf Carts on Streets?

The requirements to drive golf carts on streets vary depending on state and local laws. In general, golf carts are not designed for use on public roads, but some states and local jurisdictions allow golf carts to be driven on certain streets under certain conditions.

Here are some common requirements that may apply to driving golf carts on streets:

1. License

In some states and jurisdictions, a driver’s license is required to operate a golf cart on public roads. However, in other states, a driver’s license is not required.

2. Age

Many states and local jurisdictions have minimum age requirements for driving golf carts on public roads. The minimum age can range from 14 to 16 years old.

3. Insurance

Some states require golf cart owners to have liability insurance in order to operate on public roads.

4. Equipment

Golf carts driven on public roads may be required to have safety equipment, such as headlights, taillights, turn signals, and mirrors.

5. Traffic Laws

Golf cart drivers must comply with all traffic laws and regulations that apply to motor vehicles, such as obeying traffic signals, staying within speed limits, and using designated lanes.

It is important to note that even if a state or local jurisdiction allows golf carts to be driven on public roads, there may be specific streets or areas where golf carts are prohibited. It is important to check with your local authorities to find out about the specific laws and regulations that apply to driving golf carts on public roads in your area.

Is it Easy to Drive Golf Carts on the Streets?

Driving a golf cart on streets can be relatively easy, but it also requires caution and attention to detail. Golf carts are designed for use on golf courses and other similar settings, and they may not be as sturdy or stable as regular vehicles designed for use on public roads. Therefore, it is important to take some precautions and follow certain rules when driving golf carts on the streets.

1. Firstly, golf carts have limited speed and may not be able to keep up with the traffic flow on public roads. Therefore, it is important to stay in designated lanes and to be aware of the speed limit on the road.
2. Secondly, golf carts are not as visible as regular vehicles, especially at night. Therefore, it is important to use safety equipment such as headlights, taillights, and reflectors to make the golf cart more visible to other drivers.
3. Thirdly, golf carts have a smaller turning radius compared to regular vehicles, which can make it difficult to navigate narrow streets and tight corners. Therefore, it is important to drive slowly and carefully to avoid accidents.

Overall, driving a golf cart on streets can be easy as long as drivers take precautions and follow the rules of the road. However, it is important to note that driving golf carts on public roads can still be dangerous and it is important to always be aware of your surroundings and drive defensively.

What Cautions Should be Exercised when Driving Golf Carts?

Here are some cautions that should be exercised when driving a golf cart:

Follow Traffic Rules

Golf carts should be driven in designated lanes and obey traffic rules, such as traffic lights, stop signs, and speed limits. This is especially important when driving on public roads where other vehicles are present.

Wear Seatbelts

Most golf carts are equipped with seatbelts, and it is important to wear them when driving. This can help prevent injury in case of an accident or sudden stop.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Golf carts have limited visibility compared to regular vehicles, and it is important to be aware of your surroundings, especially when driving on public roads. Keep an eye out for other vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles.

Slow Down When Turning

Golf carts have a small turning radius, and it is important to slow down when making sharp turns or navigating tight spaces.

Do not Overload

Golf carts have a weight limit, and it is important not to overload them with too many passengers or cargo. This can affect the stability of the vehicle and make it more prone to tipping over.

Use Safety Equipment

Golf carts should be equipped with safety equipment such as headlights, taillights, and reflectors. Use this equipment to make the golf cart more visible to other drivers, especially at night.

Keep Both Hands on the Wheel

Golf carts have a steering wheel like regular vehicles, and it is important to keep both hands on the wheel at all times to maintain control of the vehicle.

By exercising these cautions, drivers can minimize the risk of accidents and ensure a safe and enjoyable ride on a golf cart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

In conclusion, the age requirements for driving a golf cart can vary depending on the state or country you live in. It is important to research the specific laws and rules in your area before operating a golf cart. Additionally, it is important to remember that driving a golf cart requires responsibility and caution, and all safety guidelines should be followed to prevent injury or property damage.