Where Can I Drive a Golf Cart?

People often wonder, “where can I drive a golf cart?” because these vehicles are somehow synonymous with fun. And, while they are entertaining to ride, this question doesn’t always bring a satisfying answer. Learn about the cart driving rules and regulations here.

Golf carts are allowed on roads in some states as long as they adhere to the special rules and regulations directed by the state law. However, driving these electric four-wheelers is explicitly recommended in private areas, like country clubs, estates, and neighborhoods. They are officially classified as Neighborhood Electric Vehicles.

Where Can I Drive a Golf Cart?

In some states in the US, it’s allowed to drive carts on roads, but for the most part, it’s not recommended. Any area where the speed exceeds 35mph is unsafe for the driver and the vehicle, not to mention the other traffic participants.

Most areas with these electric cars are country clubs, golfing courses, private estates, tourist destinations, and small towns. Here, if the rules and the policy allow it, you can cart around to your heart’s desires. Just make sure you know how to drive and that you can rent carts (some clubs have a policy of not allowing people under 18 on one of these).

What Are Some Golf Cart Driving Rules?

Technically, a cart isn’t a car, but it does run on four wheels, has accelerator and brake pedals, and a lever for changing directions. This type of transportation is classified as a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle and, as such, can only be driven around private estates and roads.

If you wantto operate one of these vehicles in specific areas (mainly greens and private roads,) here are the rules on how to use them safely and properly the whole time.

Golf Course Etiquette

A golfing course is an extremely well-kept area, filled with obstacles and landscapes that could be tough to maneuver when practicing your 20+ handicap. That’s why you’re advised to use an electric car to drive around and get to the next hole in less time rather than using push carts everywhere.

The rules for driving here include:

• Cart path only – fairways have designated driving areas and paths, and if the rule is explicit about that, players must adhere,
• The 90-degree rule – players can direct their cars off the path and onto a green only at a 90-degree angle and only directly to where their ball has landed; they can drive on the path parallel to the ball and then make an angled turn,
• Do no harm – this is more or less self-explanatory; apply common sense and make sure everyone in your company understands that these electric cars aren’t meant for racing or monkeying around,
• The shotgun etiquette – just like in a car, the person in the passenger’s seat should be alert and on the lookout for signs and warnings,
• No littering – your car isn’t also your trash can for that day; if you litter or throw trash around the greens and the car, you might get flagged or simply made to feel embarrassed.

On Private Roads and Streets

Because of the neighborhood vehicle classification, open roads are generally off-limits for these small electric cars. This makes a lot of sense, considering the speed limits and dangers of multiple-lane roads.

The rules for maneuvering on roads, private roads, and streets are:

• Because the cars can’t exceed speed between 15mph and 25mph, any area where vehicles can or must move faster than that is off-limits,
• In some states, drivers need permits to operate these vehicles,
• There are also driving license requirements for these cars in some parts of the US,
• The age limit for using these vehicles on public roads and streets is 14.

Which States Allow Golf Cars on Roads?

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the states that allow these cars on roads are California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Florida, Georgia, and Texas.

If you wish to operate your vehicle outside the bounds of a private estate or club, it must meet the local, state, and federal requirements. They include:

• A 17-digit VIN,
• A license plate number,
• DOT-approved tires, windshield wipers, and seatbelts,
• A horn,
• A speedometer,
• Interior and exterior mirrors,
• Working lights – headlights, brake lights, and turn signals,
• The vehicle must be able to exceed 20 mph but not 25 (necessary for traffic and driver safety).

The Most Pleasant Golf Car Cities in the US

Did you know that the US has communities and towns where people use golf carts wherever they want? They’re primarily located in the states mentioned above – the ones where these kinds of vehicles are allowed on roads.

If you want to search these communities and know more about them, check out the data below.

Community/town name	State	Perks
Tybee Island	Georgia	Family-friendly beach town, fishing spots and bars
Peachtree	Georgia	90 miles of cart paths, family-friendly
The Villages	Florida	65,000 carts, excellent traffic
Ocean Reef	Florida	Fishing, yachting, tennis, shopping, and fine dining experiences
Palm Desert	California	Fantastic weather year-round, annual golf cart parade
Catalina Island	California	Hilly, environmentally-friendly and conservationist area
Sun City	Arizona	Great retirement community
Augusta	Georgia	Home of The Masters, large golfing community
Bald Head	North Carolina	Interesting for exploration, great ocean views

When Handling Golf Cars, Avoid Busy Areas and Streets and Prioritize Safety

Moving around in a golfing car is fun, admittedly. Still, it can go wrong pretty quickly if you’re not careful on time. The state rules and regulations exist for a reason – vehicles that can participate in regular traffic must be safe enough for everyone involved, and these electric four-wheelers simply aren’t.

If you’re keen on enjoying your days in carts, check out one of the communities from the table in this article, and see if any seem like the ideal place to spend a holiday or, better yet, to move and settle in. You might just find the community and place of your dreams in one of these beautiful locations.