Golf Carts on Sidewalks

Question

Adrian asked: My cricket (2017) mobity cart has directional signals, lights, etc. We permanently carry our Florida disability tag on vehicle.
Question #1. Is it allowable for us to drive it on wide sidewalks and off the street, of course carefully sharing space with walkers, etc.? Our roads are 35 mph, but just feel safer going 8 MPH on the sidewalks.
Question #2. Is it allowed with traffic light to CROSS through regular street to get to next sidewalk?

Answer

Normally, motorized vehicles are not permitted on sidewalks.

s. 316.1995Driving upon Sidewalk or Bicycle Path

(1) Except as provided in s. 316.008 or s. 316.212(8), a person may not drive any vehicle other than by human power upon a bicycle path, sidewalk, or sidewalk area, except upon a permanent or duly authorized temporary driveway.

(3) This section does not apply to motorized wheelchairs.

Your vehicle is described as a golf cart on the company’s website. There are certain exceptions for golf carts on sidewalks. The requirements are very stringent so it is unlikely, but you should check to see if your local authority has enacted a local ordinance to permit sidewalk use by golf carts.

s. 316.008Powers of Local Authorities

(1)The provisions of this chapter shall not be deemed to prevent local authorities, with respect to streets and highways under their jurisdiction and within the reasonable exercise of the police power, from:

(7)(a)A county or municipality may enact an ordinance to permit, control, or regulate the operation of vehicles, golf carts, mopeds, motorized scooters, and electric personal assistive mobility devices on sidewalks or sidewalk areas when such use is permissible under federal law. The ordinance must restrict such vehicles or devices to a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour in such areas.

s. 316.212Operation of Golf Carts on Certain Roadways

(b)Golf cart operation on sidewalks adjacent to specific segments of municipal streets, county roads, or state highways within the jurisdictional territory of the local governmental entity if:

1. The local governmental entity determines, after considering the condition and current use of the sidewalks, the character of the surrounding community, and the locations of authorized golf cart crossings, that golf carts, bicycles, and pedestrians may safely share the sidewalk;

2. The local governmental entity consults with the Department of Transportation before adopting the ordinance;

3. The ordinance restricts golf carts to a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour and permits such use on sidewalks adjacent to state highways only if the sidewalks are at least 8 feet wide;

4. The ordinance requires the golf carts to meet the equipment requirements in subsection (6). However, the ordinance may require additional equipment, including horns or other warning devices required by s. 316.271; and

5. The local governmental entity posts appropriate signs or otherwise informs residents that the ordinance exists and applies to such sidewalks.

1 Comment on “Golf Carts on Sidewalks

  1. Very informative live n Charlotte county have had to share sidewalk with golf carts this winter didn’t know if legal who would I call for complaint

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