Driving Your Golf Cart Off the Links? Here’s What You Need to Know

By theadmin

Golf carts are no longer just for riding around the links. Cost-effective and easy to maneuver, these open-air vehicles have become a popular way to get around the neighborhood or traverse large pieces of property.

However, like any motorized vehicle, they pose safety hazards if used incorrectly. Fortunately, a little knowledge can go a long way toward ensuring your afternoon is safe and enjoyable.

Where Can I Drive?

Texas law defines a golf cart as a motorized vehicle manufactured primarily for operation on golf courses that has no less than three wheels and drives a maximum speed of 15–25 miles per hour.

But just because it’s built for the golf course doesn’t mean your cart can’t be driven in master-planned communities, on public or private beaches, and across intersections. Golfers can also drive their carts to and from the course during the day, and within 2 miles of where they usually park the vehicle. As long as your cart displays a slow-moving-vehicle emblem (you can get these at some home improvement or auto parts stores), you’re within state requirements.

Local municipalities may allow golf carts to be driven in other locations — as long as you’re within the boundaries of the city and driving 35 miles per hour or slower — provided they have head lamps, tail lamps, reflectors, mirrors, and a parking brake. However, some cities place other restrictions on driving golf carts in certain areas based on public safety issues.

What Documentation Do I Need?

Your golf cart will be subject to Texas and local regulations, so make sure you contact your local law enforcement agency for driver’s license requirements and other city and county ordinances.

What’s Different About Driving?

Driving a new kind of vehicle can be disorienting — especially since you’ll be driving at a slower speed and out in the open.

After making sure you’re aware of all the rules and regulations, take some time to get accustomed to the vehicle itself, before you take it out on the roads. Make sure you can comfortably reach the steering wheel, brake, and gas pedal. A key is typically required to start a cart. Electric-powered carts do not make much noise when started, so if you turn the key, make sure you are ready to move.

Be aware that many carts do not have seat belts — and if yours does, wear it. More than a third of all golf cart injuries are caused by people falling out of them; you may be moving slowly, but you’re moving fast enough to get hurt.

Keep in mind that golf carts can tip on steep inclines or tight turns, so try not to slam on the brakes unless it is absolutely necessary, and when getting out of the vehicle, make sure the emergency brake is fully engaged.

Do I Need Insurance?

Your auto insurance likely does not extend liability to your golf cart; nor will it cover the costs to fix the cart or cover you in the event the cart is stolen. Both Texas Farm Bureau Insurance’s homeowners policy and Texas AgAdvantage’s farm and ranch policy provide coverage for a motorized golf cart, but only while it is on the covered premises or being used for golfing purposes.

In some cases, your golf cart may be eligible for physical damage and theft coverage through an inland marine policy. Golf cart owners should carefully review their policies with their Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent in order to fully understand what’s covered.