As we discussed in our last post, Golf Carts are not ordinarily allowed to be used on Florida's public roads or streets outside of self-contained retirement communities such as Sun City Center.  What are allowed are "Low Speed Vehicles" (sometimes called "Street Legal Golf Carts") which may be used on Florida roads with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less.  So, what is a Low Speed Vehicle?

Golf Cart Safety

Low Speed Vehicles are not only growing in popularity with individuals, they are also growing in popularity with businesses and public and private organizations.  Under Florida Law, a Low Speed Vehicle is any four-wheeled electric vehicle whose top speed is greater than 20 miles per hour but not greater than 25 miles per hour.  Low Speed Vehicles must comply with certain State and Federal safety standards and be equipped with a windshield; rearview mirror; head, tail and brake lights; reflectors; parking brakes; seat belts and vehicle identification numbers.  Because Low Speed Vehicles are generally intended for "low risk" trips for neighborhood shopping, social, and recreational purposes, the safety standards for Low Speed Vehicles are much lower than those for standard automobiles.

Low Speed Vehicle Registration

A Low Speed Vehicle must be registered and insured in the same way as a standard automobile and any person operating a Low Speed Vehicle must have a valid driver's license.  While some companies specialize in manufacturing their own brand of Low Speed Vehicle, like the Polaris® GEM® and Atomic Electric Vehicle, many Low Speed Vehicles are simply jazzed up Golf Carts.  This is where the term "Street Legal Golf Cart" comes from, which means an ordinary Golf Cart which has been modified to meet Low Speed Vehicle standards.

Golf Cart Safety Attorneys

Stay tuned for more essential information about Golf Carts and Low Speed Vehicles, including safety and insurance information and where you can go right here in Bradenton to experience riding around town in a Low Speed Vehicle for FREE.  Whatever your vehicle of choice may be, car, truck, motorcycle, Golf Cart or Low Speed Vehicle, our experienced accident attorneys are here to help if you should ever be seriously injured in an accident caused by someone else's carelessness.  Call us to find out how we may be able to help you obtain financial compensation for your injuries.

Source(s):  Florida Statute §316.2122 Operation of a low-speed vehicle or mini truck on certain roadways; SunCityCenter.org, "Greater Sun City Center Golf Cart Drivers Handbook"; Florida Driver License Handbook