The golf cart is commonly used on golf courses, resorts, and residential neighborhoods. People often use them to get around, especially where cars are prohibited.
However, knowing the state law before driving one of these carts is important. Many people don’t know basic things like how old to drive a golf cart. Do you need a golf cart license?
Most states allow people over 16 to drive golf carts. In some other states, you can drive a golf cart at the age of 14. While few states like Florida don’t require any legal paperwork to drive a golf cart.
It is important to remember that the majority of states do require a driving license or learner’s permit.
Read this article, as we have provided a list of key states and their legal requirements for driving golf carts.
What is the Legal Age to Drive a Golf Cart?
To operate a golf cart in your state, you need to follow your state or country’s laws for operating a golf cart. Below is a list of states to drive a golf cart with minimum age, and either state demands a driver’s license or not.
| State | Legal Age To Drive Golf Cart | Driver’s License Requirements |
| Alabama | 18 | No Valid Driver’s License Required |
| Alaska | 16 | Valid Driver’s License Required |
| Arizona | 14 | No Valid Driver’s License Required |
| Arkansas | 14 | No Valid Driver’s License Required |
| California | 13 | Valid Driver’s License Required |
| Colorado | 14 | No Valid Driver’s License Required |
| Connecticut | 16 | Valid Driver’s License Required |
| Delaware | 14 | Valid Driver’s License Required |
| Florida | 14 | Valid Driver’s License Required |
| Georgia | 12 | Valid Driver’s License Required |
| Hawaii | 16 | Valid Driver’s License Required |
| Massachusetts | 16 | Valid Driver’s License Required |
| Illinois | 18 | No Valid Driver’s License Required |
How Old to Drive a Golf Cart: Laws and Regulations
The most frequent question that we get from new golf cart owners is: How old to drive a golf cart? Each state has varying laws— some have an age limit of 14 or above without a driver’s license, while others will allow you to drive a golf cart at 16 or above with a driver’s license or learner’s permit.
You might wonder why you have to check the local laws. The thing is, the federal government doesn’t consider this as a motor vehicle. So, you need to follow local laws and regulations for golf carts.
Laws for driving golf carts on the roads are more strict. First, you need to make them street-legal by adding certain accessories like headlights, horns, windscreen, and more. Then, the law in each state determines the following: license and age requirements, speed limit, accessories added, road/lane to drive, and more.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Drive A Golf Cart In Florida?
We have already mentioned the Florida state law regarding golf carts. Recently, a new law has been signed that adds more restrictions on teens driving golf carts.
According to House Bill 949, you must be 15 with a learner’s permit or 16 with a driver’s license to drive a golf cart. Now, teens won’t be able to drive the cart without proper identification. If you are 18, you need a valid government-issued ID card to drive a golf cart.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Drive A Golf Cart In Georgia?
To operate a golf cart independently in Georgia, it is necessary to possess a valid driver’s license or permit. Individuals aged 12 and above are allowed to drive a golf cart as long as they are accompanied by an adult (18 years or older) who holds a valid driver’s license.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Drive A Golf Cart In California?
In California, the legal age for driving a golf cart is 13. Driving on private property doesn’t require any license. Further, the law requires that golf carts must not weigh more than 1300 pounds. Also, not it should not carry more than two people.
Is It Mandatory To Hold A Driver’s License To Drive A Golf Cart On the Golf Course?
It depends on the location and the rules of the specific golf course. In most states, holding a driver’s license to drive a golf cart on the golf course is unnecessary until it’s used in golf course boundaries, not a public place. However, most states require a valid driver’s license to drive a golf cart.
Furthermore, most states held safety training programs to operate a golf cart under a golf course. It is important to check the rules and regulations of the specific golf course before operating a golf cart. If a driver’s license is required, it is also important to ensure that the license is valid and up to date.
Can You Drive A Golf Cart On The Road?
The golf carts are not designed to operate on the roads as they have several random effects. However, most states allow golf carts to operate on specific roads by following specific rules and regulations of that state.
If you’re allowed to drive a golf cart in your area, it’s important to follow your area’s laws. Additionally, you can’t operate golf carts at high speed. So, drivers should always exercise caution and follow all traffic laws and safety guidelines. If you wish to drive a golf cart in your neighborhood, it also depends on state laws to drive the golf cart.
Read Also: How Fast Do Golf Carts Go?
Can You Drive A Golf Cart on a Course Without A Driver’s License?
You don’t need a driver’s license to drive a golf cart on the golf course. It’s private property, and the owner can drive it and follow the state’s laws to operate it. You need a driver’s license when driving a golf cart on public roads. So, having a driving license to drive a golf cart on public roads or in your neighborhood is crucial. Safety precautions are mandatory when you’re driving it publicly.
How To Drive A Golf Cart Safely?
It’s critical to teach people how to use a golf cart properly before letting them drive one. Observe the following advice:
- Wear a seatbelt at all times, and make sure that everyone else does too.
- Never go over the golf cart’s recommended top speed.
- Always keep your feet and hands inside the golf cart.
- Don’t make quick moves or sharp turns.
- Don’t operate the golf cart while intoxicated or high.
Furthermore, adhering to the manufacturer’s recommendations when using the golf cart is crucial. You need to be aware of any special specifications or safety features that apply to certain models.
Conclusion
The age limit for golf cart drives depends on the state or country’s laws. You can drive the golf cart when you reach the age limit of 12, 14, and 16 years old. However, following the safety precautions and state or country’s laws and regulations is crucial. Driving a golf cart can be fun, so prioritize your safety and laws, and you’ll enjoy operating the golf cart.
