Street Legal Golf Carts LSV Safety Video
Street Legal Golf Carts and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office worked together to produce and film this Low Speed Vehicle Safety Video that covers the rules of the road and rules of use while operating a LSV aka Low Speed Vehicle or even better know as a Street Legal Golf Cart.
Our Walton County Visitors love using a “Street Legal Golf Cart” just as much as any local does, however over the years there has been increasing issues with tourist use and safety issues. Our goal here is to work as hard as possible to spread the word about what is right/wrong, safe/unsafe, legal/illegal ; so that you can enjoy your stay on the Emerald Coast and maximize your fun!
Please take a moment to watch this video, feel free to email, call or text with any questions!
Rules of the Road for LSVs (Street Legal Golf Carts)
We know you’re excited to get started on your Street Legal Golf Cart or Low-Speed Vehicle. But before you hop on, there are some crucial things you need to know. We want you to have an incredible experience while visiting the Emerald Coast and avoid breaking laws injuring people or damaging property. There’s so much to know and not knowing could cost you.
You’re about to have a great time in your Low-Speed Vehicle/ Street Legal Golf Cart Rental but first, we have to go over some basic safety rules.
What is a Low Speed Vehicle?
You may think you’re hopping on a Golf Cart, but there’s quite a big difference between a Golf Cart and a Low Speed Vehicle. Golf Carts are typically only found on Golf courses.
Low Speed Vehicles are what you see being used when you’re driving down 30A or on Scenic Gulf Drive in Destin and Miramar Beach. Golf Carts are not legal on the roads in our town. A Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV), also known as a Street Legal Golf Cart is a registered motor vehicle in the state of Florida. In order to be considered a Low Speed Vehicle a Street Legal Golf Cart must have a:
- License Plate
- Seat Belts
- Turn Signals
- Brake Lights
- Reflectors
- Headlights
- D.O.T. Windshield
- Mirrors
Where Can I Drive a Low Speed Vehicle?
How Old do you Have to be to Drive a Street Legal Golf Cart?
All drivers need to be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license.
If you are renting a Street Legal Golf Cart that comes with a vacation property be sure to check with the individual cart owner because most rental houses require the driver be at least 18 or even 21 years old with a valid driver’s license.
At Street Legal Golf Cart Rentals we require drivers to be at least 21 years old and of course, they must have a valid driver’s license.
Do I Have to Wear a Seat Belt on a Low Speed Vehicle?
Remember this is a motor vehicle, not a Golf Cart. Seat belts are required by law to be worn at all times by all passengers. Please do not operate your Low-Speed Vehicle without every passenger buckled in their own seatbelt.
LSVs Can Only be Driven on Roadways
- Sidewalks
- Bike Paths
- Utility Paths
- Public Walkways
- Nature Areas
- Beaches
No Drinking and Driving/Driving with an Open Container
Remember your LSV is a motor vehicle, therefore you cannot drive or ride LSV with an open container of alcohol, not even the passengers. If the driver is caught drinking and driving, they will be arrested for driving under the influence.
The sheriff has a zero-tolerance alcohol policy.
Where Can You Park a Low Speed Vehicle?
- Driveways
- Private Property
- No Parking Zones
One Passenger Per Seat
All LSVs have a specific number of seats and seat belts and you must not exceed the limit of passengers.
For instance, a six-passenger Street Legal Golf Cart can have a maximum of six passengers no matter how small they are. We know it may only be a few blocks that you want to drive with someone else squeezing in or sitting on the lap, but it’s against the law.
Avoid ruining your trip and keep to the number of specified passengers.
Failure to follow critical Street Legal Golf Cart laws may result in your LSV being impounded by the Sheriff’s Department, which will cost you an arm and a leg to get back, ruin your vacation and the cart will only be allowed to pick up by the registered owner.
Does My Child Need to Ride in a Car Seat on a Street Legal Golf Cart?
Any child that would normally use a five-point harness car seat is required to use one on an LSV.
Any child that would normally use a booster seat should only use the seat belt as most booster seats strictly prohibit the use of lap belts only.
