Golf Cart Specifications

USE OF GOLF CARTS

            Use of Golf Carts on Private Thoroughfares: The Village of Ave Maria has passed an ordinance to authorize privately owned golf cart travel on designated streets within the Community consistent with state statute.  Pursuant to the statute, all golf carts will be required to meet minimum safety standards.  Golf cart travel is permitted only within the designated boundaries of the Community and is not authorized on state, federal or county roads.

A.        Registration/Operation - Registration and operation of a golf cart on designated streets shall be in compliance with the provisions of the Florida Rules of the Road and the Florida Vehicle Code.

B.         Safe Working Condition - Carts must be in sound and safe working condition. No golf cart may be operated on a roadway unless, at a minimum, it has the following: brakes, a steering apparatus, tires, a rearview mirror, red reflectorized warning devices in the front and rear, a slow moving emblem on the rear of the cart, a headlight that emits a white light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the front, a tail lamp that emits a red light visible from at least 100 feet from the rear, brake lights, and turn signals. When operated on a roadway, a golf cart shall have its headlight and tail lamps lighted.  A person who drives or is in actual physical control of a golf cart on a roadway is subject to all motor vehicle regulations including, but not limited to, DUI provisions. Storage of carts must be in compliance with the Declaration.

C.        Insurance - Golf cart drivers using public streets will be required to carry proof of          insurance.  Liability insurance must be maintained on all golf carts, with the amount of coverage determined by the owner in consultation with the owner's insurance agent. Owners will be personally responsible for the conduct of anyone operating their cart, and for any damage caused by its operation on community property.  Children under the age of 16 will not be permitted to drive a golf cart on community thoroughfares.

D.        Carts - All Member carts operated in the community must be electric and not    gasoline powered.  Carts shall not be operated on community sidewalks or on landscaped common areas at any time.

E.         Street Rules - Carts should remain to the right side of the road, allowing regular vehicles to pass without obstruction.  In so doing, operators must remain aware of, and away from marked bike paths.  Pedestrians shall be given due consideration and a reasonable right of way at all times.