Slow Ride: Safety Laws for Low-Speed Vehicles

You’ve seen them all around Walton County, and maybe you even own one: the glorified golf cart.

Often featuring off-road wheels, a premium stereo, and multiple rows of seating, these sporty little rides are the unofficial vehicle of a beach vacation. However, they differ from traditional golf buggies you’d see on a golf course – these carts are known as low-speed vehicles (LSVs).

If you plan on exploring Walton County by LSV, it’s important to learn all the distinctions and 30A golf cart rules that apply. 

First of all, remember that these are considered legitimate motor vehicles, meaning they are street-legal and subject to South Walton vehicle laws. LSVs meet all the street legal vehicle requirements and have the primary components of typical road-worthy cars and trucks including a license plate, seat belts, turn signals, brake lights, reflectors, headlights, mirrors, and a D.O.T. windshield.

When it’s time to hit the road, take note of the following Walton County vehicle laws:

• Operators must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license
• LSVs are never allowed on pedestrian pathways
• LSVs can only be driven on roads with posted speed limits of 35 MPH or less
• No open containers of alcohol – not even for passengers
• No more than the maximum designated number of passengers
• Passengers are legally required to wear seatbelts at all times

Due to the casual nature of LSVs, there’s often a tendency to be a little more lax when operating them, but the laws apply regardless of how far you’re driving. You should be just as alert when taking scenic tours of South Walton by low-speed vehicle as you would when driving a car.

Pay particular attention to children’s safety and Florida golf cart car seat laws. While it may seem easiest to have them pile onto the back bench or sit on your lap, kids must be fully secured while driving – as with other motor vehicles. Any child who would normally use a golf cart booster seat or a five-point harness car seat is required to use one in an LSV.

Specific laws apply even when you’re not driving. While LSVs have the advantage of being more compact and maneuverable than the average car, that doesn’t mean they can be left wherever they fit. LSV parking rules apply, so South Walton carts can only be parked in spots designated for motor vehicles. This excludes parking in front of driveways, on private property, or in any marked No Parking zones. Whether you own the LSV or are renting, you’ll be responsible for any fines incurred.

Keep in mind that all these LSV road safety tips are meant to keep you and your loved ones safe. South Walton golf cart rules are simple enough to follow, so be sure to take a few minutes to double-check before you head out for a bite to eat or to lounge on the sugar-white sand.