Golf Cart Rules & Regulations

Golf Cart

Rules & Regulations

Town Code Section 30-422

Contents

Town Code 2-4

Safety Checklist 5

How to Register 6

Golf Cart Safety Tips 7

Town Map 8

History of Legislation: The Town’s adopted 2014 Transportation Master

Plan recommends that the Town examines Town Ordinance 10-08 (Adopted

2/17/10) in an effort to increase access to all roads within the Town for golf

cart users. This offers an environmentally friendly alternative to cars for short

distance trips. During the 2015 State Legislative session, the Mayor and

Town Council coordinated with State Representatives to advocate for changes

to Florida Statutes Chapter 316: State Uniform Traffic Control to allow the

operation of a golf cart on county owned roads that are within the jurisdiction

of a municipality.

The Town is proud to report that the Florida Statutes 316.212(1) was updated

to improve access for golf carts. On November 18, 2015, the Town Council

adopted Ordinance 15-08 to comply with Florida Statutes 316.212(1) allowing

golf carts on “a two-lane county road located within the jurisdiction of a

municipality designated by that municipality”.

This new Ordinance, supersedes the previously adopted Ordinance 10-03 as it

relates to Chapter 30 “Traffic and Motor Vehicles Regarding Golf Cart Use on

Streets within the Town” Section 30-422.1 – Section 30-422.6.

Residents are still responsible for ensuring that their Golf Cart meets all safety

standards and regulations as identified in Town Code Section 30-422.

Did you know that the Town requires residents to register their

Golf Cart?

This document provides Town residents with an overview of Town Code

Section 30-422, a safety inspection checklist, a five (5) step process to get

your Golf Cart registered with the Town, and a Town map of prohibited

streets.

January 2016

TOWN’S

MISSION STATEMENT

The Town Council will

work to make Cutler Bay

an excellent place to live,

work and play. Cutler

Bay’s government will be

creative, responsive and

respectful in providing

innovative and cost

effective services to the

community.

-Resolution #12-64

2

Florida Statutes

Chapter 316

To review the entire Florida

State Statutes Chapter 316:

State Uniform Traffic Control,

visit Online Sunshine”

www.leg.state.fl.us.

Prohibited Streets

Golf Carts are allowed on all

streets within the Town’s mu-

nicipal boundaries except the

following;

 US-1/S. Dixie Highway

 Florida Turnpike

 Caribbean Blvd. (US-1 to SW

107 Ave)

 Marlin Rd (US-1 to Sterling Dr)

 SW 97 Ave (SW 212 St to SW

216 St)

 SW 211 St. (SW 112 Ave to

SW 107 Ave)

 SW 216 St. (Old Cutler Rd to

SW 87 Ave)

Sec. 30-422.1 Legislative Intent

It is the intent of this section to permit and regulate the use of Golf Carts within

the Designated Streets of the Town.

Sec. 30-422.2 Definitions

Designated Streets. All streets within the Town, except for Prohibited Streets.

Golf Cart. A motor vehicle designed and manufactured for operation on a golf

course for sporting or recreational purposes as defined in Florida Statutes

Chapter 316.003(68).

Permit. An official authorization designating that the Golf Cart to which the

authorization is affixed meets the requirements of state law and Town Code.

Prohibited Streets. US-1, Florida Turnpike, and portions of Caribbean Blvd,

Marlin Rd, SW 97 Ave, SW 211 St, and SW 216 St.

Slow Moving Vehicles. Any vehicle designed for use and speeds less than 25

miles per hour.

Sec. 30-422.3 Authorized Use

(a) Licensed drivers may operate Golf Carts which have been issued Permits by

the Town or a neighboring jurisdiction on all Designated Streets within the

Town.

(b) A Permit to use a Golf Cart on a Designated Street does not allow entry onto

private property or semi-private property, including retail parking lots,

private roads or common areas in condominiums. Access to these areas may

be regulated by the property owners and/or property managers.

(c) The storage of the Golf Carts shall not occur within ten feet of any property

line that faces a street.

Sec. 30-422.4 Prohibited Use

The operation in the Town of any Golf Cart in the following manner or under the

following conditions is prohibited:

(1) Without a valid, current driver's license or restricted driver’s license.

(2) During hours between sunset and sunrise without being equipped with

headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield.

Golf Cart Rules & Regulations

Town Code Section 30-422

3

Sec. 30-422.4 Prohibited Use (cont.)

(3) Without a valid, Permit issued by the Town or neighboring jurisdiction and

registration sticker affixed to the Golf Cart on the rear fender.

(4) In violation of State or County traffic regulations.

(5) Anywhere on the roadway surface of the Prohibited Streets, except to cross

those thoroughfares at marked intersections or intersections regulated by a

traffic signal upon the Prohibited Streets solely for the purpose of reaching

the immediate next intersection. The operation of Golf Carts upon Prohibited

Streets pursuant to this subsection (5) shall be subject to authorization from

Miami-Dade County pursuant to section 316.212(1) Florida Statutes.

(6) On the parks, bicycle paths, sidewalks, or swales of the Town.

(7) Parking in violation of posted regulations.

(8) Obstructing or interfering with normal traffic flow.

(9) Carrying more passengers than those for which the Golf Cart was designed.

Sec. 30-422.5 Registration

(a) All Golf Carts operated on Town Designated Streets must first be registered

through the Town or through a neighboring jurisdiction and a registration

sticker must be placed on the rear fender of the golf cart.

(b) Registration of Golf Carts must be made by the owner.

(c) The owner of the Golf Cart will be charged a one-time golf cart permit

application/registration fee of $60.00.

(d) Driving a Golf Cart without proper registration will result in a fine of

$150.00.

(e) A list of all Golf Cart registrations will be maintained by the Town.

Sec. 30-422.6 Affidavit

(a) Each Golf Cart owner shall provide an affidavit to the Town demonstrating

that the Golf Cart meets all Town and State law requirements prior to

operating on a Designated Street

(b) Upon submitting a completed Permit application, affidavit, proof of insurance

and the payment of a $60.00 (one-time) application fee, the Town shall issue

a Permit to operate a Golf Cart.

Florida Statutes

Chapter 316.212(1)

Operation of golf carts on

certain roadways. The operation

of a golf cart upon the public roads

or streets of this state is prohibit-

ed except as provided herein:

(1) A golf cart may be operated

only upon a county road that

has been designated by a

county, a municipal street

that has been designated by a

municipality, or a two-lane

county road located within

the jurisdiction of a munici-

pality designated by that mu-

nicipality, for use by golf

carts. Prior to making such a

designation, the responsible

local governmental entity

must first determine that golf

carts may safely travel on or

cross the public road or

street, considering factors in-

cluding the speed, volume,

and character of motor vehi-

cle traffic using the road or

street. Upon a determination

that golf carts may be safely

operated on a designated

road or street, the responsi-

ble governmental entity shall

post appropriate signs to in-

dicate that such operation is

allowed.

Golf Cart Rules & Regulations

Town Code Section 30-422

4

Sec. 30-422.7 Required Equipment

A Golf Cart must be equipped with:

(1) Efficient brakes;

(2) Reliable steering apparatus;

(3) Safe tires;

(4) Rear view mirrors;

(5) Red reflectorized warning devices, both in the front and the rear;

(6) Rear stop lamps meeting the minimum standards of F.S. §316.234(1);

(7) Turn signals meeting the minimum standards of F.S. § 316.234(2);

and

(8) Safety belts.

Sec. 30-422.8 Slow Moving Vehicles

Golf Carts meeting the definition of Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) must

also have a triangular “SMV” emblem attached to the Golf Cart.

Sec. 30-422.9 Operators

Drivers must hold a current, valid driver's license in order to operate a

Golf Cart upon the streets of the Town.

Sec. 30-422.10 Traffic Laws

(a) Operators of Golf Carts using Designated Streets within the Town

are required to observe all traffic laws as if they were operating any

other motor vehicle.

(b) While traveling on Designated Streets, operators and passengers of

Golf Carts must comply with applicable State law as to the

requirements and usage of safety belts and child restraint equipment.

(c) Owners and operators of Golf Carts shall comply with applicable

State law pertaining to insurance requirements.

Sec. 30-422.11 Enforcement

The Town Police Department shall be responsible for enforcing this

section.

Florida Statutes

Chapter 316.234

Signal lamps and signal devices.—

(1) Any vehicle may be equipped and,

when required under this chapter, shall

be equipped with a stop lamp or lamps

on the rear of the vehicle which shall

display a red or amber light, visible

from a distance of not less than 300 feet

to the rear in normal sunlight, and

which shall be actuated upon applica-

tion of the service (foot) brake, and

which may but need not be incorpo-

rated with one or more other rear

lamps. An object, material, or covering

that alters the stop lamp’s visibility

from 300 feet to the rear in normal sun-

light may not be placed, displayed, in-

stalled, affixed, or applied over a stop

lamp.

(2) Any vehicle may be equipped and,

when required under s. 316.222(2),

shall be equipped with electric turn

signals which shall indicate an intention

to turn by flashing lights showing to the

front and rear of a vehicle or on a com-

bination of vehicles on the side of the

vehicle or combination toward which

the turn is to be made. The lamps show-

ing to the front shall be mounted on the

same level and as widely spaced lateral-

ly as practicable and, when signaling,

shall emit white or amber light. The

lamps showing to the rear shall be

mounted on the same level and as wide-

ly spaced laterally as practicable, and,

when signaling, shall emit a red or am-

ber light. Turn signal lamps on vehicles

80 inches or more in overall width shall

be visible from a distance of not less

than 500 feet to the front and rear in

normal sunlight, and an object, material,

or covering that alters the lamp’s visibil-

ity from a distance of 500 feet to the

front or rear in normal sunlight may not

be placed, displayed, installed, affixed,

or applied over a turn signal lamp. Turn

signal lamps on vehicles less than 80

inches wide shall be visible at a distance

of not less than 300 feet to the front and

rear in normal sunlight, and an object,

material, or covering that alters the

lamp’s visibility from a distance of 300

feet to the front or rear in normal sun-

light may not be placed, displayed, in-

stalled, affixed, or applied over a turn

signal lamp. Turn signal lamps may, but

need not be, incorporated in other

lamps on the vehicle.

Golf Cart Rules & Regulations

Town Code Section 30-422

Notes:

5

Golf Cart Safety Checklist

In order to be in compliance with the Town’s “Golf Cart Permit” Regulations, your golf

cart must be equipped with the following:

Safety Item

Yes

No

Brakes

Parking Brake

Reliable Steering Apparatus

Safe Tires

Rear view mirror(s)

Red Reflectorized Warning Devices, both in the front

and the rear

Rear stop lamps

Turn Signals

Safety Belts

Current Proof of Insurance

Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) Triangular Emblem affixed to Cart (if

applicable) A SMV is designed to travel speeds less than 25 miles per hour.

Town Issued Permit affixed to the rear fender of the golf cart

6

5 Easy Steps for

Golf Cart Registration with the Town

Ensure that your golf cart meets all safety standards pursuant to Town Code 30-422.7 and 30-

422.8. Use the Safety Checklist on page #5 as a guideline.

Insure your golf cart. Insurance for your golf cart may be purchased by contacting your

homeowner’s insurance company or many automobile insurance companies (i.e. State Farm,

Progressive, Geico, etc.).

Complete the Golf Cart Permit Application and Affidavit. These documents may be found on

the Town’s website at www.cutlerbay-fl.gov or by visiting Town Hall at 10720 Caribbean

Blvd. Suite #105 Cutler Bay, FL 33189.

Bring your completed Golf Cart Permit Application, Notarized Affidavit, Proof of Insurance,

Valid Driver’s License, and $60.00 one-time application fee to Town Hall.

Affix your Town issued Golf Cart Registration Permit to the rear fender of your Golf Cart.

Congratulations you are done!

Enjoy your ride and remember to observe all State and Town traffic laws!

For more information or to register your golf cart, please contact the Town of Cutler Bay

Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm at (305)234-4262 or

visit the Town’s website at www.cutlerbay-fl.gov.

 Step 1

 Step 2

 Step 3

 Step 4

 Step 5

7

16 Golf Cart Safety Tips

1. Never drive recklessly or joy ride. Drive courteously. Obey all vehicle traffic laws and rules

of the road.

2. Never drive intoxicated or under the influence of any drug or narcotic.

3. Avoid distractions while operating the golf cart just as you would in an automobile. Be safe

and attentive -- avoid talking, texting, or reading while driving, reaching for objects,

applying makeup or eating.

4. Golf carts should be equipped with seat belts for driver and all passengers. The driver and all

occupants should utilize available seatbelts anytime the vehicle is in use.

5. Only carry the number of passengers for which there are seats.

6. Drivers and all passengers should keep all body parts (arms, legs, feet) inside cart while

vehicle is in motion, except when signaling a turn.

7. Do not allow anyone to ride standing in the vehicle or on the back platform of the vehicle.

Do not put vehicle in motion until all passengers are safely seated and wearing their seat

belt.

8. Operate the vehicle from the driver’s side only.

9. Always use hand signals to indicate your intent to turn due to the small size and limited

visibility of the turn signals on a golf cart.

10. Check blind spots before turning. When making a left hand turn, yield to the thru traffic lane

and merge into that lane before turning left.

11. Carefully turn and look behind golf cart before backing up.

12. Avoid sharp turns at maximum speed, and drive straight up and down slopes to reduce the

risk of passenger ejections and/or rollover. Avoid excessive speed, sudden starts, stops and

fast turns.

13. Reduce speed due to driving conditions, especially hills or other inclines or declines, blind

corners, intersections, pedestrians and inclement weather.

14. Do not leave keys in golf cart while unattended and make sure the parking brake is set.

15. Always yield to pedestrians and be cognizant of motor vehicles.

16. Use extreme caution in inclement weather. Although a golf cart may shield you from the

rain, it may not protect you from a lightning strike.

SW 87TH AVE

OLD CUTLER RD

CARIBBEAN BLVD

S DIXIE HWY

MARLIN RD

SW 216TH ST

FRANJO RD

SW 212TH ST

SW 85TH AVE

GULFSTREAM RD

SW 211TH ST

FLORIDA TPKE EXT

SW 92ND AVE

SW 205TH ST

SW 83RD AVE

SW 79TH AVE

SW 97TH AVE

SW 97TH CT

Ü

Town of Cutler Bay

Source: Miami-Dade County, The Corradino Group

Golf Carts

Prohibited Streets

0 0.25 0.5 0.75 10.125

Miles

Date: 1/5/2016

SW 184TH ST

Legend

Prohibited Streets

Cutler Bay Roads

Town of Cutler Bay

Town Park/Preserve

Public Schools

Water