Golf Cart Safety: What Families Need to Know Before Teeing Off

Golf carts are a popular recreational vehicle. Of course, people utilize them on the golf course to get from hole to hole, but their uses are much more extensive than that. Golf courses, retirement communities, resorts, campgrounds, beaches, and neighborhoods have all become common places to see a golf cart!

However, are they really safe? As with all recreational vehicles like ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles, and dune buggies, they’re made for versatility and convenience more than safety. In this post, we’re going to discuss essential golf cart safety tips you need to know to keep your family safe. 

Golf Cart Safety: What Families Need to Know Before Teeing Off

Golf carts often don’t have seat belts, air bags, or other common safety features of standard vehicles. Beyond that, they’re unstable and have an open design, which significantly increases the safety risks. And, since they’re recreational vehicles, they’re prone to improper use by inexperienced or impaired drivers. Because of all this, golf carts are involved in around 15,000 accidents per year. 

So, is there a way to use them safely with your family? Here’s what you need to know:

Are Golf Carts Street Legal?

Golf carts can be street legal; however, not every golf cart you encounter can legally drive on public roads. In order for the golf cart to be considered “street legal,” it must pass federal requirements. This means it needs a lighted license plate, a VIN number, a horn, a speedometer, DOT-approved tires, seat belts, windshield wipers, working headlights, brake lights, turn signal lights, and mirrors. Plus, the golf cart must also be able to travel at a speed of at least 20 miles per hour (but not exceed 25 miles per hour). You probably haven’t seen many golf carts that fit those criteria! 

All that being said, it’s important to check your city and state laws for specific rules regarding golf carts! The regulations vary widely, so your area may have stricter or looser laws than what’s laid out by the federal regulations. Check your state’s DMV website for specifics! 

Can Babies Ride In Golf Carts?

No. It’s not recommended that babies ride in golf carts for several reasons. Golf carts have no safety features for infants, and there’s no way to properly install a car seat in a golf cart of any kind. Additionally, golf carts aren’t very stable, so sudden starts, stops, or turns could have it tipping much easier than other types of low-speed vehicles, increasing a baby’s risk of injury while riding in a golf cart. With all this considered, you should find another way to transport your baby!

How to Drive Golf Carts Safely

Know the local laws and regulations. 

Before you operate a golf cart, ensure you research and learn your local laws and regulations regarding this low-speed vehicle!

Wear seat belts (if it has them).

If the golf cart has seat belts, make sure you use them. No matter how slow your speed or how short your distance, you’re still at risk of a crash or collision. 

Don’t drive with more passengers than it’s designed for. 

Only carry the number of passengers the golf cart is designed for that means if there are only two seat belts, only two passengers are safely seated in the cart. If there are no seat belts, go by the number of obvious seats. Don’t squeeze on more people and exceed the passenger limit. This could throw off the balance of an already unsteady vehicle and increase the risk of an accident. 

Maintain a safe speed. 

No matter your activity, maintain a safe speed. Excessive speeds can turn sudden stops and fast turns into an accident really quickly! Follow posted signs and where no signs are available, drive slow enough you can maintain control no matter what you may encounter. 

Stay on designated paths. 

If driving on the golf course, stay on the marked path. If driving on public roads, stay on the pavement. A golf cart is not a recreational vehicle designed to go off-roading like an ATV or side-by-sides. In the event you do have to go off-path and encounter an incline, always drive straight up and down slopes to reduce the risk of tipping over.

Use hand signals or lights (if it has them).

It’s important to always utilize traffic laws to avoid collisions when other drivers are present. Follow right-of-way laws, drive on the right side of the pathway, and use turn signals if you have them. If you don’t, use hand signals! 

Avoid distractions and stay vigilant. 

Distracted driving is always dangerous. This is especially true when driving where there are a lot of pedestrians (like on a golf course). Take a look at this list of common distractions and be mindful of your surroundings and blind spots. 

Never operate under the influence. 

Since golf carts are a form of recreational vehicle, they are sometimes paired with other recreational activities, such as drinking. Never operate a golf cart while under the influence of any substance. If alcohol is part of the event or activity, elect a designated driver to take care of the carting! 

Exercise caution if riding with young children. 

As we mentioned, golf carts aren’t safe for babies, but what about young children? We never recommend riding on public roads with children of any age in a golf cart. There are too many risks when considering that full-sized vehicles will be driving on the same roadways. If you elect to ride with children around golf courses, beaches, or private property, make sure they’re buckled and have all their body parts inside the moving golf cart at all times. Immi makes a golf cart child positioner for children 2+ years of age called the Lil' Caddie, which you can find here.

Safely park and remove the keys between uses. 

When you’re riding with children, you want to be cautious about leaving your golf cart unattended. Be sure to apply the parking brake to ensure it doesn’t roll into anything or anyone (especially a child) and always remove the key between uses. 

Always drive golf carts with extreme caution, and avoid using them with children. 

Recreational vehicles of any kind aren’t safe for children. When possible, you should avoid using them with your kids and especially your babies. Even if you’re driving golf carts without children, make sure you follow these safety tips to prevent accidents and injuries. 

For more vehicle safety tips, head over to the Safe in the Seat blog. Our goal is to provide you with essential information to keep your family safe on every drive whether driving an SUV, camper van, golf cart, or something else! We’re wishing your family safe travels! 

Here are some other posts you may be interested in: 

• Are RVs Safe for Kids?
• Safe Airplane Travel
• Are School Buses Safe?

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