Wellington’s Golf Cart Ordinance became effective on March 28, 2022.  The ordinance is found in Chapter 22, Article V of the Wellington Code of Ordinances.

Why do we need a Golf Cart Ordinance?

Pursuant to Florida Statute 316.212, a golf cart may be operated only upon a municipal street that has been designated by the municipality for use by golf carts. Golf cart operation on property that is owned by Wellington or dedicated for use by the public in a manner that is not expressly authorized by the Wellington Golf Cart Ordinance is prohibited.

Golf Cart Operation Rules

• Persons 14 years and older are allowed to drive a golf cart on designated Wellington roads (located within residential neighborhoods).
• Persons who possess a valid driver’s license or learner’s driver’s license may operate a golf cart on designated multi-modal pathways
• Yield: Any person operating a golf cart upon a designated multi-modal pathway MUST YIELD the right-of-way, by slowing down, stopping, or pulling off the pathway, if need be, to pedestrians, bicyclists, horses, and all other travelers at ALL times. Failure to yield or “bulldozing” pedestrians or bicyclists off the pathway will not be tolerated
• It is important that you never drive a golf cart in a reckless or careless manner
• The speed limit for golf carts on designated Wellington roads is 25 mph.  The speed limit for golf carts on designated multi-modal pathways is 15 mph
• Golf cart occupancy is limited to the number of seats provided by the manufacturer, except children under the age of 7 may ride on the lap of an adult passenger (not the driver)
• Golf carts can only be driven between sunrise and sunset unless the golf cart is equipped with nighttime safety equipment
• Golf cart drivers must make complete stops at stop signs and follow all motor vehicle traffic laws
• Golf carts must yield to other traffic at all intersections and driveways
• Low-Speed Vehicles that have received a state issued license are NOT allowed on designated multi-modal pathways
• Insurance: The owner of a golf cart operated pursuant to the Wellington Golf Cart Ordinance must maintain golf cart liability insurance insuring against bodily injury and damage to property with minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, plus $10,000 for property damage

Golf Cart vs. Low-Speed vehicle

A golf cart is a motor vehicle designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes.

Low-speed vehicles are required to have a license plate and must be registered, insured, and titled pursuant to state law. They may be driven on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less but may NOT be driven on Wellington designated multi-modal pathways.

Golf Cart Safety Equipment

• Efficient Brakes
• Reliable Steering Apparatus
• Safe Tires
• Rearview Mirror
• Red Reflectorized Warning Devices in Front and Rear
• Horn

Nighttime Safety Equipment

Golf carts may only drive between sunrise and sunset unless the golf cart is equipped with Nighttime Safety Equipment which includes

• Headlights
• Brake Lights
• Turn Signals
• Windshield

DESIGNATED AREAS OF OPERATION

Where are Golf Carts Allowed?

• Designated Wellington Roads 
• Designated Multi-Modal Pathways
• Authorized Golf Cart Crossings

Where are Golf Carts NOT Allowed?

• On any road with a speed limit of 30 miles per hour or more
• Pierson Rd, Forest Hill Blvd, S State Rd 7/441
  (including crossing SR7/441)
• Equestrian Trails

What is a Designated Wellington Road? 

A Designated Wellington Road is a road or portion of the road where golf carts are allowed to operate.  These roads are located within residential neighborhoods.  A designated Wellington road meets all of the following criteria:

1. It has a posted speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less
2. It is marked with signs indicating that it is a designated Village road

What is a Designated Multi-Modal Pathway?

A Designated Multi-Modal Pathway is NOT a typical 4-5 foot wide sidewalk found within a residential neighborhood.  It is a wider pathway approved for use by pedestrians, bicycles, and golf carts.  A designated multi-modal pathway meets all of the following criteria:

1. It is a minimum of 8 feet wide
2. It is paved
3. It is located adjacent to one of the collector roads or in one of the canal rights-of-way identified by Wellington
4. It is marked by Wellington with signs indicating that it is a designated multi-modal pathway