Wellington’s Golf Cart Ordinance 2021-10 went into effect on March 28, 2022.

The Wellington Golf Cart Ordinance does NOT regulate golf cart use within gated communities or on private or semi-private property, including retail parking lots and private roads.

Why do we need a Golf Cart Ordinance?

Pursuant 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 Rules

• Persons 14 years and older are allowed to drive a golf cart on Designated Village Roads
  (located within residential neighborhoods) pursuant to section 316.212 Florida Statute
• 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 Village roads is 25 mph and 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 the 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
• Low-Speed Vehicles that have received a state issued license are NOT allowed on designated multi modal pathways

Golf Cart vs. a 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. They may be driven on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less but may NOT be driven on Village 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

multi-modal pathways vs. Designate Village Roads

DESIGNATED AREAS OF OPERATION 

Where are Golf Carts Allowed?

• Designated Village 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 Village Road? 

A Designated Village 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 Village 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 identified by the Village
4. It is marked by the Village with signs indicating that it is a designated multi modal pathway