GENERAL INFORMATION

Golf carts are defined as motor vehicles (gas and electric powered) that are designed to operate on a golf course or for sporting or recreation. They should not exceed 20 mph in our community. These vehicles may only be operated in residential areas where the posted speed limit is 25 mph or less. A driver’s license is required for all golf cart drivers in the Astor Forest Campsites and Blue Creek subdivisions of Astor, Florida. Our Golf Cart Designated Area starts on River Road off State Road 40, but does not include SR 40.

All golf carts must be equipped with efficient brakes, a reliable steering apparatus, safe tires, a rearview mirror and reflective devices in both the front and rear of the vehicle.

To operate at night or before sunrise, your golf cart must also be equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, a windshield and reflective warning devices on the sides of the cart. For safety and visibility, headlights should be used 30 minutes before sunset and 30 minutes after sunrise. Headlights should also be used during inclement weather.

Property owners are responsible for informing renters or guests of the rules and regulations governing the use of golf carts in our community.

RULES OF THE ROAD (State of Florida & Lake County Statutes)

• Golf carts must follow the same traffic laws as cars, including regulatory signs and the use of directional and hand signals when making turns.
• The golf cart operator can be issued a traffic citation in the same manner as the of any vehicle.
• Operators of golf carts on our community roads and streets must posses a valid driver’s license.
• As with all vehicles, golf cart operators are prohibited from driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Please don’t drink drunk.
• Do not stand in or on a golf cart while it is in motion.
• Golf carts must yield to all other vehicular traffic in ALL cases.
• Golf carts are not permitted to travel on sidewalks or through personal property of residents without permission. Citations can be given for violations.

CAUTION & SAFETY FIRST

These safety guidelines are provided for informational purposes and to help you and your neighbors enjoy the use of your golf carts. Please remember that your golf cart was not designed to share the roadway with larger vehicles such as cars and trucks. In the event of a collision, you will have as much protection as you would if you were riding a motorcycle or bicycle. Each golf cart owner is responsible for ensuring that he/she is properly insured in the event of a mishap.

Vehicles not included in the golf cart designation: These guidelines are intended for the use of golf carts and do not address the use of other utility or all-terrain vehicles or motor bikes.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Many manufacturers use standard keys for individual golf carts. Extra precautions should be taken when locking your golf cart in public places. A locksmith may modify or replace the golf cart locking device for your protection.
• It is an industry estimate that a fully charged electric golf cart can travel 20 miles. Be sure to know the range of your golf cart before traveling on public streets. A state of charge gauge in highly recommended.
• The Lake County Sheriff’s Department strongly recommends that golf cart owners permanently attach owner/emergency information and any operational restrictions on the inside of the cart.