Sharing the Road with Golf Carts
The weather will soon be warmer, and the golf carts and low-speed vehicles are beginning to fill the roads and parking lots in Panama City Beach.
And as Spring Break approaches, there will be more and more of these low-speed vehicles – filled with happy visitors – in our local traffic.
If you’re planning a visit to the area, you’ll need to know a little bit about driving these vehicles and about driving on the road WITH these vehicles.
Why do so many visitors drive them?
The main reason is: THEY’RE FUN!
The open-air ride adds an enjoyment factor when visitors are crusing around Panama City.
The vehicles are generally easy to operate, and they can comfortably carry more passengers than most cars.
These vehicles are also economical to operate and less expensive than rental cars.
And they will fit in tight parking spaces easily.
Although the city passed a rule that no more than 300 of these vehicles can be rented out at one time, there are usually plenty of rentals available for visitors.
Understanding Golf Carts and Low-Speed Vehicles
Golf carts are actually considered a type of motor vehicle but they’re specifically designed and made for use on golf courses, whether you’re playing a round or just out for some recreational fun. They’re not built to go faster than 20 miles per hour, so they may frustrate other drivers on the road who are in a hurry.
Every golf cart is required to have some important safety features like efficient brakes, reliable steering, safe tires, a rearview mirror, and red reflectorized warning devices on the front and rear. These features help ensure that you can drive the cart safely and avoid any potential accidents.
If you plan on driving a golf cart outside of designated neighborhoods, you’ll need to make sure it’s equipped with some additional features. For example, if you’re driving after sunset, you’ll need functioning headlights, brake lights, tail lights, turn signals, and a windshield. This will help you see and be seen while you’re driving.
Low-speed vehicles are four-wheeled vehicles that can go a bit faster than golf carts – their top speed is between 20 and 25 miles per hour.
So, they’re not quite as speedy as regular cars, but they’re faster than your average golf cart.
These types of vehicles are often used for short commutes or in areas where a full-sized car isn’t really necessary.
These vehicles are designed to operate on streets where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. That means you’ll need to stay within those speed limits and make sure you’re not driving too fast.
It’s also important to remember that if you’re driving a low-speed vehicle, you’ll need to have a valid driver’s license. This helps ensure that you’re qualified to operate the vehicle safely and responsibly.
When it comes to safety equipment, a low-speed vehicle needs to have a variety of features like
- Headlamps
- Stop lamps
- Turn signal lamps
- Tail lamps
- Reflex reflectors
- Parking brakes
- Rearview mirrors
- Windshield
- Seat belts
- Vehicle identification number This will help you see and be seen while you’re driving, and make sure that you’re driving as safely as possible.
The low-speed vehicle must be registered and insured.
Golf Cart Restrictions in Panama City Beach
- Golf carts may not be driven on the roads between sunset and sunrise in Panama City Beach.
- Low-speed vehicles may be driven after dark if all the safety equipment is working properly.
- These vehicles may only be driven by licensed drivers.
- These vehicles are prohibited on Back Beach Road (Highway 98) and Middle Beach Road (Hutchison Boulevard).
Rules for Other Drivers
It is important to give the low-speed vehicles the same space and consideration you would give any other vehicle on the road.
You should be courteous and patient when driving behind or beside these vehicles.
Also, there are often children riding on these vehicles, so keep an eye out … there have been incidents where kids fell off these vehicles, onto the road.
Just remember, we’re all here for the fun and beauty of Panama City Beach. Sharing the road courteously adds to everyone’s enjoyment!