Palm Harbor Expanded Golf Cart Zone FAQs

Pinellas County has expanded the boundaries in which golf carts are allowed on certain roadways in downtown Palm Harbor. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions pertaining to Palm Harbor.

 

Where can I drive my golf cart?

 

What are the rules for operating a golf cart?

 

Are seat belts required on a golf cart?

 

Can I receive a traffic ticket in a golf cart?

 

Do the same rules apply to Neighborhood Electric Vehicles?

 

To whom should I report improper golf cart operation?

 

Where can I drive my golf cart?

• Golf carts may operate on roadways within the following boundaries (as depicted in the map below) and where signage has been posted to alert the public and law enforcement of the boundaries where golf carts are permitted.

   

  • Original boundaries:
    • North boundary: Delaware Avenue from Palm Harbor Blvd. to 16th Street (YMCA of the Suncoast – Greater Palm Harbor Branch and the Palm Harbor Community Activity Center).
    • East boundary: 16th Street (YMCA of the Suncoast – Greater Palm Harbor Branch and the Palm Harbor Community Activity Center) south to Ohio Avenue.
    • South boundary: Virginia Avenue from Palm Harbor Blvd. east to 15th Street.
    • West boundary: Palm Harbor Blvd. from Virginia Avenue north to Delaware Avenue.

   

  • Expanded boundaries:
    • North boundary: Delaware Avenue from Palm Harbor Blvd. to 19th Street, excluding Westlake Village.
    • East boundary: 19th Street south to Tampa Road, including Patty Anne Acres.
    • South boundary: Virginia Avenue from Palm Harbor Blvd. east to Omaha Street, down Omaha Street to Tampa Road. Tampa Road from Omaha Street to Belcher Road.
    • West boundary: Palm Harbor Blvd. from Delaware Avenue south to Virginia Avenue. Omaha Street from Virginia Avenue south to Tampa Road.

 

• Golf carts may only cross state roads and certain county roads at locations that have been specifically designated and have designated signage for golf cart crossings (also depicted in the map below).

 

• Golf carts are not permitted anywhere on the Pinellas Trail.

 

• Operation of golf carts upon public sidewalks is expressly prohibited, except where authorized under the Americans with Disabilities Act or otherwise by law.

 

 

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What are the rules for operating a golf cart?

• Golf carts may only be operated by a person possessing a valid driver’s license.

 

• Golf carts must be incapable of exceeding 20 mph.

 

• Golf carts must be equipped with the following for use during any hour:

   

  • efficient brakes

   

  • reliable steering apparatus

   

  • safe tires

   

  • a rearview mirror

   

  • red reflectorized warning devices in both the front and rear

 

• If operated during the hours between sunset and sunrise, golf carts must be equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield.

 

• In addition to obeying all traffic laws, golf carts must yield to other vehicular traffic in all cases.

 

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Are seat belts required on a golf cart?

• Although advisable, golf carts are not required to have seat belts or child restraints when operated in designated unincorporated areas of the Palm Harbor Neighborhood Area.

 

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Can I receive a traffic ticket in a golf cart?

• Yes, traffic laws apply to golf carts in much the same way as they do to automobiles. For example, you can get the same driving under the influence (DUI) citation under Section 316.193, Fla. Stat. The golf cart driver also can be cited for other traffic violations, such as running a stop sign or failure to yield, etc. These citations can result in fines and points against your license.

 

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Do the same traffic rules apply to Low Speed Vehicles/Neighborhood Electric Vehicles?

• State law distinguishes between the operation of golf carts and Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs)/Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs). Golf carts are only street legal within designated golf cart zones, while LSV/NEVs are street legal on all Pinellas County roads where the posted speed limit is 35mph or less. In addition to all golf cart rules, LSV/NEVs must be registered and insured. They must also be equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, reflectors, parking brakes, rear view mirror, windshields, seat belts and they must have a Vehicle Identification Number. A valid driver’s license is required to operate any golf cart or LSV/NEV on the streets of Pinellas County.

 

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To whom should I report improper golf cart operation?

• Unlawful or improper golf cart operation should be reported to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s North District Office Patrol Line: 727-582-6900 (non-emergency) or 9-1-1 for an emergency.

 

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