In the last few years, golf carts have become the preferred mode of transport for many communities due to their low environmental impact, ease of use, and affordability. However, carts are often misrepresented as a safer alternative to cars, whereas the reality is they are just as likely to have an accident as a pedestrian or cyclist. Consequently, with an increase in the street use of golf carts comes a corresponding increase in the number of injuries and fatalities of golf cart users.

Why Do I Need Seatbelts in My Cart?

Research suggests that there has been a 130% increase in golf cart-related injuries in the last 17 years. This staggering statistic is due to an increase in motor power, a lack of safety features, and relaxed regulations around low-speed vehicles. Common injuries include soft tissue damage due to falling or being ejected from a vehicle. To keep drivers and passengers safe, carts must be better equipped with features such as seatbelts to keep the driver and passengers secure on the road.

Seatbelts are regulated at the state and federal level, so, to keep driving your cart on the road and to avoid hefty fines, you must have seatbelts installed in your club car.

Federal Seatbelt Laws

Before 1998, seatbelts were not considered a necessary safety addition to slow-moving carts and were deemed an inconvenience for golfers who exit and enter the carts easily and frequently. As carts became more popular as street vehicles, federal laws were amended to classify golf carts as Low-Speed Vehicles (LSV), and, consequently, they are subject to additional regulation.

According to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), an LSV is defined as a vehicle that can reach a top speed of 20 mph, but not more than 25 mph. Should your cart fall into the LSV category, you need to install adequate safety features for it to be road-worthy.

Federal law requires carts be equipped with seatbelts at every designated seating position as well as turn signals, headlights, brake lights, reflectors, a windshield, and a horn. Drivers must also register and insure the vehicle and have a valid driver’s license. Most carts do not come equipped with golf cart seatbelts, so, if you plan on driving your cart on the street, you’ll need to install these to make it street legal.

State Seatbelt Laws

State laws also govern the regulation of golf cart use on public roads, including the installation and use of seatbelts. Currently, there are 24 states which allow localities to regulate the use of golf carts, with an additional five states with golf cart road laws in place.

In general, the state laws echo those of federal regulations. However, for areas where the golf cart is fast becoming the preferred method of transportation, specific laws have been put in place to ensure the safety of users. Here are the laws for some of the states where carts are increasingly popular.

Arizona

Carts intended for use on a golf course may be driven on public roads that do not exceed 35 mph. Carts must be registered, insured, and equipped with headlights, brake lights, and a horn. No specific state LSV seatbelt laws exist, so drivers should comply with federal seatbelt laws for LSVs.

North Carolina

Golf carts are permitted only on secondary streets where the indicated speed is 35 mph or less. Carts not outfitted with lights may only operate during daylight hours. All drivers and passengers must be wearing seatbelts in each designated seating position.

California

In California, there is no state law governing the use of seatbelts in a golf cart. Golf carts may be used only in designated golf cart communities, and each community is responsible for enacting and enforcing laws regarding seatbelts.

Georgia

Since 2004, the state of Georgia has allowed cities and towns throughout the state to govern their citizens using golf carts. There are many communities in Georgia, one of the largest being the Peachtree City, with heavily enforced strict seatbelt laws. Check with your local community for specific laws.

Florida

Florida has one of the largest populations of golf cart owners in the country, and the state government has legislature in place to allow communities to create ordinances for golf cart use. A part of these laws indicate that seatbelt regulation must be a part of those mandates.

For more details on the specific seatbelt laws for low-speed vehicles in your state, check out your state’s information online.

Final Thoughts

Golf carts are a fast, simpler and ecological transportation solution for many communities. However, it is always important to be aware of the potential risks when traveling by cart. Outfit your vehicle with golf cart seatbelts and other safety features to stay safe and compliant with the laws in your area.