Santa Rosa Beach is a beautiful beach town in Florida that is popular with tourists and locals alike. Golf carts are a popular mode of transportation along Scenic Highway 30A, and many short term rentals offer golf carts as a bonus feature. There’s something so relaxing about hopping onto a golf cart and relaxing en route to the nearest restaurant or beach access.
However, while golf carts are one of the most popular perks to traveling 30A, there are a few rules and regulations that you need to be aware of before driving.
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Street legal (must be street legal) golf carts are a popular way to get around this beautiful stretch of the Florida panhandle. They’re a fun and convenient way to explore the area, and they’re a great way to get some fresh air and exercise.
However, there are a few things you need to know about driving a street legal golf cart on 30A. First, it’s important to make sure that your golf cart is actually street legal. To be street legal, a golf cart must meet certain requirements, such as having headlights, taillights, turn signals, a rearview mirror, a windshield, reflectors, and a parking brake. It must also be registered with the Walton County Tax Collector’s Office and have a valid license plate and registration decal.
Once you’ve confirmed that your golf cart is street legal, you need to be aware of the rules and regulations that apply to driving a golf cart on 30A. For example, golf carts are not allowed to be driven on Highway 98. They are also not allowed to be driven on bike paths or sidewalks.
In addition to the general rules and regulations, there are also some specific restrictions that apply to driving a golf cart in certain 30A beach towns. For example, Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach have strict restrictions on where golf carts can be parked and driven. If you’re planning on driving your golf cart in these towns, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the specific rules and regulations that apply.
I know that driving a street legal golf cart on 30A can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to be safe and to follow the rules. By doing so, you can help to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.
Rules and Regulations
The following are the rules and regulations for driving a street legal golf cart in Santa Rosa Beach:
- Golf carts are only allowed on county-maintained roads with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less.
- Golf carts must be registered with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.
- Golf cart drivers must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license.
- Golf carts must have a headlight, taillight, brake light, and turn signals.
- Golf carts must have a horn or bell.
- Golf carts must have a seatbelt for the driver.
- Golf carts are not allowed on U.S. Highway 98 or any other state or federal highways.
- Golf carts are not allowed to cross railroad tracks.
- Golf carts are not allowed to travel in the left lane of a two-lane road.
- Golf carts are not allowed to travel more than 20 miles per hour.
If you violate any of these laws, you could be fined up to $500.
Tips for Driving Safely
In addition to following the rules and regulations, there are a few tips that you can follow to drive a street legal golf cart safely in Santa Rosa Beach:
- Pull off the road when there is a car behind you. Let them pass as the golf carts do not reach the speed limit and they are slowing down those that live here and need to get to work.
- Do NOT ever take a golf cart onto US Highway 98. Lots of folks try and end up getting ticketed by Walton County Police.
- Ask your landlord or property manager to highlight any recent golf cart restrictions in your vicinity.
- Be aware of your surroundings and drive defensively.
- Obey all traffic laws.
- Don’t drink and drive.
- Don’t overload your golf cart.
- Wear a helmet if you are under 18 years old.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience driving your golf cart in Santa Rosa Beach.
Street Legal vs Non-Street Legal Golf Carts
There are a few key differences between the rules and regulations for street legal golf carts and non-street legal golf carts near 30A in Santa Rosa Beach.
Street Legal Golf Carts
- Must be registered with the Walton County Tax Collector’s Office.
- Must have a valid license plate and registration decal.
- Must have headlights, taillights, turn signals, a rearview mirror, a windshield, reflectors, and a parking brake.
- Must be operated by a driver who is at least 16 years old and has a valid driver’s license.
- Passengers must wear seat belts at all times.
- May not be operated on any roads with a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour.
- May not be operated on any bike paths or sidewalks.
Non-Street Legal Golf Carts
- May not be operated on any public roads or highways.
- May only be operated on private property with the permission of the property owner.
- May not be operated on any bike paths or sidewalks.
These are just some of the rules and regulations that may apply to golf carts in Santa Rosa Beach. It is always best to check with the local authorities for the most up-to-date information.
Have fun & keep safe
Driving a golf cart in Santa Rosa Beach can be a fun and convenient way to get around. However, it is important to be aware of the rules and regulations before you hit the road. By following the rules and tips outlined in this blog article, you can help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
