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Under Oklahoma law, golf carts are generally not street legal, but certain exceptions may apply. For example, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department employees may use Department-owned vehicles within state park boundaries during daylight hours.
Local authorities may also adopt ordinances permitting the use of golf carts on public roads. However, anyone wishing to operate a golf cart on public roads must follow state and municipal regulations, including lighting and safety requirements. Golf cart users are allowed to cross a state highway perpendicularly in these areas.
In counties where the board of county commissioners approves it, golf carts can be operated on roads in unincorporated areas. The road must have a speed limit of 25 miles per hour (mph) or less and signs warning drivers of the possibility of golf cart traffic.
Because many people use golf carts as a means of transportation within their neighborhoods, Oklahoma residents should familiarize themselves with these state laws and local ordinances. Whether you own a golf cart or simply encounter them occasionally in your community, knowing the rules regarding the street legality of golf carts can help you understand your rights if you are involved in a collision. Working with an experienced Oklahoma personal injury attorney can help you optimize your path to compensation for your injury-related losses.
Do You Need a License to Drive a Golf Cart on Public Roads?
The state has no specific licensing requirements for golf cart drivers. However, some municipalities, such as Watonga, stipulate that a valid operator’s license is necessary to operate a golf cart on public roads. An unlicensed golf cart driver may face legal penalties in parts of the state where this is required.
Is Insurance Required to Operate a Golf Cart on the Street?
While the statute governing golf carts in Oklahoma has no specific insurance requirement, some local ordinances may require golf cart drivers or owners to carry a liability insurance policy. Even in areas where insurance is not required for golf carts, owners and drivers should seriously consider purchasing a policy that will protect them in the event of a crash. Some policies might not offer coverage if someone operates their golf cart off the golf course, so additional coverage might be required.
Are There Age Limits on Who Can Drive a Golf Cart in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma has no laws at the state level regarding age requirements for driving a golf cart. However, as some municipalities require golf cart drivers to carry a valid driver’s license, such areas may have an effective minimum age of 16.
It is worth noting that parents may be legally liable if their minor child causes an accident while driving a golf cart.
What Is the Difference Between a Golf Cart and a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV)?
While golf carts and low-speed vehicles (LSVs) share several similarities, their primary difference is their intended purpose. Golf carts are designed primarily for use on the golf course. Low-speed vehicles, on the other hand, are designed to be street-legal.
Under federal law, an LSV cannot have a maximum speed over 25 mph. The law also requires that LSVs have a unique vehicle identification number (VIN) and be equipped with the following:
- A parking brake
- Seat belts
- Turn signals
- Headlights
- Brake lights
- Taillights
- Reflex reflectors
- Exterior mirrors
- A windshield
Do Local Ordinances Govern Golf Cart Use?
In addition to state laws, municipalities have the jurisdiction to permit, regulate, or prohibit the use of golf carts on public roads. Sometimes, they might bar golf cart drivers from accessing certain areas or routes. They might also enforce additional safety equipment, registration, permitting, or insurance requirements.
For example, in Cushing:
- A golf cart must only be operated during daylight hours.
- The golf cart must have functioning daytime running lights, brake lights, and turn signals.
- The golf cart must be equipped with a parking brake, manufacturer’s identification number, rearview mirror, horn, and seat belts.
- A golf cart must be covered by liability insurance.
- Golf cart operators must have a valid auto driver’s license.
Other municipalities, such as Edmond, ban the use of golf carts on local streets or public sidewalks without exception.
Even if you are an Oklahoma resident who lives in a golf-cart-friendly area, you should always check local laws before driving your golf cart in another part of the state.
Do Private Communities Have Different Rules for Golf Carts?
While using golf carts on public roads is a matter for state and local ordinances, gated communities and private neighborhoods tend to be governed by homeowner’s associations (HOAs) or property management companies. In most cases, the association will have its own rules for using golf carts within the area. You should always check to avoid any doubt.
Contact an Oklahoma Golf Cart Accident Lawyer
While golf carts are small vehicles with a relatively low maximum speed, being involved in a golf cart accident can cause devastating injuries. Golf carts lack the protection of traditional passenger vehicles, making them vulnerable to consequences such as severe head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and organ damage. Pedestrians and bicyclists can even sustain life-altering injuries in golf cart collisions. The result can be significant and long-lasting medical challenges and financial upheaval.
At Edwards & Patterson Law, we understand how disruptive a golf cart accident can be to every aspect of your life. With a thorough knowledge of the state laws and local ordinances governing golf cart use, we can offer you legal insights to help pursue the compensation you deserve. We can also:
- Conduct a thorough investigation to determine what happened and who was at fault for the collision
- Calculate the total financial value of your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering
- Negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurer for a fair settlement
- Take your case to court if necessary
Attorneys Tony Edwards and Matthew Patterson have over 50 combined years of experience fighting to recover millions on behalf of injured Oklahoma residents. Let our skilled personal injury attorneys give you the support and advocacy you deserve at this challenging time. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation with Edwards & Patterson Law. We Care. We Fight. We Win.
