The Village Council of North Palm Beach recently created a new ordinance allowing golf carts to be driven legally on Village-owned streets. Florida State law forbids the use of a golf cart on any public street unless the local government passes an ordinance specifically for local roads. Under state law, golf carts are defined as "a motor vehicle that is designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course ... and is not capable of exceeding 20 miles an hour." 

It is a great experience driving through the Village of North Palm Beach on golf carts or low-speed vehicle. One must remember to always drive carefully and be considerate of your neighbors. Also, if you use a vehicle on the golf course, please stay on the paths as much as possible keeping the greens and dunes looking great.

Resident golf carts have been driving Village streets for decades, but the new ordinance now makes it legal. Drivers must be at least 14 years old.  Please note that Northlake Boulevard, U.S. 1, Alternate A1A and Prosperity Farms Road are not Village-owned streets, so the new ordinance does not apply to them.  Visit www.VillageofNPB.org for more details. 

A low-speed vehicle looks like a golf cart.  It is defined as “any four-wheeled vehicle whose top speed is greater than 20 miles per hour but not greater than 25 miles per hour.” Golf carts are low-speed vehicles however low speed vehicles have higher safety standards than traditional golf carts. They have numerous safety equipment requirements, insurance requirements, and can be driven only by licensed drivers.

Low-Speed Vehicles must be equipped with:

       1.  Headlamps

      2.   Windshield

      3. Front and rear turn signals

      4. Taillamps

      5. Stop lamps

      6. Reflex reflectors, red – one on each side and one on the rear

      7. Exterior mirror on the driver side and an interior mirror                 

      8. Parking brake

      9. Seatbelt for each designated seat

    10. Vehicle identification number