Neighborhood Golf Cart Laws in Kentucky

Is it Legal to Drive a Golf Cart on the Road in Kentucky?

Yes. It is legal to drive a golf cart on the road in Kentucky; however, there are a few laws that you should know before you get behind the wheel. With rising gas prices, people around Kentucky are looking for new ways to save on shorter trips. For some, that means getting creative to drive around town. Many are considering using golf carts to get around their properties and small towns. But is it legal?

Can I Drive a Golf Cart Around My Neighborhood?

In Kentucky, it is legal to drive golf carts on streets that have a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour. This includes when you’re driving a golf cart on private property. Additionally, the same rules of the road are in effect when you drive a golf cart through a neighborhood. That means, you can be ticketed for speeding, impeding traffic, improper lane changes, driving under the influence and more.

In order to legally drive a golf cart in Kentucky, you must have a valid Kentucky driver’s license, meaning that you must be 16 years old or older.

Is Insurance Required on a Golf Cart in Kentucky?

Yes. All golf carts that are driven on public streets require liability insurance, at minimum. If you are caught driving a golf cart on public streets and the golf cart is not insured, you may find yourself being ticketed for driving without insurance.

Additionally, if you don’t have insurance on your golf cart, you may be held liable for injuries that occur should you wreck the golf cart and other people are involved. Not being covered can put you under great financial strain in the future, so it’s important to contact your auto insurance provider and get the proper coverage, if you choose to use your golf cart to get around this summer.

Can You Get a DUI on a Golf Cart on Private Property in Kentucky?

Yes. Because driving a golf cart requires you to follow the traffic laws in Kentucky, you can get a DUI when driving intoxicated one private land or public streets. Driving under the influence is a very serious offense in Kentucky, and it is taken seriously whether you’re in a car, truck, or golf cart. Always drink responsibly, and be sure to get a designated driver, even if you’re using your golf cart to get around.

Does a Golf Cart Need to Be Registered in Kentucky?

According to the KRS 189.286, golf carts may be exempt from vehicle registration requirements and emissions compliance. However, rules of the road must still be followed when driving a golf cart in Kentucky.

Can You Get a Ticket for Reckless Driving on a Golf Cart?

Yes. If you are operating a golf cart in Kentucky, you can get a ticket for driving recklessly. Also, you can be held liable for any injuries you cause when you’re driving recklessly on a golf cart in Kentucky. Having liability insurance on your golf cart can help you avoid having to pay damages out of pocket, unless you’re held liable for wanton negligence and a jury decides you owe punitive damages.

What to Do if You Were Injured by a Golf Cart in Kentucky

If you were injured by a golf cart, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that your rights are protected. Make sure you take pictures and videos of the scene, if possible. Document everything you can. If the police or emergency medical services are involved, be sure to file reports that document what happened and how the injury was caused.

Additionally, if you were involved in golf cart crash in Kentucky, contact a accident injury attorney near you. Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers has seen its fair share of cases, and we know how to establish liability in cases like these. Call today for your free case evaluation.