How Do Golf Carts Differ From LSVs?
Golf carts are leisure vehicles that are meant to be driven on golf courses, or over short distances for convenience. Typically, they travel at below twenty mph.
Although LSVs are neighborhood vehicles that resemble golf carts, they are occasionally referred to as neighborhood electric vehicles, or street legal carts.
The main way that these two vehicles differ is that LSVs have parking brakes, turn signals, seatbelts, headlights, rearview mirrors and vehicle ID numbers.
Furthermore, LSVs can travel faster than twenty mph. They are able to reach speeds of roughly thirty-five mph or more. As a result, they are handy when you need to get somewhere quicker.
Colorado Golf Cart Laws
The Age of Drivers
Colorado drivers have to be fourteen or older to get behind the wheel of a cart. You are permitted to drive these carts without owning a driving license.
Driving Distances and Nighttime Driving
In Colorado, you are allowed to drive golf carts at a speed of fifteen mph or under. In addition, these carts are banned from streets and roads, unless a golf course is close to your house. Nighttime driving of carts is forbidden, unless your vehicle has reflectors and a headlamp installed.
The Documents you Should Have With You
A driving license is not necessary to operate a cart. Nonetheless, you do require a traffic citation that assist you in obeying the traffic rules. Moreover, you should know the correct hand signals to use for pedestrians and other motorists.
Alcoholic Drinks
Getting behind the wheel of a cart while under the influence of alcohol is forbidden. Carts should be regarded as motor vehicles, so you have to be completely sober while operating them. This protects the safety of all road users — yourself included.
Culpability When Underage Drivers get Into Accidents
When juvenile drivers have accidents while operating carts, their guardians or parents are held accountable. All parents should ensure the safety of their children. For this reason, children younger than fourteen are not permitted to drive golf carts in Colorado.
Colorado LSV Laws
The Equipment LSVs Require to Comply With the Law
To be legally compliant, LSVs have to be safe for use on busy streets. They require a windshield, headlights, brake lights, rear lights, a safety belt and individual vehicle ID numbers.
The Age of Drivers
You should be legally old enough and own a driving license, before driving an LSV. An LSV is classed as a motor vehicle, so it can be used on highways and streets.
Driving Distances and Nighttime Driving
LSVs can be operated at nighttime, because they have rear backlights and headlamps. This means that they are safe, because other motorists can spot them at a distance. In Colorado, LSVs operate at a maximum speed of twenty-five mph.
The Documents you Should Have With You
Because you have to be legally old enough to operate a cart, you must carry your driving license with you. Furthermore, you must observe and abide by the traffic laws.
Alcoholic Drinks
You should always drive an LSV while sober. If you are caught driving while intoxicated, you can go to jail. This protects the safety of road users and pedestrians.
Culpability When Underage Drivers get Into Accidents
When drivers who are underage have accidents while using LSVs, their parents or guardians are held accountable. It is every parent’s responsibility to protect the safety of their children.
Registering an LSV With the Motor Vehicles Department
LSVs have to be insured and titled, in line with Colorado state rules. In addition, vehicles have to pass an inspection, to ensure that they are safe for road use.
To register your vehicle, you must be a licensed motorist. Moreover, your vehicle will require license plates so it can be identified.
Final Thoughts
Operating an LSV or golf cart makes it simpler to travel shorter distances. Furthermore, it’s a handy way to travel if you are not a car owner. Make sure you abide by the LSV and golf cart laws in Colorado.
