Golf Cart & Utility Vehicle Frequently Asked Questions

1. If I have already taken golf cart/utility vehicle safety training, do I have to take it again?
    
2. Do I have to have a valid Driver's License to operate a golf cart/utility vehicle?
    
3. What basic equipment does a golf cart/utility vehicle need to have?
    
4. I have an older golf cart? Do I have to have headlights, taillights and turn signals installed?
    
5. When must my golf cart be equipped with a flashing strobe light?
    
6. When may I operate a golf cart/utility vehicle under a covered walkway (ex. Breezeway)?
    
7. Are golf carts/utility vehicles allowed to be operated off campus?
    
8. What are the golf cart/utility vehicle inspection requirements?
    
9. Am I allowed to offer a ride to faculty, staff, students, or visitors who need assistance?
    
10. What if my vehicle is considered a "low speed vehicle?"
     
11. What are the golf cart/utility vehicle parking requirements?
     
12. What are the charging station requirements?

Answers

1.  If you have already taken golf cart safety training, you do not have to take it again.  You will be sent updated information that covers new information and information that has changed.

[back to top]

2.  Yes.  You must have a valid Driver's License to operate a golf cart/utility vehicle.  If your driver's license is revoked or suspended, you must inform your supervisor and not drive golf carts/utility vehicles until your driving privileges have been restored.

[back to top]

3.  A golf cart must be equipped with the following basic equipment.

(a) A functional horn
(b) A back-up alarm
(c) A rearview mirror
(d) A slow-moving vehicle placard
(e) The vehicle number (T-Number) must be displayed
(f) The name of owning department must be displayed

[back to top]

4.  Golf carts are not required to have headlights, taillights and turn signals unless they will be operated between dusk and daylight. If operated during daylight hours, and your vehicle does not have taillights and turn signals you must use hand signals.

[back to top]

5.  Golf carts to be used primarily in parking lots are required to be equipped with flashing strobe lights.

[back to top]

6.  Golf carts/utility vehicles may only operate under covered walkways in the following cases:

 [back to top]

7.  No.  Not usually.  Exceptions include the Community Parade at Jupiter or other case by case approvals by EH&S.

[back to top]

8.  Golf carts/utility vehicles must be inspected annually by a qualified service technician.  Golf carts/utility vehicles shall not be operated if any inspection item fails, until such time as the inspection item has been repaired by a qualified technician. A copy of the repair bill must be attached to the inspection form as proof of correction. Departments must keep inspection and maintenance records for their golf carts/utility vehicles for 3 years or until they no longer own the cart/vehicle.

[back to top]

9.  Golf cart/utility vehicle operators may offer assistance to those in need provided the operator is in compliance with the requirements of these policy and procedures and the vehicle is operated on University grounds for University purposes.

[back to top]

10.  Low speed vehicles are vehicles intended to be operated in excess of 15 miles per hour.  They shall be equipped with specific safety features that include, but are not limited to seat belts, windshields, headlights, brake lights and rear-view mirrors. All speed limits shall be observed.

[back to top]

11.  Golf cart/utility vehicle parking requirements include:

• Golf carts shall not be parked and/or operated so as to impede or interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic flow on roadways, ramps or sidewalks. 
• Except in emergencies, golf carts/utility vehicles shall not park within 20 feet of an entrance or exit to any building, except at loading docks. 
• When the cart or utility vehicle is not in use, the operator must set the parking brake and remove the key.
• Building administrators may further prohibit golf cart/utility vehicle parking immediately surrounding their buildings if warranted. 
• Departments are responsible for establishing appropriate parking locations for their golf carts/utility vehicles and and for all costs associated with establishing appropriate parking locations.

[back to top]

12.  Golf cart/utility vehicle charging station requirements include:

• Departments are responsible for establishing appropriate charging stations for golf carts/utility vehicles and for all costs associated with establishing appropriate parking locations and charging stations for their golf carts/utility vehicles.
• Installation of charging stations must be coordinated through Facilities.
• Charging station installations shall comply with the following requirements:
  • The complete installation shall meet NEC requirements, including wiring, conduit, switches, etc.
  • All outdoor receptacles will need to be GFI protected.  (GFI branch circuit breaker preferred)
  • Since chargers are normally unattended, use of receptacle covers that are weatherproof whether the charger is plugged in or not should be standard (fig. 1), even though in some locations NEC allows use of receptacle covers that are only weatherproof when the charger is unplugged (fig. 2).
  • in use type receptacle covers should be standard, even though the NEC allows covers that are not weatherproof  with attachment plug caps inserted in the receptacles in damp locations.
  • All wiring (indoor and outdoor) should be in appropriate conduit.
  • Indoor receptacles should have non weatherproof covers.
  • The chargers should be adequately protected against weather and wash down.
  • Battery chargers will need to be UL listed for the application and location intended.
  • The installation will need to completed in a “neat and workmanlike manner”. (NEC article 110.12).
  • Periodic inspections should be performed to ensure the  installation remains safe. (Overall visual and functional operation of GFI devices)
  • Use of extension cords is prohibited.
    

[back to top]