Golf carts are typically used on golf courses and are considered low-speed, off-highway vehicles in California. The use of a golf cart and other off-highway vehicles usually extends past the golf course. However, there are some restrictions on where you can use the carts and what they are intended for. Riding or driving a golf cart can become very dangerous when operated incorrectly. In a study about the increasing use of golf carts and the dangers to children driving these vehicles, it was found that more than a hundred cases of children ages 17 and under suffered traumatic injuries following a golf cart accident.
It is essential to understand off-highway vehicle laws in California and why golf carts may not be appropriate for children to drive and operate independently. At the Law Offices of JG Winter, our attorney knows and understands the difficulties that traumatic injuries may bring, especially in the case of TBI accidents. Continue reading to discover more about California’s golf cart laws and why children shouldn’t drive golf carts alone.
Off-Highway Vehicle Laws in California
Any motor vehicle that is operated off the highway, such as a golf cart, may be used on the road at low speeds. When golf carts are operated on public and open lands, where permitted, they must be registered and have an OHV registration sticker issued by the DMV. Golf carts are intended to be operated at no more than a 15 mph speed limit. Driving a golf cart is done at a low speed because of the typical winding turns and unlevel ground there may be on the golf course. When driving a cart, it is crucial to follow safety precautions and recommendations based on the intended use. If a golf cart tips over when making a sharp turn, or gets into an auto accident on low-speed streets, there is risk of serious injury for all passengers.
Is It Against the Law to Allow a Child to Drive a Golf Cart?
Previously, the legal age limit to operate a golf cart in California was 13 years old, which is now outdated. California Vehicle Code Section 21715 requires drivers to be at least 14-16, depending on location, with proper licensing.
Current Legal Age Requirements
The legal age to operate a golf cart in California depends on where the cart is being operated:
- Public roads: Minimum age 16 years old with a valid driver’s license (California Vehicle Code Section 21715)
- Private property (Golf courses, Gated communities): Minimum age 14 years old with parental supervision and either a learner’s permit or a valid driver’s license
- Children under 14: Prohibited from operating golf carts in all circumstances
While state law provides the baseline, California counties and cities have implemented specific regulations:
| County/Area | Age Requirement | Key Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Orange County (Leisure World) | 16+ with license (public); 14+ (private) | Unregistered carts permitted within the community; restricted public road crossings |
| Riverside County | 16+ with license | Golf carts can cross Highway 111 at designated intersections only |
| San Diego County | 16+ with license | Must comply with local municipal codes; many communities restrict use |
| Los Angeles County | 16+ with license | Highly restricted; most municipalities prohibit street use except in designated zones |
| Sacramento Area | 16+ with license | Limited to low-speed streets; community-specific rules apply |
To operate a golf cart, an individual must use an appropriately sized vehicle where they show no difficulty in safely reaching the controls and pedals. When parents permit their child under 13 years of age to operate an inappropriately-sized OHV, they may receive a citation. It is also hazardous for children to drive an OHV vehicle such as a golf cart because they may suffer severe and traumatic injury in an accident.
Why Children Should Not Drive Golf Carts
Golf carts may appear harmless and easy to use since they are low-speed vehicles. However, a golf cart accident can occur in many ways and can lead to severe injuries, especially for children involved. When in use, golf carts must not carry more than two people, including the driver. Unfortunately, a consumer report from 2017 reported that children and seniors represent nearly 60 percent of all golf cart accident victims.
Reasons a golf cart accident may occur include:
- Sharp turns
- Distracted driving
- Too much weight in the cart
- Accidents or collisions at a crosswalk
- Golf course collisions
- Lack of experience
- Night driving and low visibility
- Other causes and types of accidents
Motorized vehicles may attract young children and teens because of their apparent ease of use. Although using motorized carts or cars that do not require seat belts and protective gear can result in traumatic injuries. Operating golf carts does not require helmets or seat belts, and there are limitations to how many people can ride a golf cart at a time. For children, bodily injury may occur because of the lack of safety gear and the high chance of being ejected from the cart in a collision or accident.
Types of Golf Cart Accident Injuries
Golf carts that are made to travel on roadways may reach speeds up to 25 mph. On a golf course, carts are intended for use at a speed of up to 15 mph, but may easily increase speed because of sharp turns and an unevenly leveled course. Considering the weight, speed, small wheels, and other factors of golf cart use, accidents can lead to severe injuries, especially for inexperienced children and small kids who cannot safely reach the controls or pedals.
Golf cart accident injuries to children may include:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Most common, affecting long-term cognitive function
- Bone fractures and breaks: Account for 20% of pediatric golf cart injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Laceration
- Head and spinal cord injury
- Concussions
- Internal organ injury
- Paralysis and amputations: Nearly 500 documented amputations
- Other types of injuries and catastrophic damage
Increased use of golf carts among children has been seen in recent years. Many of the injuries they have suffered range from superficial to traumatic damage to the brain. The impact of these injuries doesn’t end in the hospital. Many childhood traumatic brain injury victims find long-term effects that reach adulthood. It is important for parents to be cautious and aware of local laws and regulations for golf cart use and how to best protect their children if they are riding as a passenger.
National Golf Cart Injury Statistics
Over 15,000 emergency room visits annually for golf cart-related injuries
- 31% of all golf cart injuries involve children under 16
- 60% of injured children suffer traumatic brain injuries (3x higher rate than adults)
- 6,500+ children are injured annually in the United States
- 130% increase in golf cart injuries over the past 17 years
- 41% of injured children are ejected from the vehicle during accidents
Real Case Examples: Golf Cart Accidents in California
These cases demonstrate how quickly a golf cart accident can result in serious or fatal injuries:
Case 1: 14-Year-Old Rollover – High-Speed Racing
A 14-year-old was racing a golf cart at an estimated 50 mph when it rolled over. The impact ejected the child from the vehicle, causing severe back and shoulder injuries, a concussion, and requiring months of physical therapy.
Key Lesson: Children lack judgment about appropriate speeds and peer pressure leads to dangerous decisions.
Case 2: 15-Year-Old Curve Loss of Control
A 15-year-old took a curve too fast, lost control of the cart, and caused it to flip. The driver sustained a fractured elbow requiring surgery.
Key Lesson: Even small errors in judgment can result in serious injuries. Golf carts are prone to tipping.
Was Your Child Injured in a Golf Cart Accident?
Don’t Wait – Get Legal Help Today
Golf cart injuries can result in traumatic brain injuries, fractures, permanent disability, and lifelong complications. If your child was injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
FAQs About Kids Driving a Golf Cart
You must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license to operate a golf cart on public roads. On private property, the minimum age is 14 with parental supervision and either a learner’s permit or a driver’s license. Children under 14 are prohibited from operating golf carts.
The most common injuries include traumatic brain injuries (60% of cases), bone fractures, soft tissue damage, ejection injuries, and in severe cases, amputations and spinal injuries. Long-term effects often include cognitive and developmental delays.
Seek medical attention immediately, document the scene with photos and witness information, report the accident to authorities, preserve all evidence, and contact a personal injury attorney before speaking with insurance companies.
Yes. If you allowed your child to operate a golf cart contrary to law, or failed to provide proper supervision, you could be held liable. Golf courses, rental companies, and other operators may also be liable if they failed to maintain the vehicle or provide proper warnings.
The statute of limitations is generally 2 years from the date of injury. For minors, the clock may not start until they turn 18. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after an injury occurs.
Compensation depends on the severity of injuries, medical expenses, and liability. Cases may include damages for medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, rehabilitation, and in cases of permanent disability, lifelong care costs.
Consult With a Sacramento TBI Attorney After a Golf Cart Accident
Many people believe that golf carts are smaller and safer cars since they are ridden at low speeds. However, driving golf carts can become very dangerous because of the lack of safety gear and other factors. Children in recent years who have suffered golf cart accident injuries endured serious brain or head injuries.
At the Law Offices of J.G. Winter, we understand the frightening and stressful events that lead to unfortunate accidents. In Sacramento, the permitted use of golf carts allows many people to enjoy a day of golf or local transportation within a community. When accidents occur, your life or an injured child’s life may change drastically. To consult with our Sacramento personal injury attorney and understand the next steps following a golf cart accident, you can fill out a contact form or give us a call at (844) 734-2626.
