In North Carolina, golf carts are legal on certain roads under specific conditions. Knowing where these vehicles can be driven legally is vital if you wish to drive a golf cart around town or are involved in an accident with a golf cart on the streets of North Carolina. Golf carts typically have low maximum speeds, which can make them a hazard on roads with higher speed limits.
While golf carts can potentially create situations in which the odds of a crash are greater, drivers and other occupants of these vehicles are also at increased risk of injury due to the limited safety features in most golf carts. If you were injured in a crash, an experienced Charlotte golf cart accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your losses.
Where Golf Carts Are Permitted In North Carolina
In North Carolina, golf carts are permitted to operate only on secondary streets with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less. However, it should be noted that golf cart drivers may cross roads with higher speed limits as long as they do so at a marked intersection or a permitted crossing point.
This detail allows golf carts to move more freely around their community without sacrificing safety for convenience.
When You Can Drive A Golf Cart On North Carolina Roads
In North Carolina, golf carts are only permitted on streets during daylight hours unless certain lighting conditions are met. If a golf cart is equipped with a minimum of two working headlights and two taillights, the cart can be driven at night. This law helps minimize the risk of accidents at night by increasing visibility.
Licensing And Other Requirements For Driving A Golf Cart On North Carolina Streets
There are several requirements for drivers to legally operate golf carts on the roads of North Carolina. Some of these requirements include the following:
- Being age 16 or older
- Having a valid driver’s license
- Carrying an insurance policy with valid liability coverage specifically for the golf cart you will be operating
- Carrying a copy of the registration certificate for the golf cart issued by the local government
Carrying all your required documents when driving a golf cart on the street is critical. If you are stopped by police while driving a golf cart on a public road in North Carolina, you could face several penalties, including citations, fines, and impoundment of your golf cart.
Registering A Golf Cart In North Carolina
Unlike a standard car, truck, or motorcycle, golf carts are not registered through North Carolina’s Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Instead, registration and regulation of golf carts are handled by local governments in the state.
Because of this, the requirements for owning and operating a golf cart in North Carolina vary throughout the state, with municipalities adopting area-specific ordinances regarding operational guidelines, golf cart inspections, and permit stickers.
Before using a golf cart in your area, get in touch with local law enforcement or the local town hall to ensure you are complying with all applicable legal requirements.
Determining Liability After A Golf Cart Accident
Even if you follow all laws and regulations regarding the safe operation of a golf cart on North Carolina streets, accidents can still happen. If you were involved in a collision and suffered damages, it is critical to understand your legal rights and take action to recover compensation for your losses.
The first step to getting the money you need is to identify who is responsible for your golf cart accident. Once you have identified the liable party, you can file an insurance claim or a golf cart accident lawsuit to recover the compensation you need and deserve for your losses.
Steps To Take After A Golf Cart Accident
After getting in an accident while driving a golf cart, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself. Knowing what to do if you’re in a golf cart accident in North Carolina is essential for minimizing your injuries and recovering fair compensation for your losses. The first things you should do after a crash are seek medical attention and inform local law enforcement.
While waiting for emergency services to arrive at the scene, you should exchange insurance information with any other involved parties and record any observations about the scene, both in writing and by taking pictures. Once you have given a statement to the police and been checked out by paramedics, you should go to the doctor for a more thorough evaluation.
You should then contact an experienced golf cart accident attorney who will handle all the steps of your case, from filing your insurance claim or golf cart accident lawsuit to arguing your case in court.
Insurance Coverage For Golf Carts In North Carolina
Having proper insurance coverage is critical for recovering the compensation you need and deserve in the event of a golf cart accident. An experienced attorney can help you understand what insurance covers golf cart accidents in North Carolina so you can ensure that you are properly covered.
By having the coverage you need, you can protect your financial security in the event of a collision and get the money you need to get your life back on track.
Reach Out To An Experienced Golf Cart Accident Lawyer In North Carolina Today
North Carolina’s laws for how golf carts can be legally operated on the streets of North Carolina are designed to minimize accidents and ensure safety. If you were involved in a collision, the experienced legal team at Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers can help you recover fair compensation for your damages.
Reach out to us today by phone or through our website to schedule a free case review with a member of our legal team.
