Most US states require golf cart drivers to be at least 14-16 years old on public roads. On private property (like a golf course), the rules vary. Many courses allow younger teens to drive carts with an adult present.
Age requirements by state
| State | Minimum age (public roads) | License required? |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | 14 | No (but must follow local rules) |
| California | 16 | Yes (valid driver's license) |
| Texas | 16 | Yes |
| Georgia | 12 (with adult), 16 alone | Varies by county |
| South Carolina | 16 | Yes |
| Arizona | 16 | Yes |
| North Carolina | 16 | Yes |
| New York | 16 | Yes |
This table covers the most common states. Local cities and counties often have their own rules on top of state law. Check your local regulations before driving a cart on public streets.
On the golf course
Golf courses set their own rules. Most courses allow passengers of any age but require drivers to be at least 14-16. Some resort courses require 18. Private clubs may have different policies.
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Common course rules:
- Driver must have a valid driver's license (most common requirement)
- Some courses require a signed waiver for drivers under 18
- Cart paths only on wet days (no age exception)
- Speed limits: 15 mph is typical
Public roads vs private property
On private property (your own land, a golf community, a gated development), state laws generally don't apply. The property owner sets the rules. In golf-cart communities like The Villages in Florida, residents as young as 14 drive carts regularly.
On public roads, golf carts are treated as low-speed vehicles (LSVs). Most states limit them to roads with speed limits of 25-35 mph. Requirements usually include:
- Headlights and taillights
- Turn signals
- Mirrors
- Seatbelts (some states)
- VIN/registration (some states)
Do you need a driver's license?
On public roads: almost always yes. On a golf course: most courses accept any form of valid ID showing you meet their age minimum, or they simply ask your age.
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In Florida, no license is needed for golf carts on designated golf-cart roads, but you must be at least 14. In California and Texas, you need a valid license because the cart is considered a motor vehicle on public roads.
Safety for young drivers
- Golf carts tip over more easily than cars. Sharp turns at speed are the #1 cause of cart accidents.
- Keep arms and legs inside the cart at all times.
- Don't let passengers ride on the back step or stand while the cart is moving.
- Slow down on slopes and around blind corners.
For more on golf carts, see our complete golf carts guide and golf cart battery lifespan guide.
