Date: 8/12, 2010

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Dear Residents,

From time to time, questions are raised by members of the Ponte Vedra Community Association that may be of interest to the broader community.  Recently, two such issues were raised.  The first was a request to clarify the rules governing the operation of golf carts on roadways.  The second sought to clarify the new St. John’s County Alarm Ordinance.  Several complaints were fielded by PVCA board members and St. Johns County Sheriff's Officers about younger children operating golf carts on Ponte Vedra roads.  The following should provide an overview of these rules:
                                                                                                                   
Golf Carts
Recently questions have arisen regarding the operation of golf carts on county roads.

Pursuant to FS 316.212(1) and County Ordinance 2009-1 Golf Carts may be driven on certain designated State & County roads. The following is a list of criteria that must be met in order for persons to legally operate golf carts on those roads. First however, it might be a good idea to clear up some confusion. A county Road doesn’t have to have a CR in front of it like CR 210 or CR 214. Holmes Blvd., Race Track Road., Woodlawn Rd. and Lewis Speedway are examples of county roads too. What generally determines if it’s a county road is who owns it and or who is in charge of ensuring that it gets maintained (i.e.) St. Johns County Road and Bridge.

For County Roads: County Ordinance 2009-1 (Simplified)
1. The road has to have been posted by the county. The signs posted will indicate that golf carts are in operation on the road in question. All signage must meet the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices standards. Gated communities with SJSO Traffic Enforcement Agreements will almost certainly have to meet these same types of requirements; however, that isn’t specifically mentioned in the County Ordinance.

2. The golf cart driver must hold a valid driver’s license. Driver license restrictions apply to drivers of golf carts too.

3. The golf cart has to have 3 or more wheels and weight less than 1,800 lbs.

4. The golf cart cannot have a top speed greater than 20 mph.

5. The golf cart must be equipped with efficient brakes, steering apparatus, safe tires, a rear view mirror and red reflectors on the rear of the golf cart.

Additional Night Requirements:
6. If golf carts are to be operated after sunset (night) additional equipment is required. IN such cases the golf carts must be equipped with head lights, brake lights, turn signals and a windshield.

Note: FS 316.1995 still prohibits motor vehicles to include golf carts from being driven on side walks and bike paths.

 
The second issue to be clarified is the new St. John’s County Alarm Ordinance.  This will be addressed in an email blast next week. Thanks for reading and continuing to make Ponte Vedra a great place to live.
 
Thank you,
Curtis Long
Your Ponte Vedra Community Association President
www.pontevedraca.org