Experts keep drivers safe with golf cart rules of the road

Wednesday’s deadly golf cart crash has many wondering how they can share the road safely with cars.

Experts said, here in the Coachella Valley, golf cart rules of the road can be very confusing.

While many rules change city to city, there are a number of simple rules everyone driving a golf cart needs to follow.

Tim Martin owns Caddyshack and said there’s a number of things a golf cart needs in order to drive on the road.

“They have requirements for the golf carts. They have to have headlights, taillights, turn signals, break lights, rear view mirrors and seat belts,” Martin said.

But exact rules for driving on roads vary city to city.

“Most of the city’s do have their own rules and regulations on where you can and how you can operate a golf cart. city’s that allow them are Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert La Quinta, Indio and Indian Wells,” Martin said.

California Highway Patrol said there are some basic rules that apply to everyone no matter what city you live in.

“If you’re driving a golf cart or low speed vehicle always be aware of the rules in your area that you’re in. So if golf carts are allowed on the sidewalk be on the sidewalk. If there’s a golf cart lanes be there. Use that appropriately, don’t drive with the regular flow of traffic if there’s speed limits above 25, 35 miles an hour,” CHP officer Mike Radford said.

Anyone driving a golf cart needs to have a valid drivers license.

When it comes to staying safe CHP said that’s the responsibility of both golf cart drivers and vehicle drivers.

But even Martin said he wouldn’t take his chances driving around here.

“My personal opinion is I would not want to be on the street in a golf cart,” Martin said.