PoliciesGOLF CART POLICIES + GOLF CART STUDY GUIDE + GOLF CART DECAL APPLICATION
Ocean Reef is a very unique community that utilizes the golf cart as a primary method of transportation. The use of golf carts is ecologically pleasing as well as fun. These golf cart policies were put in place to protect the safety of our members, their families and guests.
PERMITS
- Golf Cart Learner’s Permit Requirements:
- Must be at least 4’9” tall
- Must be at least 10 years old
- Must pass written test
- Submit to practice driving test for proficiency
- Be a homeowner or Club member, or a child, grandchild, or other family member of a homeowner or member
- Children of guests are not permitted to be licensed, therefore are not able to drive unless they possess a valid state issued driver's license.
- Drivers operating a golf cart with a learner’s permit are subject to the following provisions:
- May only drive when accompanied by a licensed adult at least 18 years old
- May only drive a "slow" cart (maximum speed of 17 MPH)
- May drive only during daylight hours
- While driving, the ORCA Public Safety Golf Cart Permit must be worn with the provided yellow lanyard
- An indemnification Agreement must be signed by the parent/relative.
LICENSES
- Golf Cart License Requirements:
- Must be at least 12 years old
- Must be at least 4’9” tall
- Must have held a learner’s permit for at least 12 months
- Pass a driving test conducted by a trained and approved Public Safety Officer
- Be a homeowner or Club member, or a child, grandchild, or other family member of a homeowner or member
- Drivers operating a golf cart with a license are subject to the following provisions:
- May only drive a "slow" cart (maximum speed of 17 MPH)
- While driving, the license must be worn with the provided lanyard
- May drive only during daylight hours
- An indemnification Agreement must be signed by the parent/relative
TO APPLY
- Complete and submit the ORCA Golf Cart Permit/License Application
- Have the child review the ORCA Golf Cart Operator's Study Guide
- Call Member Services at 305-367-7343 to make an appointment for testing
Permits and Licenses expire 12 months from the issue date and must be renewed by appointment.
A point system is used by Public Safety officers for infractions. Five (5) points assessed within a 12-month period are grounds for suspension of driving privileges.
Juveniles must possess an ORCA-issued permit/license to operate a cart on ORCA property until they obtain a state-issued driver’s license. Children under 18 must have their ORCA License or state license in their possession during cart operation. Licenses must be shown at the request of a Public Safety officer or Deputy.
Operating a Golf Cart Under a State-Issued Driver License
- Restrictions for youthful drivers operating a golf cart under a state-issued driver license:
- May drive only carts with a maximum speed of 17 MPH
- Persons 16 years and older may operate a golf cart if they possess a valid State motor vehicle license. They must carry their license with them at all times.
- Age 16, may not drive a golf cart after 11:00 PM unless accompanied by an adult over 21
- Age 17, may not drive a golf cart after 1:00 AM unless accompanied by an adult over 21
- An indemnification Agreement must be signed by the parent/relative
Other Golf Cart Rules & Restrictions
- Restrictions applying to ALL drivers operating golf carts under a state-issued driver license:
- The number of persons riding in a cart is limited to the design capacity for the particular cart.
- Golf carts are required to have headlights on at night and at least one (1) working taillight.
- Golf carts should be registered with Public Safety. Registration is mandatory and only takes a few moments. Public Safety will provide a registration decal denoting the type of golf cart:
- Red decal for fast carts - 18 MPH or higher
- Blue decal for slow carts - 17 MPH or lower
- Public Safety should be notified of any golf cart sales occurring within Ocean Reef. Registration will be changed to reflect the new owner. Any amtech (gate opener) will need to be removed or deactivated through the Welcome Center.
- Children must not be carried in the laps of adults, especially the driver.
- Drive the golf cart as you would a motor vehicle, do not assume right of way – rather obey all rules of the road.
- Always merge into the car lane before making a left turn, never make a left-hand turn from a cart lane.
- Make your passengers aware that you are making a left or right turn. Left and right turns cause the greatest number of injuries since the passenger is often not expecting the turn and has no ability to prepare. Likewise, rear passengers can be ejected on starts, unless they are given a warning that the cart is starting.
- Fast golf carts are asked to utilize the road ways, golf cart paths should be free for slow carts.