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Before using, check your state’s laws for driving golf carts and utility vehicles on roadways, including age or licensing requirements.
Procedures for Safe Operation of Golf Carts and Utility Vehicles
Before Use:
- Conduct a pre-operation inspection (tires, lights, signals, brakes, steering, seatbelts, and fuel and oil levels).
- Make sure loads are properly secured.
- Any necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn (helmet, eye protection, boots, gloves, etc.).
- All operators must be properly trained.
Safe Speed and Terrain:
- Vehicles should be operated at a moderate speed, equivalent to a well-paced
- walk in congested areas.
- Reduce speed to compensate for inclines, pedestrians, events, and weather conditions.
- Slow down and drive with extra caution when the grass is wet.
- Use extra care and reduce speed when driving in inclement weather or on poor surfaces.
- Avoid extremely rough terrain.
- Don’t drive fast downhill and try to avoid steep slopes.
- Be aware that sudden stops or change of direction could make you lose control of the vehicle.
- Do not text and drive; distracted driving applies to golf carts and utility vehicles just like cars.
Backing up:
- Operators should be conscious of their surroundings and should never back up without making sure there is no person or obstruction behind them.
- Prior to driving, check to see if it is set to go forward or backward and adjust as necessary.
Proper Operation:
- Never make a sharp turn, even on a straightaway.
- Approach all turns with caution and reduced speed. Rounding curves at excessive speeds can result in someone being thrown from the vehicle.
- Always drive straight up and down a hill. Driving up or down a hill at an angle can cause a tip-over.
- Watch for obstacles and people; pedestrians always have the right-of-way.
Designated Use:
- All golf carts and utility vehicles should only be driven in designated areas where they are not intended to be used, including public streets.
- Use vehicles as they are intended to be used and ensure any loads are secure.
Parking:
- Park out of the way of pedestrians and other vehicles/equipment.
- Set the parking brake before exiting.
- Do not park on an incline.
- Never leave the keys in the vehicle when it is unattended.
Operator and Passenger Use:
- Obey and observe all traffic rules.
- No golf cart or utility vehicle should be operated with more passengers than seating allows.
- Do not ride on the back of the vehicle or overload it with equipment.
- Do not transport passengers unrelated to the role of your scope of operation.
- Do not drive until all occupants are seated; never stand up in a moving vehicle.
- Bring the vehicle to a full stop before changing the selector to forward or backward.
- All occupants shall keep hands, arms, legs, and feet within the confines of the cart at all times when the cart is in motion; the driver is responsible for conveying this requirement to all passengers.
- Only authorized personnel who have a valid driver’s license may operate vehicles.
Maintenance:
- Any mechanical issues should be reported to the maintenance staff right away.
- Follow manufacturers’ guidelines.
KEMI does not assume liability for the content of information contained herein. Safety and health remain your responsibility. This information is to be used for informational purposes only and not intended to be exhaustive or a substitute for proper training, supervision, or manufacturers’ instructions/recommendations. KEMI, by publication of this information, does not assume liability for damage or injury arising from reliance upon it. Compliance with this information is not a guarantee or warranty that you will be in conformity with any laws or regulations nor does it ensure the absolute safety of any person, place, or object, including, but not limited to, you, your occupation, employees, customers, or place of business.
