Are Golf Carts Safe on Chicago Streets? Illinois Golf Cart Laws & Liability

Long gone are the days when golf carts were confined to the greens. Due to their accessibility and efficiency, golf carts have expanded beyond golf courses into retirement communities, suburban neighborhoods, and even public roads. In areas aiming to reduce heavy traffic or restrict vehicle use, golf carts offer a middle ground. Some states and municipalities now permit golf carts on local streets, raising questions about safety and liability. Are golf carts truly safe for street use, and what happens if you get into an accident?

If you were injured in a collision involving a golf cart on your local road, do not hesitate to contact Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. at (312) 236-2900.

Illinois Golf Cart Law

Under Illinois statute 625 ILCS 5/11-1426.1, golf carts are considered non-highway vehicles and their use is restricted. Generally, operating a golf cart on public roads is illegal in Illinois. However, municipalities have the authority to permit golf cart use on designated roadways with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

Additionally, golf cart drivers must follow standard traffic laws. A valid driver’s license is required, and driving under the influence is strictly prohibited. Golf carts must also meet certain safety standards, including::

• Brakes and brake lights,
• A steering apparatus,
• Turn signals,
• A rearview mirror,
• Red reflectorized warning devices in the front and rear,
• A “slow moving vehicle” sign on the rear,
• A headlight that emits a white light visible from a distance of 500 ft, and
• A tail lamp that emits a red light visible from at least 100 ft.

Growing Use of Golf Carts on Illinois Roads

While it may be hard to imagine golf carts on major city streets, they are increasingly common in smaller towns and suburban areas. According to the International Light Transportation Vehicle Association, 35 Illinois municipalities have adopted ordinances allowing golf carts on streets, and 7% of municipalities nationwide have done the same.

As more cities and states consider similar measures, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits and risks of integrating golf carts into regular traffic.

The Risks of Golf Carts on Public Roads

Golf carts offer fuel savings and environmental benefits. They can even slow down overall traffic in designated areas. However, they pose significant risks:

• Lack of protection: Unlike cars, golf carts lack standard safety features such as airbags, doors, and windshields. Drivers and passengers are exposed to external hazards.
• High vulnerability in crashes: According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, golf carts are not crashworthy. Weighing far less than standard vehicles, they offer little protection in collisions.
• Elderly driver risks: Senior citizens are among the most frequent golf cart drivers. Given their higher susceptibility to injury, crashes involving elderly individuals can be particularly dangerous.
• Limited visibility: Golf carts are lower and smaller than most vehicles, making them harder to see in busy traffic.
• Lack of seatbelts: Many golf carts do not have seatbelts, and local laws often do not mandate their use.

Golf Cart Accidents and Liability

While some golf cart accidents are unavoidable, many result from negligence. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 15,000 golf cart-related injuries requiring emergency room visits occur in the U.S. each year.

If you are involved in a golf cart accident, determining liability depends on several factors:

Who Was Driving?

• If the driver was reckless or negligent, they may be responsible for the crash.
• If a minor was driving, their parents or guardians might be liable.
• If a golf course employee was driving, the golf course could be held accountable.

Who Owns and Maintains the Golf Cart?

• If the accident resulted from a mechanical failure, the owner (whether an individual or a business) may be liable for failing to maintain the vehicle.

Were Proper Warnings Provided?

• If a golf course or rental service failed to provide safety instructions, they may share responsibility for the accident.

Where Did the Accident Occur?

• If the accident happened on private property, the property owner might be liable under premises liability laws.

Was the Golf Cart in a Restricted Area?

• If the accident happened in a prohibited area, the driver might be at fault for ignoring regulations.

Were Alcohol or Drugs Involved?

• A driver operating a golf cart under the influence is most likely at fault. If the driver was over-served at a business, that establishment could also be held liable.

Jessica Cicchino, vice president for research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, stated golf carts are not crashworthy, according to Pew Trusts. A vehicle or SUV can weigh four times more than a golf cart, and the smaller vehicle simply cannot compete with that. You are more likely to suffer significant or fatal injuries during a crash in a golf cart than if you were part of the same collision while in a vehicle. Cicchino is particularly worried about elderly individuals who may be driving or a passenger in the golf cart. Older individuals are already more susceptible to injuries during a crash but have fewer protections in the golf cart.

A Personal Injury Attorney is Here to Help

You may be a careful driver when you are in your golf cart; however, you cannot control over driver’s actions on the road. If you were in a collision with another vehicle and suffered physical or emotional injuries, you should speak with the experienced personal injury attorneys at Staver to learn about your right to recover. We can help you collect medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by the crash.

Our car accident attorneys serve clients throughout the Chicago area, including Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Joliet, Naperville, and Waukegan. Call Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. today at (312) 236-2900 to schedule a consultation.