Where can golf carts and low-speed vehicles drive in Vero Beach?

Posted by author February 20, 2025 Golf

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Golf carts allowed on certain roads around two country clubs in Vero Beach limits.
Low-speed vehicles allowed on certain sidewalks in Vero Beach.
Occupancy cannot exceed number of seats.
Councilmember has seen carts and LSVs on roads and even on shopping trips.

VERO BEACH — The city wants to remind citizens of the rules for golf carts and low-speed vehicles, nearly one year after it enacted a law defining safety and expanding the areas where carts can travel.

That law — passed unanimously by the City Council in April — allows golf carts to drive around the Vero Beach and Riomar country clubs, and a state statute, together with the local law, polices low-speed vehicles.

“This is a big deal because someone could actually get hurt or killed,” said Councilmember John Carroll. “Since passing the ordinance, we still see rule breakers. It’s just a matter of time until something terrible happens.”

Carroll has seen carts and other low-speed vehicles throughout the city in places such as Publix at Treasure Coast Plaza.

Where are they allowed?

Near Vero Beach Country Club, golf carts are allowed on sections of Anita Avenue; Country Club, Fairway, Laurel and Paloma drives; Coronado and Whippoorwill Lanes; and Catalina, 26th and 25th streets.

Around Riomar, carts are permitted on portions of Bay Oak, Flamevine, Gayfeather, Greenway, Hibiscus, Iris, Ladybug, Painted Bunting, Sandfly, Seagrape and Tulip lanes; and Bay, Cardinal, Club, Cove, Eagle, Ocean, River and Riomar drives.

Low-speed vehicles are permitted on sidewalks at least 8 feet wide along state roads. Driving on all other city sidewalks is prohibited. Additionally, those vehicles cross sidewalks and crosswalks between Village Beach Market and Jaycee Park on State Route A1A.

Knowing the difference

While the two vehicles look similar, key differences are the safety requirements and attainable speeds. Low-speed vehicles can travel as fast as 25 mph while golf carts cannot exceed 20 mph.

Golf carts can operate only on roads designated for golf cart use, between sunrise and sunset and on streets with speed limits no faster than 30 mph.

Low-speed vehicles can operate on streets with a 35 mph speed limit as long as they have insurance, safety features and are registered with the state as a car would be.

“LSV safety features that we look out for are windshields, seatbelts, mirrors, lights and a reflective orange triangle,” said Vero Beach Chief of Police David Currey. “Furthermore, the maximum occupancy of the vehicle cannot surpass the number of seats.”

Enforcement

The city and police have placed signs, educated users with a police LSV and pamphlets and posted on Facebook in an effort to reach as many users as possible.

“I still think we can do more,” said Carroll. “I don’t want to see someone hurt or worse.

“I would like to see a lot more signage.”

The Police Department uses its own LSV to issue tickets and warnings, much like it would for cars with police cruisers.

“Its tough to keep up with,” said Currey. “More and more people are purchasing these vehicles daily, faster than we can enforce the rules with our limited manpower. Our best tool will be education.”

Nick Slater is TCPalm’s Indian River County Watchdog reporter. You can reach him at Nick.Slater@tcpalm.com and 224-830-2875.