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Is It Possible To Receive A DUI While Driving A Golf Cart In Florida?

When most people think of “DUI,” they think about cars and trucks on highways. However, you may not be aware that DUIs can technically occur in many different kinds of motorized vehicles, including golf carts. If you or somebody you love were injured in a golf car accident involving a drunk driver, read on to learn more about the implications of DUI law in drunken golf car accidents.

Defining A DUI

In Florida, someone may be convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) if they are in actual physical control or are driving a vehicle in state lines and:

  • Have a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood
  • Have a breath-alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
  • Are under the influence of a controlled substance, alcohol, or specific chemical substances defined under the law to the extent of impairing their normal faculties

If somebody’s blood alcohol level is over a specific amount, or if their normal faculties are impaired by alcohol or drugs, then they may be convicted of this offense, even if their blood alcohol level is below the legal limit. This means that if you only have one beer and a blood alcohol level under 0.08, but are unable to walk straight, then you should not drive.

Golf Carts Are Motor Vehicles Under Florida Law

Under Florida law, golf carts are motor vehicles, and law enforcement can stop the driver of a golf cart. Moreover, golf carts that have been modified to travel between 20 and 25 mph are classified as low-speed vehicles, and must be licensed and insured to operate on public roadways. Golf carts traveling on public roadways must abide by the same laws as other kinds of vehicles. This means that law enforcement officers can arrest and charge drivers of golf carts for DUIs if they are impaired.

Being Arrested For A Golf Cart DUI

Florida officers can essentially stop golf cart drivers at any time, including for the infractions listed below:

  • Making an illegal driving maneuver
  • Driving on roads that do not permit golf carts
  • Driving with a broken taillight
  • Driving erratically
  • Committing other driving offenses

After law enforcement officers stop somebody for a potential DUI, they may conduct an investigation to establish if the driver was impaired by alcohol or drugs. Since Florida is an implied-consent state, drivers must comply with valid DUI stops. If they refuse the testing process, consequences for violating the implied consent law may be at hand.

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Florida officers have wide discretion to stop golf cart drivers, including for the following  infractions:

  • Driving on roads that do not permit golf carts
  • Making an illegal driving maneuver
  • Driving erratically
  • Driving an unregistered golf cart
  • Driving with a broken taillight
  • Committing other driving offenses

Once stopped, law enforcement officers can conduct an investigation to determine if the driver was impaired by drugs or alcohol. Because Florida is an implied-consent state, drivers are required to comply with valid DUI stops. If drivers refuse testing, they can face the consequences for violating the implied consent law.

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If a golf cart driver causes an accident due to recklessness or negligence, a DUI does not necessarily have to be involved for you to recover compensation. There are different standards of proof, depending on what the specific case is. If it is a civil claim (no DUI or other crime was committed), the burden of proof is lower than “ beyond a reasonable doubt” in criminal cases. However, no matter what the situation is, having an experienced golf cart accident attorney on your side is invaluable. Call BCN Law Firm to learn more today.