Where are golf carts street legal in WA? Who can drive them? Road rules to know

Warmer weather in Washington state means lots of outdoor recreation — including hiking, fishing and camping.

Another popular activity in the Evergreen State is golf.

Washington state is home to one of the oldest golf clubs west of the Mississippi, the Tacoma Country and Golf Club in Lakewood. It opened in 1894.

With golf season comes golf carts.

Are golf carts street legal in Washington state? Where are you allowed Club Car to a nearby restaurant or bar to celebrate your hole-in-one?

Here’s what we know:

Where can I drive a golf cart in Washington state?

According to the Revised Code of Washington, cities and counties are allowed to establish local “golf cart zones.”

The zones must be clearly identified by signs at the beginning and end of streets.

In these zones, golf carts are legal to drive on roads with a speed limit of 25 mph or less.

Drivers must stay out of designated bicycle lanes, according to the Washington State Department of Licensing.

It’s against the law to drive golf carts on roads outside of golf cart zones.

When are golf carts allowed on roads?

State law prohibits people from operating golf carts “any time from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise,” the state licensing department said.

Check the rules in your area before getting behind the wheel.

What makes a golf cart street legal?

To be street legal, golf carts must have rearview mirrors, reflectors and seatbelts, according to the Revised Code of Washington.

Depending on the city or county, you might also need a decal or similar identifying device.

Private property such as golf courses may also permit cart usage.

Who can legally drive a golf cart in Washington state?

State law restricts who can drive a golf cart in these golf cart zones.

Golf cart drivers must be at least 16 years old, and they must have “completed a driver education course or have previous experience driving as a licensed driver,” the Revised Code of Washington says.

You’re not allowed to operate a golf cart if your driver’s license has been revoked.

What’s the penalty for illegal golf cart usage?

Failure to follow Washington state’s guidelines for golf carts is considered a traffic violation.

Additionally, if you’re caught driving a golf cart on a public roadway, you could be charged with operating an unregistered vehicle.

Depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances, you can expect to pay fines as high as $550.

Driving golf carts on highways and state routes can endanger other drivers, due to the carts’ lower speed and lack of required lights and signals, according to Trooper Daniel Mosqueda with the Washington State Patrol.

Mosqueda told McClatchy Media that golf carts on roads would likely impede traffic — causing a backup of five or more cars, which is its own charge.

Troopers may also consider such driving negligent, depending on the danger posted to other drivers.