Some things you may not know. There are approximately 60 miles of streets and 20 miles of multi-modal paths in On Top of the World. On any given day, there are several thousand vehicles and hundreds of pedestrians traveling throughout the community. That is a lot of traffic, and traffic concerns are the number one complaint received by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MSCO).
We have an agreement with the MCSO authorizing them to enforce state traffic laws within the community. The safety of our residents and visitors is our top priority.
Here are some facts and important information:
-Golf carts, by law, are not to exceed 20 mph on the streets. For safety reasons, they should never exceed 15 mph on the multi-modal paths.
-If a golf cart is designed to go faster than 20 mph, it must be registered and insured, just like your personal motor vehicle (car, SUV, or pickup).
-Golf cart operators must obey all traffic laws. This means traveling in the same direction as vehicular traffic, yielding at intersections, stopping at stop signs, obeying the speed limit, using turn indicators, and using the proper lane.
-If a multi-modal path is available, it must be used. It is against the law to travel on a street when there is an available multi-modal path except when crossing to enter another street, path, or parking area.
-If the operator of a golf cart is 15 to 17 years old, they must have a valid learner’s permit or driver’s license. If they only have a learner’s permit, they must be accompanied by a licensed driver. Drivers 18 years or older only need a government-issued photo identification card.
-Golf carts and low-speed vehicles (LSVs) are not the same. Golf carts are designed to go no faster than 20 mph. LSVs are designed to travel at speeds exceeding 20 mph but not exceeding 25 mph and must be registered and operated in the same manner as your car or truck. They should not be driven on multi-modal paths. Operating an unregistered LSV or without a valid driver’s license is a criminal offense.
-Operators of golf carts and LSVs can be issued traffic citations.
During the first quarter of 2025, MCSO conducted 61 traffic stops inside On Top of the World. Thirty of those stops received a written warning, 24 received a verbal warning, and seven received a citation. The majority of traffic stops were for speeding. There was one DUI. Most of the stops were motor vehicles, but one golf cart received a citation.
In May, they conducted over 30 traffic stops and issued nearly 10 citations. Two golf cart operators received citations. The citations averaged over $200 each and will likely result in increased insurance rates for the drivers.
Drive carefully, be alert, be courteous, and be safe. You may save a few bucks and maybe even a life.
