When it comes to sharing the road, we often hear about the tensions between drivers and cyclists. But one group that rarely gets attention in these conversations? Golf cart drivers.
Ron, a viewer, recently wrote to NBC Palm Springs asking a simple but important question: Do golf carts have to follow the same rules of the road as cars and bikes?
To get the answer, we reached out to officials in Indio and Palm Desert—two cities where golf carts are a common sight on local streets.
According to the Indio Police Department, the answer is clear: Yes. Street-legal golf carts must follow all traffic laws. That includes stopping at red lights and stop signs, yielding where required, and obeying posted speed limits.
In order to be considered street-legal, golf carts must be equipped with:
Headlights and taillights
Turn signals
Rear-view mirrors
Seatbelts
Reflectors
The city of Palm Desert echoed the same rules. So if you're cruising around in a golf cart on public roads, you're held to the same legal standards as a car or bicycle.
This means wearing a seatbelt (if one is available), signaling turns, and being cautious—because even if your ride feels light and casual, you're still sharing the road with vehicles far larger and faster.
As one safety reminder put it: whether you're on a bike or in a cart, you're "always surrounded by tanks." Stay alert. Follow the rules. And make sure your ride is legal.
Credit: NBC Palm Springs
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: Fred Roggin
May 22, 2025
