Picture this: it’s a sunny West Palm Beach afternoon, and you’re cruising your golf cart through the neighborhood to visit a friend or swing by the store. You had a couple of drinks earlier, but you’re not on the highway, and it’s just a golf cart – so you’re safe, right?
Wrong.
In Florida, you absolutely can be arrested and charged with DUI while driving a golf cart or any similar low-speed vehicle – even in your own neighborhood.
Need advice from a criminal lawyer in West Palm Beach? Call Pakett Law today at 561-318-0531.
Florida Golf Cart DUIs in the News
Woman dies after falling out of golf cart, driver charged with DUI manslaughter – read the article here on Fox 13 Tampa Bay
“THE VILLAGES, Fla. – A 58-year-old man from the Villages has been arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter after the passenger in the golf cart he was driving fell out while he swerved to avoid a parked car, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.”
Jacksonville man charged with DUI manslaughter after golf cart crash – read the article here on First Coast News
“JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville man was arrested Saturday evening and charged with DUI manslaughter after crashing a golf cart back in November 2024. The officer was made aware that an occupant in a golf cart had been ejected from the vehicle as it was traveling along Talleyrand Avenue. The individual was transported to UF Health Hospital by Jacksonville Fire and Rescue (JFRD) with life-threatening injuries. He was pronounced dead around 10 a.m. The Medical Examiner’s Office ruled his cause of death to be blunt force head injuries.”
Florida DUI Laws Apply to More Than Just Cars
Under Florida Statute § 316.193, a person can be charged with DUI if they are:
- Driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle
- While under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- To the extent their normal faculties are impaired
- Or if their BAC is .08% or higher
The key word here is “vehicle”—and Florida law defines that broadly. It includes any device used to transport a person or property on a highway, including golf carts, scooters, ATVs, and even bicycles in some cases.
Where You’re Driving Doesn’t Always Matter
Many people assume DUI laws only apply on public roads, but that’s not true. While some legal nuances exist about whether you’re on public or private property, law enforcement can and do arrest people for DUI on:
- Neighborhood streets
- Community paths or sidewalks
- Store parking lots
- Golf courses
- Private driveways (yes, even that!)
If a golf cart is being driven in a way that creates a public safety risk—or the driver appears impaired—police in Florida can intervene.
Penalties Are the Same as a Regular DUI
Getting a DUI on a golf cart may seem like a lesser offense, but the consequences are very real. If convicted, you could face:
- Up to 6 months in jail (for a first offense)
- A fine of up to $1,000
- Driver’s license suspension
- Community service
- Mandatory DUI school
- A permanent criminal record
And yes, your driver’s license can still be suspended—even if you weren’t driving a car.
What people in West Pam Beach may not understand is that a DUI can have serious and lasting consequences, even beyond the courtroom. In Florida, a conviction can lead to fines, jail time, probation, mandatory DUI school, community service, and the loss of your driver’s license. Your vehicle may also be impounded, and you might be required to install an ignition interlock device.
But the impact doesn’t stop there. A DUI can increase your car insurance rates significantly—or cause your insurer to drop you altogether. It can also show up on background checks, affecting employment opportunities, professional licenses, and even housing applications.
For younger drivers or those in certain professions (like healthcare, law enforcement, or commercial driving), a DUI can derail future plans or lead to job loss. And if your DUI involved a crash, injury, or high blood alcohol content, the penalties can be even more severe.
In short, a West Palm Beach DUI is not just a traffic ticket—it’s a criminal charge that can affect your freedom, finances, and future. That’s why it’s critical to speak with a knowledgeable defense attorney right away.
Real Story: “It Was Just a Golf Cart”
One recent client was pulled over in a gated community after a neighbor called police about “reckless golf cart driving.” He had a couple of beers earlier in the evening and thought he was being careful. But when officers arrived, they administered field sobriety tests, arrested him for DUI, and impounded the cart.
He had no prior record, but was still facing a license suspension, fines, and the possibility of jail time. We were able to fight the charges and reach a favorable resolution—but it was a costly and stressful experience that could’ve been avoided.
What to Do If You’re Charged with DUI on a Golf Cart
Being arrested for DUI—even on a golf cart—can affect your driving privileges, your criminal record, and your future. Here’s what to do if it happens:
- Do not admit to drinking or impairment
- Politely decline field sobriety tests (they are voluntary)
- Ask to speak with an attorney immediately
- Do not assume it’s “not serious” because it wasn’t a car
- Call an experienced Florida DUI defense lawyer
Pakett Law’s DUI Attorneys in West Palm Beach Can Help
At Pakett Law, we defend clients charged with DUI on everything from cars, trucks and motorcycles – and golf carts. If you or someone you love has been arrested, don’t wait to find out how serious the situation really is.
Our firm can help after a golf cart DUI by challenging the legality of the stop, disputing test results, negotiating reduced charges, protecting your driver’s license, and working to avoid jail time or a permanent criminal record.
Call us today for a free, confidential consultation – and let’s protect your rights immediately.
DUI on a Golf Cart? Don’t Wait – Talk to a Criminal Defense Attorney in West Palm Beach Today
The bottom line is this: if you’ve been charged with a crime or are under investigation, the best time to hire a criminal defense attorney is immediately. Already arrested? You’re likely to have question too. That’s why we are here.
The earlier you have professional legal representation, the better your chances of avoiding critical mistakes, protecting your rights, and achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
Remember – arrests are common in Florida, the legal consequences are serious, and having a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer is essential to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
If you were charged with a serious crime in West Palm Beach or anywhere in the state of Florida, please schedule a free consultation with The Pakett Law Group. You can call 561-318-0531 or email us here.
The Pakett Law Group, PA is committed to providing our clients with the highest quality representation. With over a decade of legal experience, West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyer Brian T. Pakett and his team of West Palm Beach criminal lawyers possess a comprehensive understanding of Florida criminal law – which can benefit you in your time of need.