The Crystal River City Council is considering letting golf carts drive on city roads. They will vote on whether or not to move forward with the plan during their meeting Aug. 14.

  • State law prohibits golf carts on state roads
  • Motion would allow golf carts in four zones on SR 44, U.S. 19
  • If motion passes, implementations could take months

In almost every driveway in Crystal River Village, you'll find a golf cart. It's residents' preferred method of transportation to get around the community.

"It saves gas and wear and tear on your car," Geraldine Caul said.

"I like it because it's handy," resident John Smith added. "No gas, no nothing, you just get on get out on the road you don't make no noise."

But there are only so many places you can take a golf cart. By state law, carts aren't allowed to travel on state roads, and currently residents can't take them on neighborhood roads.

The motion the council is voting on would allow carts within four zones around State Road 44 and U.S. 19. Council members will also discuss what streets need more signage and speed reduction to allow carts during the meeting.

It's something Smith thinks should have happened a long time ago.

"I think it should be legal," he said. "You can't go out and get the stuff you need without getting in trouble -- it's crazy."

While some residents wouldn't mind taking their carts on the busy roads, others would be much more comfortable behind the wheel of a car.

"I've seen some of the way even the drivers and cars drive, and then you want a little golf cart? We can't keep up that speed," Caul said.

If approved, it would still be several months before carts could be on the roads while any the signs and speed modifications are put into place.