Special Announcements
Golf Cart Usage in GPCA
The Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Department issued a statement that should be read before operating golf carts in GPCA
August 24, 2022
There have been several concerns brought to the attention of the Sheriff’s Office regarding children operating golf carts within this community. Virginia Code regulates the use of golf carts on public roadways. The roads within Gatling Pointe are public. Golf carts may only operate on a public roadway by licensed drivers on 25mph roads and then ONLY if the local government passes an ordinance allowing such operation and lists the roads they are allowed to operate upon. Isle of Wight County does not have an ordinance allowing golf carts to operate on public roadways.
Understand that this is not authorized by current laws/ordinances and is specifically prohibited by law. The parents of these children operating these carts may be liable for civil damages if a crash occurs when their child is operating a golf cart on a public roadway. Also, the parents may face criminal charges for allowing their children to participate in this activity.
The Sheriff’s Office recommends that all parents understand the inherent dangers involved as well as potential civil liability and criminal charges that may occur when their child is allowed to operate a golf cart on a public road. We ask that all parents handle this within their family before a tragic event occurs that requires an emergency response to injuries and that will require the Sheriff’s Office to take enforcement action.
The Sheriff’s Office does not actively seek nor aggressively enforce golf cart usage unless there are specific complaints regarding unsafe or reckless behaviors. Please understand that if a specific complaint of reckless behavior is reported we are obligated to investigate it and seek criminal charges as may be appropriate.
WE WOULD PREFER A “PREVENTION BY PARENTS APPROACH.”
PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW YOUR CHILDREN TO OPERATE GOLF CARTS ON PUBLIC ROADS WITHIN THIS COMMUNITY.
ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE