Legality of using a Golf Buggy on the public highway
Discussion
Folks,
Would welcome some guidance from you helpful lot...
The company I work for has a client who runs a Golf Club (in Scotland, if that makes any difference, but this is more of a general UK-wide query). The course straddles a main A-road and the Greenkeeper uses a slightly-modified golf buggy to transport basic tools, earth/fertiliser/sand etc between the greens/fairways etc.
I believe (and would be happy to be corrected) that as long as the buggy is crossing the road via a direct route (i.e. out of the course, straight across the road and then back into/onto the course again) then there is no need to have the buggy 'road legal' (i.e. showing a registration plate, taxed, MOT'd etc) but if the buggy exits the course onto the road, travels some distance up or down the highway then exits the road back onto the course then the buggy MUST be road-legal.
I've received differing information - an ex traffic cop has told one of my colleagues that police will generally turn a blind eye as long as the buggy is CROSSING and not traveling ALONG the highway, but that doesn't mean it is legal to CROSS using a vehicle not showing a registration plate etc.
I also understand that regardless of the route, the driver of the buggy must ALWAYS have a valid driving license.
We need to give definitive advice to our client but I feel the conflicting advice I've been given clouds the issue somewhat!
Many thanks
Would welcome some guidance from you helpful lot...
The company I work for has a client who runs a Golf Club (in Scotland, if that makes any difference, but this is more of a general UK-wide query). The course straddles a main A-road and the Greenkeeper uses a slightly-modified golf buggy to transport basic tools, earth/fertiliser/sand etc between the greens/fairways etc.
I believe (and would be happy to be corrected) that as long as the buggy is crossing the road via a direct route (i.e. out of the course, straight across the road and then back into/onto the course again) then there is no need to have the buggy 'road legal' (i.e. showing a registration plate, taxed, MOT'd etc) but if the buggy exits the course onto the road, travels some distance up or down the highway then exits the road back onto the course then the buggy MUST be road-legal.
I've received differing information - an ex traffic cop has told one of my colleagues that police will generally turn a blind eye as long as the buggy is CROSSING and not traveling ALONG the highway, but that doesn't mean it is legal to CROSS using a vehicle not showing a registration plate etc.
I also understand that regardless of the route, the driver of the buggy must ALWAYS have a valid driving license.
We need to give definitive advice to our client but I feel the conflicting advice I've been given clouds the issue somewhat!
Many thanks
Ask Andy Powell
He got caught with one on the M4 - he was totally w
kered at the time though
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1254843/An...
He got caught with one on the M4 - he was totally w
kered at the time though http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1254843/An...
akirk said:
can you classify under agricultural registration?
there certainly used to be exemptions for farmers taking agricultural kit between fields who could I think drive up to c. 1 mile on roads if needed...
The VED (and MOT AFAIK) exemptions still exist for qualifying equipment.there certainly used to be exemptions for farmers taking agricultural kit between fields who could I think drive up to c. 1 mile on roads if needed...
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1994/22/schedu... Sections 20A/20B/20C
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploa... Section 11.1
Would a modified golf buggy comply with any of the Section 11.1 definitions?
Personally, I doubt it, but no doubt a specialist motoring solicitor will be able to provide the answer.
I'm not convinced about the VRM aspect but if someone can link to the relevant legislative requirement I'm happy to stand corrected.
Hol said:
Think.....What would the legality be if the Golf cart was involved in a collision with either a ped or car whilst crossing?
insurance, abulance chasers etc...
And then base your answer around mitigating that risk.
If they can drive a golf cart around a course all day but not 30ft across a road with having an accident i'd be questioning their judgementinsurance, abulance chasers etc...
And then base your answer around mitigating that risk.
Nickyboy said:
Hol said:
Think.....What would the legality be if the Golf cart was involved in a collision with either a ped or car whilst crossing?
insurance, abulance chasers etc...
And then base your answer around mitigating that risk.
If they can drive a golf cart around a course all day but not 30ft across a road with having an accident i'd be questioning their judgementinsurance, abulance chasers etc...
And then base your answer around mitigating that risk.
Unless you close your eyes and ignore the whole 'road' part.
I had exactly the same predicament when I was a green keeper, half the course one side of the road, half the other side. A lot of the local plod were members so it was no problem at all. They would have to be extremely bored to worry about that.
We did eventually get them road legal(john Deere gators). They were great fun on the road!
Strictly speaking it SHOULD be road legal if its on the road but as I say, they would have to really bored to worry about it.
We did eventually get them road legal(john Deere gators). They were great fun on the road!
Strictly speaking it SHOULD be road legal if its on the road but as I say, they would have to really bored to worry about it.
AdamIndy said:
I had exactly the same predicament when I was a green keeper, half the course one side of the road, half the other side. A lot of the local plod were members so it was no problem at all. They would have to be extremely bored to worry about that.
We did eventually get them road legal(john Deere gators). They were great fun on the road!
Strictly speaking it SHOULD be road legal if its on the road but as I say, they would have to really bored to worry about it.
I see the point, no accident no worries, very bored officers. Let's see if all of your police members and their non-member colleagues turn the same blind eye and remain very bored when or if a collision occurs. I fear not. So if you drive a motor vehicle on the road, I don't think the legislation says 'along a road in the right direction and for how far" is says "on" I am certain, you need to register, tax and insure it. A golf buggy is a motor vehicle.We did eventually get them road legal(john Deere gators). They were great fun on the road!
Strictly speaking it SHOULD be road legal if its on the road but as I say, they would have to really bored to worry about it.
While the golf buggy driver is more than likely to be able to judge when to make a short crossing and reduce the likelihood of a collision to a low figure can that be said about other road users? No.
Even though the chances of a collision are low the law required motor vehicles to be registered, licensed and insured to be driven on, that includes ACROSS a road.
If its a half decent golf club, then you'll probably find a fair few cops, DPP etc are members who would not like to cut off the hand that mows their greens! So likely, it'll be ignored - as it is down my way where 4 fairly important courses cross an A road and all cross within a mile of each other. (Not too far from Muirfield where the Open is regularly held!)
Cooperman said:
When/if the Vnuk Judgement becomes part of UK law (Google 'Fight Vnuk') it will no longer be an issue as every self-propelled vehicle, even those used solely on private land, will need individual 3rd party insurance.
The First Motor Insurance Directive has been part of UK law for 45 years. All the Vnuk judgement does is provide a particular interpretation of it.It's almost certain that the directive will be re-written to remove that interpretation.
TooMany2cvs said:
The First Motor Insurance Directive has been part of UK law for 45 years. All the Vnuk judgement does is provide a particular interpretation of it.
It's almost certain that the directive will be re-written to remove that interpretation.
Why is it 'almost certain'? The 'Vnuk Judgement' is something new and has the potential for causing major problems for people using self-propelled vehicles on private land.It's almost certain that the directive will be re-written to remove that interpretation.
You might like to read the DfT consultation document about this. It is causing the motor-sports fraternity, plus other organisations such as private aviation and gliding, golf clubs, farmers and others much concern, especially where vehicles which are potentially uninsurable for 3rd party risks are involved. How could a racing car be insured against 3rd party claims by other racing drivers during races and in practice?
grumpyscot said:
If its a half decent golf club, then you'll probably find a fair few cops, DPP etc are members who would not like to cut off the hand that mows their greens! So likely, it'll be ignored - as it is down my way where 4 fairly important courses cross an A road and all cross within a mile of each other. (Not too far from Muirfield where the Open is regularly held!)
While that may well be true but the OP mentioned that some traffic cop has advised it would be ignored. I'm willing to bet the same traffic cops won't be in the witness box supporting the golf buggy driver should something go awry. I figure they will be turning the other eye away from the trial. Hey-ho. Why observe a law that makes sense when you know best and figure just nothing can go wrong.Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff