INTERNATIONAL LIGHT VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

GOLF COURSE SAFETY GUIDELINES

Introduction

The ILTVA recommended Golf Course Safety Guidelines that follow are intended only
as recommendations and are referred to in ANSI/ILTVA Z130.1 Golf Car Safety and
Performance Specifications. 1 The Golf Course Safety Guidelines are intended to
enhance the safety and enjoyment of the game of golf.

These guidelines are intended to help golf course management assure the golf course
is compatible with the designed capabilities of the golf car. Golf course owners should
also consult their own legal and risk management advisors to assure identification and
mitigation of risks are complete. ILTVA cautions that the following recommendations
may be impacted by various factors, including local conditions, federal, state, and local
law, regulations, and policy. If deemed appropriate by the course owner, these
guidelines, together with other safety rules deemed useful by management, may be
adopted and published as course policy.

Issues Not Addressed

ILTVA has endeavored to give you useful and accurate information in these guidelines.
But laws, regulations, procedures and their interpretation by judicial and other
authorities change frequently and are subject to differing interpretations. Further, there
are numerous safety issues relating to golf courses and not especially material to golf
car operations. For example, OSHA regulations regarding hazardous materials
communications standards and EPA, state and local government requirements
pertaining to, e.g., pesticides application, certification, posting and notification, are not
discussed herein, but should certainly be components of a comprehensive golf course
safety survey. Likewise, walking areas, e.g., slopes adjacent to tees, steps and bridges
are not addressed herein, but should be scrutinized to ensure they are safe and not
conducive to “ slip and fall” injuries. If you use these guidelines, it is your responsibility
to make sure that the facts and general advice contained in it are applicable to your
situation.

Disclaimer

1
Obtainable from www.iltva.org

Copyright 2013 International Light Transportation Vehicle Association, Inc. Atlanta, Georgia Page 1
ILTVA, its directors, officers, members and agents disclaim any responsibility for the
completeness, relevance, timeliness, accuracy or currency of any of the information
contained in the guidelines which follow. Users of the guidelines are cautioned to verify
on their own initiative, with the assistance of their own legal or risk management
counsel, the appropriateness, applicability and currency of recommendations contained
in the guidelines. While ILTVA may endeavor to supplement or update these guidelines
in the future, it does not undertake any obligation to do so. 2

1. Safety Audit Committee

It is recommended you appoint a safety audit team (committee) to be responsible for

periodic inspections and recommendations to the golf course owner or governing board.
The team should include representatives of the owner, management, golf course
employees and golf course maintenance employees. 3 It is recommended that the golf
course owner have its legal counsel or risk management consultant be an adjunct of the
team.

After each periodic survey of the golf course, the team should review its findings and
make recommendations to the golf course owners/managers. You should consider
consulting with your risk management consultant and legal counsel prior to accepting or
rejecting safety audit committee recommendations. 4

The safety audit team should also review each reported incident that resulted in an
accident or injury and each complaint that was safety related. Mitigation of safety risks
can be accomplished effectively and efficiently by using a team of trained and
committed employees. Serving on the safety audit team can raise each employee’s
awareness and understanding of safety policies and guidelines.

2. The Initial Safety Audit

The initial safety audit of the golf course should begin with a complete tour of the golf
course and its support areas with by the entire audit team to provide an overview and
baseline orientation for your safety team.

3. The Checklist

.01 Safety Policy

2
For other safety issues to be addressed, the user is referred to RISK MANAGEMENT FOR CLUBS,
“Golf Course Liability Issues,” p.30-36 (National Club Association 1999).
3
See Final Policy Concerning the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Treatment of
Voluntary Employer Safety and Health Self-Audits, Federal Register 65:46498-46503 (07/28/2000).
4
Section 8 of OSHA recognizes the value of employee involvement in workplace safety and spells out
specific requirements for employee involvement in the observations of employee monitoring to identify
employee exposure to workplace hazards.

Copyright 2013 International Light Transportation Vehicle Association, Inc. Atlanta, Georgia Page 2
The Safety Policy should be published and publicly posted. The Safety Policy of the
golf course should be authored by your safety team, and approved by the golf course
owner or governing board, posted and published.

.02 Golf Car Traffic

Separate pedestrians, golf car traffic, and motor vehicle traffic. Where possible,
segregate the various types of traffic with physical barriers, e.g., curbs. 5

Avoid cross-flowing traffic for golf cars. Frequently there are areas around the golf car
storage facility or the clubhouse where golf cars are not traveling in an orderly fashion
or separated by a safe distance or both. Organize the flow of the golf cars to minimize
opportunities to collide head-on or in a perpendicular direction to help reduce accidents.

Clearly mark golf car intersections and right of ways. Use signs similar to street signs
that conform to American National Safety Institute Sign Standards 6 to help avoid
accidents at intersections. Intersections need to have clear visibility for approaching
vehicles.

.03 Street Crossings

Avoid surface street crossings where feasible; seek alternative non-grade street
crossing methods, e.g., tunnels and bridges.

Numerous jurisdictions now have ordinances regulating street use and street crossings
by golf cars and similar vehicles. It is recommended you have legal counsel check with
the relevant governmental or subdivision authorities to ascertain what is required.

Golf cars should stop and yield the right of way to motor vehicles at street crossings.
The golf course should have signs warning the golf car operator to stop at each
crossing of a street or driveway meant for motor vehicles.

Golf car street crossings should have warning signs indicating the crossing to motor
vehicles. 7 Working with the local authorities or homeowners association to clearly mark

5
However, curbs over 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) high should be avoided as they may damage braking
systems, frames or other vital systems on golf cars or present potential for personal injury.
6
See ANSI Z535.1 Safety Color Code; ANSI Z535-2 Environmental and Facility Safety Signs; ANSI Z535-3
Criteria for Safety Symbols; and ANSI Z535-4 Safety Color Code.
7
In jurisdictions where golf cars are permitted or otherwise allowed by state law, golf cars may cross
streets and highways that are part of the state highway system only at crossings or intersections that are
designated for that purpose and which are constructed as an active grade crossing in accordance with
the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices 2009 MUTCD including Revision 1 dated May 2012 and
Revision 2 dated May 2012 U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. Golf car
crossings shall be indicated by warning sign W11-11 of the Standard Highway Signs 2004 edition with
2012 Supplement for use with the 2009 MUTCD clearly visible in both directions by vehicles traversing
the highway being crossed or intersected by golf cars. Based on modifications to the conducted research,
the FHWA approves the ‘‘Golf Cart Crossing’’ warning symbol sign (W11–11) shown above. This new
warning symbol shall be accompanied by an educational plaque which is to remain in place for at least 3

Copyright 2013 International Light Transportation Vehicle Association, Inc. Atlanta, Georgia Page 3
golf car and pedestrian street crossings with warning signs and painted street crossings
may reduce the potential for accidents.

Intersections between golf car paths and roadways traversed by motor vehicles should
be clear of vegetation, other barriers impeding or preventing full view of the roadway by
the golf car operator and vice versa. 8

.04 Golf Car Paths

Golf car paths are generally recommended for golf courses. The golf car path should
be conspicuous to the operator.

Dead end golf car paths on slopes should provide a turn around area adequate to turn
the car around without backing up.

To reduce the possibility of an accident, avoid creating a situation where the golf car
must be put in reverse.

Curbing should be avoided adjacent to golf car paths to avoid potential injury to golf car
occupants upon leaving the vehicle. If necessary to protect growing or damaged turf,
the use of temporary or removable barriers is considered more desirable than
permanent curbing; the barrier should be comprised of flexible, soft material and
conspicuously marked.

Golf car paths should have warning signs located in advance of a descent if the grade is
greater that 10%. 9

Golf car paths should have warning signs conforming to Section 9B of the U.S.
Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform
Traffic Control Devices in advance of any hill, turn or sharp curve not visible to the
operator for a minimum of fifty (50) feet prior to entering the turn or sharp curve

years after initial installation (see MUTCD section 2A–13). This same symbol may also be used at the
State’s discretion in those situations where it is necessary to warn motorists to share the road with golf
carts and other slower moving forms of transportation, such as bicycles and mopeds. 1364 Federal
Register / Vol. 62, No. 6 / Thursday, January 9, 1997 / Rules and Regulations - 23 CFR Part 655 [FHWA
Docket 95–8] RIN 2125–AD57.
8
Cf. Illinois Compiled Statutes 625 ILCS 5 Illinois Vehicle Code. Section 11-1426.1: Non-highway
vehicles, as used in this subsection (h), shall be allowed to cross a State highway, municipal street,
county highway, or road district highway if the operator of the non-highway vehicle makes a direct
crossing provided: (1) the crossing is made at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the direction of
the street, road or highway and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing; (2)
the non-highway vehicle is brought to a complete stop before attempting a crossing; (3) the operator of
the non-highway vehicle yields the right of way to all pedestrian and vehicular traffic which constitutes a
hazard; and 4) that when crossing a divided highway, the crossing is made only at an intersection of the
highway with another public street, road, or highway.
9
6i.e., one foot vertical descent per 10 feet (one meter descent per 10 meters) declination.

Copyright 2013 International Light Transportation Vehicle Association, Inc. Atlanta, Georgia Page 4
 When descending golf car paths, use service brake to control speed.

Paved grades greater than 20% are not recommended. It is recommended unpaved
grades should be less than 10%. Inattention, lack of operator skill and fear can result in
poor decisions and loss of control while on steep grades. Traction on unpaved
surfaces, especially when wet, is much lower than on paved surfaces. It is preferable to
have golf car paths paved with concrete or asphalt with high traction finishes. Loose
gravel, debris, or materials with low traction characteristics should be avoided. If speed
bumps or humps are used, place them on level terrain prior to descent of golf car path.
Use of speed bumps or humps on grades may cause loss of operator control. 10

Loose debris should not be on the golf car path. Loose material can result in hazardous
situations or loss of control of the golf car. Each morning prior to course play, and after
storms, golf car paths should be routinely checked for leaves, limbs, and other debris
that may collect after a storm, at night or as a result of construction activity.

Golf car path bumps, potholes and other damaged areas should be repaired promptly.
Potholes, bumps and other damaged areas should be repaired to avoid potential for
loss of control of the golf car.

Golf cars should not be operated on side slopes greater than 15%. Steep slopes
contribute to operator fear and poor judgment that could result in loss of control.

Intersections should be controlled with stop signs. A stop sign will slow the traffic and
may reduce the probability and the severity of an accident.

Avoid decreasing radius curves. Operators who are focused on playing golf may not
notice the reduction in turning radius soon enough to slow to a safe speed on a
decreasing radius curve.

Golf car paths should not have negative super elevations (, i.e., sloped downward
toward the outside of a curve). Super elevations on golf car paths should be limited to
4% (1/2 inch per foot) or less on straight sections of the golf car path. Positive super
elevations on curves should be reviewed with risk management consultants or a civil
engineer. Curves should be properly banked to avoid negative super elevation. 11

10
See further ANSI/ILTVA 130.1-2012 § 5.2.1. Excessive speed while descending grades adversely
affects the stability of the golf car and its ability to stop. In areas where hazardous grades4 exist, it is
recommended golf car operations should be restricted to designated golf car paths and roads where
possible. Hazardous grades shall be identified with a suitable warning at a point preceding the initiation of
the slope for example, "Warning, steep hill, slow down now." Avoid parking on steep hills. Provide flat
surface parking areas adjacent to golf car paths on steep grades. All slopes should generally be
considered potentially hazardous especially when a turn occurs on the down slope or the slope exceeds
10% (6 deg) on an unpaved surface of 20% (11 deg) on a paved surface.
11
See ANSI/ILTVA 130.1-2012 § 5.2.3.

Copyright 2013 International Light Transportation Vehicle Association, Inc. Atlanta, Georgia Page 5
Bumps, drains, bridges, stumps, tight curves and other hazards should be clearly
marked. Use of smaller versions of standard signs used by the state highway
department and complying with ANSI Z535-1, 2, 3 and 4 can make information easy to
recognize.

Standing water should be drained from the golf car path. To avoid loss of golf car
control, maintain golf car paths free of standing water.

Streams should not be forded if the stream is more than 2 inches (5 centimeters) deep
to avoid getting the brakes wet. Wet brake shoes/pads take time to dry and resume full
effectiveness.

Golf car paths should be at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) wide and over 12 feet (3.6 meters)
wide where golf cars are traveling in both directions. Golf car paths should be 12
inches (30 centimeters) wider on curves. Proper golf car path widths reduce golf car
damage and personal injury due to collisions or loss of control.

Golf car paths should avoid crossing the line of play, and avoid normal golf ball landing
areas. The traffic direction should be away from the direction of play. The preferred
location for golf car paths is parallel to and at some distance from the fairway.

Guardrails should be provided where golf car paths are in close proximity to or traverse
lakes, streams, ravines, bridges, and steep slopes. All stair steps, bridges and ramps
should be equipped with 42 inches (107 centimeters) high handrails. Bridges and
ramps used by golf cars should have rub rails at the same height as the center of the
tires on the golf cars and a containment rail at 16 inches (40 centimeters) above the
surface. Any walking area that potentially results in a 48 inch (122 centimeter) fall
should have a handrail 42 inches (107 centimeters) high.

.05 Parking Areas

Golf Car parking areas 12 should be situated on an approximately level plane, i.e., on a
slope of less than 5% grade. Provide markers to encourage operators to leave a
sufficient space between golf cars to ensure safety and access.

.06 Disabled Golfers and the ADA

Golf cars transporting disabled golfers may need access to areas normally off limits to
golf cars. Users are cautioned to consult their own legal counsel for specific ADA
requirements that may apply at the time of new construction or revision to their golf
courses. 13 Distinctly private clubs are exempt under the public accommodations
provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). However, when a distinctly

12
i.e., any location where a golf car is to be left unattended.
13
New construction and alterations started on or after March 15, 2012 are generally required to comply
with the 2010 Standards.DOJ Adopted ADA Recreational Rules 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible
Design (March 15, 2012).

Copyright 2013 International Light Transportation Vehicle Association, Inc. Atlanta, Georgia Page 6
private club hosts a public event, it likely becomes a public accommodation, at least to
the extent the facilities are made available to the public.

.07 Golf and Utility Car Operation and Maintenance 14

Fleet, 15 golf and utility cars vehicles should be maintained in accordance with the
manufacturer’s owner and service manuals. Personal golf cars 16, if permitted by the
golf course management or owner, should be inspected periodically to assure the car
has been maintained and the steering and brakes function properly. 17 Inadequately
maintained personal golf cars can be a hazard to other golfers, course features and the
operator and creates potential liability claims against the course owner or operator.

Excessive speed may result in damage to the course, injury to passengers and other
golfers and increases the potential for accidents.

Personal golf cars should be equipped with the proper tires for the surface normally
used and sized pursuant to manufacturers’ specifications. 18 Narrow replacement tires
can cause damage to the course, and larger diameter tires result in excess speed and
control problems. Incorrect tires affect steering, braking, stability and suspension
performance.

Operators of personal golf cars should provide proof of adequate comprehensive liability
and property damage insurance. 19 Accidents involving personal cars increase golf
course liability risk. This is especially the case where the course requires the personal
golf car owner to allow other players to ride as passengers and pay a golf car license or
rental fee to the course.

Seat Belts on golf cars are not recommended for golf course usage. Golf car sun
canopies may not provide adequate overhead protection. Use of seat belts without
adequate overhead protection may result in severe injury or death.

14
Specific information regarding Golf Car Safety and Performance Specifications is found in ANSI/ILTVA
Z130.1. Likewise, the owner and user should have available and refer to the owner’s operations manual
published by the manufacturer.
15
i.e., owned or leased by the golf course operator or owner.
16
i.e., owned or leased by a person(s) other than a golf course operator or owner or golf car leasing
company.
17
Whether the course owner provides for the inspection or requires inspection by an independent agency
is a matter of choice. If personal golf cars are permitted, the trail or license agreement should specify the
nature and frequency of the inspection required.
18
Consult owner’s manual.
19
An endorsement (ISO form HO 04 13) to the homeowners policy provides liability coverage for certain
types of motorized land conveyances, such as mopeds, motorized bicycles, and motorized golf carts. The
vehicles must not be able to exceed 15 miles per hour, must not be subject to motor vehicle registration
or used on public roads, may not be rented to others or used for business purposes, and may not be
operated in a prearranged competition. However, in many cases, the owner will need a separate policy
to ensure proper or desired liability exposure insurance coverage.

Copyright 2013 International Light Transportation Vehicle Association, Inc. Atlanta, Georgia Page 7
Only persons at least 16 years of age or possessing a valid state issued driver’s license
should operate golf cars. Immature, mentally incapacitated or impaired (, e.g., by
alcohol) golf car operators are a risk to themselves, others, and course features. Golf
car rental procedures may include recording the licensee’s name and address from a
current driver’s license or other authenticated identification assists in assessing
responsibility for property damage.

Children, if allowed to be golf car passengers, should not be left unattended in the golf
car.

Golf cars used by marshals and utility vehicles used for refreshment cars should have
canopies and one-piece windshields designed to withstand a direct hit from a golf ball.
Consult your golf car and utility vehicle manufacturer to assure the materials used are
intended for your application. Use great care when replacing or using an aftermarket
supplied safety component and assure the parts meet original equipment specifications.

Range picker vehicles should have a full enclosure designed to prevent a direct hit from
a golf ball from penetrating the operator’s cab.

Utility vehicles and refreshment cars must only be operated by employees with a valid
motor vehicle drivers license and who have documented training. Training should
include:
Completion before operating the vehicle;
Documented course content and completion date;
Emphasis on safety of passengers, material loads, operator, and other employees;
Vehicle dynamics and braking distances when loaded and when unloaded;
Safe vehicle load limitations;
All course safety rules;
Operation of the vehicle with both feet inside the vehicle;
Introduction to the vehicle control locations and functions, and explanation of how they
work when used properly and when used improperly;
Proper refueling / recharging procedures;
Surface conditions, grade and other environmental conditions influencing the operation
of the vehicle;
Operation performance tests and evaluations;
Requirement to turn key off, place shifter in neutral, and setting the park brake each
time the operator leaves the operator’s seat of the vehicle;
Refraining from parking the vehicle on an incline, if at all feasible;
Accident or incident reporting; and
Keeping frequently traveled routes clear and unobstructed; and

Golf course etiquette.

Golf cars shall not be used to transport more than one operator and one passenger.
Extra people overload the golf car and negatively affect the ability of the operator to
control the vehicle. Extra people also impede the operator’s ability to see hazards.

Copyright 2013 International Light Transportation Vehicle Association, Inc. Atlanta, Georgia Page 8
Drivers and passengers should only ride while seated on the seats provided. Standing
or sitting on the body or the bag rack of a golf car should be prohibited. The same rule
applies to ground crews, maintenance and other staff, e.g., fore caddies.
Drivers should not drive the car from the passenger’s seat. Brake pedals and steering
wheels are not designed to be operated from the passenger’s seat. Safe operation
requires the operator to sit behind the steering wheel.

.08 Golf Car Preventive Maintenance Records.

Golf car preventive maintenance records should include key information. Records
should be kept for the dates maintenance is performed and the preventive maintenance
performed on such dates as recommended by the manufacturer. 20

.09 Liability Waivers.

While golf car liability waivers are commonly used at daily fee and semi-private golf
courses, their enforceability depends upon state law. Most states allow an owner to
limit liability for personal injury incurred by golf car licensees and to require the licensee
to be responsible to the golf car owner for property damage. However, state law varies
and local counsel should be consulted regarding the waiver language to be used.
Waivers are useful to draw the licensee’s attention to the need for exercising care in the
operation of a golf car.

If a waiver is utilized, it is recommended management require the production of the

licensee’s valid motor vehicle driver’s license or other authenticated identification. The
information, including street address and license number, should be recorded on the
daily starters’ time sheet log and maintained for the statute of limitations period
applicable to personal injury suits.

Private golf courses accessible only by bona fide members, their immediate family and
accompanied guests typically provide for members to indemnify and hold the course
harmless from personal injury and property damage claims arising out of their own
conduct and to be responsible for property damage caused by the members, their
immediate family and guests. However, counsel should be asked to review the bylaws,
rules and membership enrollment forms regarding these matters to ensure their
enforceability under state law.

4. Summary

Golf course management should continuously communicate its safety policy to its
members, patrons and employees. The policy should be incorporated into the
employee handbook and posted in conspicuous locations.

20
Refer to owner or service manuals

Copyright 2013 International Light Transportation Vehicle Association, Inc. Atlanta, Georgia Page 9
Periodically, but at least annually, management should review the safety policy, require
the safety audit committee to revisit its findings, and recommend useful and necessary
changes to the golf course owner or managing board.

E:\FLSDOCS\ILTVA\Golf Course Safety Guidelines\golf course safety guidelines.rev.070113.

Copyright 2013 International Light Transportation Vehicle Association, Inc. Atlanta, Georgia Page 10