Where Can I Drive My Go-Kart?
January 14, 2009 by Robert · Leave a Comment
Driving go karts is a lot of fun for the whole family. It gets you outdoors, allows you to enjoy racing, and much more. Used correctly, go karts can be safe and fun. However, you need to remember that there are important rules and regulations about driving your kart, as well as safety equipment that you should always use. Don't ride your kart in the city without a helmet!
Riding a go kart in a residential or high traffic area can be deadly. There are places it's okay to use these vehicles, and places you shouldn't. Exactly where you can drive your go kart will vary by region and specific locale - if you're not sure what your area's rules are, find out about them.
In most places, you can't use go karts off road, on the street, on sidewalks or on the highway. Go karts are made to be used on private property, including private closed circuit tracks. They don't count as an ordinary vehicle, as they have no vehicle identification number. Without a VIN, no vehicle can be taken on the streets or offroad. Operating go karts on private property has to be done with the knowledge and permission of the owner, too.
However, the lack of VIN doesn't mean that go kart riders don't have responsibilities under the law. In many locations, go karts follow the same rules of the road as a moped or small motorcycle. Operators may be required to have a motorcycle license, wear a helmet, and maintain their go kart in particular ways.
Don't think that you can use your go kart on a highway or street and not get caught. You could be charged for driving with out a license, operating an unsafe vehicle, and not wearing a helmet! Instead, take your go kart to a proper track and enjoy yourself in a safe, legal environment.
While go karts are traditionally driven by kids (though there are plenty of adult kart enthusiasts), not all areas allow children to operate them. Find out what the minimum age for operating a kart in your area is before you allow a child or teen to drive one, even on a public track. Commercial tracks will usually have an age limit for operating their vehicles. This may be mandated by law or by their insurance carrier.
Go karts are a lot of fun for everyone. However, it's extremely important to make sure that you follow the rules before you begin karting. Find out where you can drive and who's allowed to operate a kart in your city and neighborhood before you start. That'll help you stay safe and avoid a lot of headaches.
Tags: go kart tracks, Go Karts, go-karting, helmet, karting
