Is it legal to drive golf carts and ATV's on public roads?

I am interested to find the answer too. About 10 years ago we were told by the police that we could not drive a Gem Electric car on the streets legally. The GEM is a heavy duty golf cart that goes over 25 mph, with lights, brakes, windshield, and license plate. We knew that it was considered "road legal" in most states on streets with a speed limit up to 35mph. However stx cops said it was a golf cart and not legal. Maybe that has changed. The down side is that you need to buy electric power to charge it....

I see them on ATVs too
Arn't the police required to follow the same laws as evryone else?

Given the number of cops we see chatting on their cell phone while driving and not wearing seatbealts, one would think the laws dont apply to them. And now they're attempting to save their jobs by standing on street corners and hiding behind parked cars every hundred yards or so to catch and fine motorists doing the same.

But back to the OP...is it legal to drive golf carts and ATV's on the streets?

How about go-carts?

The obvious answer is to call the DMV and ask.

I asked this question about 6 months ago...I was told that it is illegal for us to do so.
When asked why the police could...I was told that the ATV's that the police drive are altered to fit the requrements of "road use"
I asked...then if I put a cell phone holder and a large antenna on...then I too can drive!!!
they didn't think that to be funny!!!

Same old story for this Question of golf carts and ATV's, do as we(the police) say NOT as we do.
The rules do not apply to them. Who will ticket them for talking on cell or no seat belt? Who will stop them on golf cart or ATV? Nobody.
Just saying.

Looks like they have a fleet of golf cars now.

Maybe Carambola is renting them out as a way to stave off another reorganization.

Given the number of cops we see chatting on their cell phone while driving ...

Sorry this is OT but is it not allowed to chat on the phone while driving in the USVI? Is it not allowed and the police will not pull you over or is it not allowed and you will get a ticket?

Or maybe and hopefully it is allowed?!

In the USVI, it's illegal to use a handheld cell phone while driving (but hands-free is OK). Everybody does it, and sometimes they get ticketed for it. Next time you're waiting at a red light, watch how many people driving through the intersection are holding a phone to their ear.

You WILL get a ticket for talking on a handheld cell phone. I know people who have. Last I heard, it was $50.

why take a chance. wait until you can pull over before you talk on a cell if you dont have hands free.

The rentable sunbugs in. Fredrkstd look similar to golf carts and driven on the roads.I wander how those are legal.

The rentable sunbugs in. Fredrkstd look similar to golf carts and driven on the roads.I wander how those are legal.

My understanding is they are solar powered electric "cars" that can only be driven in and the vincinity of Fredericksted.

Jumbie-STX

Thanks everyone. That is good to know. I keep my bluetooth in CA so when I visit next week I just won't be on the phone. No big deal. I don't need to be on the phone.

Can you also get a ticket for texting and doing other stuff on your phone?

Also if I bring my dash mount for my iPhone so that I can use GPS is that a no no? Some states give tickets for obstructing the view which I think is silly.

In my experience, gps no worky! Had to find myway around with a good old fashioned map.

In my experience, gps no worky! Had to find myway around with a good old fashioned map.

Really GPS doesn't work at all? I'll have to do a trial run to the hospital from Chistianstead then. In STT I am staying right near the hospital.

Mine does not work. I can't speak for others. It is not difficult to get around though. The island is rather small and there are only so many roads.

Mine does not work. I can't speak for others. It is not difficult to get around though. The island is rather small and there are only so many roads.

Thanks Sheiba. I am sure it is easy. I am just so used to GPS that it is a handicap at this point.

I'm sure I'll do just fine.

Our guests relied on GPS on STX last month and they had to call me to get unlost.

Our guests relied on GPS on STX last month and they had to call me to get unlost.

Finally, my morning laugh. Thanks!

The thing that amazes me the most is I see alot of people drinking beer openly while driving, that cant be legal is it?!?!

I also notice that you can purchase alcohol at 18

The thing that amazes me the most is I see alot of people drinking beer openly while driving, that cant be legal is it?!?!

I also notice that you can purchase alcohol at 18

Yeah 18 is the legal drinking age in Puerto Rico as well and 95% of the world. Quite absurd that you are adult enough to vote and fight in a war and drive a huge piece of machinery at very high speeds but can't drink alcohol.

College binge drinking in the states started becoming a major issue when the drinking age in each state was forced to raise their age from 18 to 21 in the 1980s. When the drinking age was 18 there were not as many issues with binge drinking.

I am glad my parents served my sister and I wine when we were in high school. At age 15 I got a fake ID. It was so I could get into the clubs. But not to drink. I just wanted to dance and that is what I did.

The thing that amazes me the most is I see alot of people drinking beer openly while driving, that cant be legal is it?!?!

I also notice that you can purchase alcohol at 18

Yes, drinking while driving Is legal here, as long as you aren't over the limit. There are no open container laws.

The thing that amazes me the most is I see alot of people drinking beer openly while driving, that cant be legal is it?!?!

I also notice that you can purchase alcohol at 18

There is no open container law in the VI so yes, it's completely legal. That said, if a cop pulls you over for something and you've got a beer in your hand you're probably making whatever minor thing he pulled you over for worse. The drinking age is 18 here but I see kids as young as 14 in bars from time to time and nobody seems to bother carding. One of my first experiences on STT was walking into a store down on the waterfront and buying a case of beer and the "clerk" in the booze section selling it to me couldn't have been older than 11, very bizarre when you've lived in the states your whole life.