Most people get glassy-eyed when they see a go kart (people who love go karts, that is) and they tend to forget where in the world they are going to drive their go kart.
Sometimes the images in your mind go to race tracks and passing Ferraris, but “Seriously! Are you going to drive this on a race track?”
I got this email from a reader about go karts (and sadly it’s a common question)
Hello, I was stopped by a police officer for operating my go kart on the sidewalk and said that I could be charged with: Operating a vehicle without a license, Driving to endanger, Driving an uncertified vehicle and told me that I had to be over the age of 18 years to operate anything that runs on gas. Now I understand that I can’t drive a go kart anywhere, but where should I go?
Because the question “Where am I going to ride this Go Kart?” It wasn’t asked at first, now you have a very depressed individual, considering ditching the gokart entirely.
One problem is about “Where” and the other is about “Age”.
I am not a legal authority, but I can tell you a few basics: Motor vehicles without a license are not allowed to drive on the highways.
About age, that varies from state to state.
You should consult your state statutes and codes for verification of legal facts. Consult a local attorney for that information…
But other than that, it’s a good idea to know where this go kart will drive.
In your driveway?
On your uncle’s farm?
(Obviously not on the street because that’s against the law)
In the cornfields?
In your garden?
Do you have a yard big enough to go kart?
Are there laws against go-karts in your neighborhood?
Do you have permission to ride it in the parking lot across the street?
Driving a go kart involves more than just you in a go kart.
It affects the people around you in the following ways:
– A go kart is a driving projectile.
– An “unknown talent” is setting his course.
– The thickness is not set, but it can change from time to time.
In short, a go kart coupled to a driver is like running with the bulls in Spain.
Those around the go kart have no idea if it is going to hit them or not.
So before you get upset that you can’t drive it “anywhere,” realize that the people around you have a load to take on. A load of worry and care. Will they or you get hurt?
there are legalities
Also, the Go Kart is not legal on the roads for a number of reasons, primarily due to its low profile (people can’t see it) and the lack of many other essential road handling and accident prevention components.
This set of questions is probably the hardest to recognize, because there are so many obstacles. And I don’t mean trees and cars, I mean motor vehicle regulations. You can’t just fly down the road with your go kart. It sounds like a fun idea, but it’s actually dangerous and against the law.
If you end up buying this go kart, or even building it, you may end up with a number of very depressing conclusions:
I can’t mount it anywhere!
And even if I could, I can’t put it in the car to take it where I want to travel (it’s too big)!
So ask the question first. Get an answer.
The answer may be as simple as networking with a few people to find a place to ride: your aunt and uncle’s farm, that is! (but there is also more than just your uncle at stake… remember there are 10 questions, not six)
There are various karting clubs and you can join them. You don’t have to be a go kart racer to join these clubs, it’s just a place where you can enjoy go karting. Be sure to contact them in your area before investing in the kart and everything that goes with it (ie helmets, gloves, suits, etc.)
And finally, I did some research of my own on trail riding gokarts. There are usually stipulations as to what type of go kart you can ride on a trail. For example, in the state I live in, the trails require the go kart to have suspension and a full roll cage from a reputable manufacturer. You will also need to obtain a permit. The age of the drivers is also limited.
So check out ATV trails and see what you can come up with.