Why would you want to drive a racing car on the road when you can drive a normal car instead? Go Kart isn’t meant for neighborhood driving, or road driving, they are meant for sports. Go-Karts aren’t safe to drive on the road because they don’t have safety features like horns, lights, blinkers e.t.c.
A Go kart is a type of sports car, an open-wheeled car. It comes in different shapes or forms. Go-karts are used for racing. It’s built for racing and not for neighborhood driving. So, what is the penalty for driving a go kart on the road?
If you are caught driving a go-kart on the road in the United States, you will be pulled over by the police and you will be made to pay a huge fine and your go-kart can be impounded until you pay the fine.
Is it Illegal to Drive a Go Kart on the Road?
Yes, it’s illegal to drive a Go-kart on the road because Go-kart is meant to stay off neighborhoods, roads, parks, sidewalks, and public places. Go-karts should only be driven on a race track, in designated places, or on private property.
What is the Penalty for Driving a Go Kart on the Road?
Different countries have different ways of punishing anyone who drives a Go-kart on the road.
- In the United States, if you are caught riding a Go-kart on the road you will pay a fine and your Go-kart could be confiscated.
- In Ontario, if you are caught driving a Go-kart on the road, you will be pulled over, get the Go-kart impounded, and will have to pay a fine.
Is a License Required to Drive a Go-kart on the Road?
A license is required before you can drive a Go-Kart on the road. Go-kart isn’t for public use. It’s not meant to be used on roads.
Recommended Places to Drive a Go-kart
However, there are some places you can drive your Go-kart without the fear of what if I’m caught while driving or what if I’m given a fine to pay. Don’t worry, in places like this, Go-karts are allowed. Some of the places you can drive a Go-kart to are:
1. Indoor Karting Tracks
One amazing thing about indoor karting tracks is that you can always drive your Go-kart in any kind of weather. Another wonderful thing is that you can rent the safety equipment that you need for your racing.
And you are allowed to use the benefits along with the indoor karting like an arcade, a shop, a time tracker, and the likes.
Another beautiful thing is that there are cafes and restaurants to refill your stomach when you are hungry. In indoor karting, you may not necessarily bring in your Go-karts, there are available Go-karts to use.
2. Outdoor Karting Tracks
Another wonderful place to explore your Go-kart is the outdoor Karting tracks. They are mostly located in remote areas because they require space.
If you are to drive your Go-kart in an outdoor kart, you will have to take your safety equipment along. You need your personal Go Kart if you would be making use of an outdoor karting track.
Using an outdoor karting track has advantages which include getting to watch competitions and events on racing, you get to meet professional Karters, and you get to experience authentic good racing.
Another good thing is there is a longer race track. But outdoor karting tracks don’t have restaurants or cafes because their location is mostly in dense cities. You might have to bring along your snacks while coming.
3. Dirt Tracks
Dirt tracks are also a good place to drive your Go-kart. You must be wondering: why a dirt track? What does it look like?
A Dirt track is a regular race track but it doesn’t make use of asphalt or a synthetic surface; it has a dirt layer. But the beautiful thing I like about dirt tracks is the fun you get while riding a Go-kart on it but be ready to do an extreme cleaning after the ride.
Most Dirt tracks have safety equipment, cafes, and restaurants. Isn’t that amazing, having lunch after a fun ride? But ensure you hold extra clothes. After racing your clothes won’t look neat as it was before racing.
4. Private Property
You can ride your Go-kart on your private property. This means that you get to ride your Go-kart anytime you want to and even at your convenient time.
You can decide to spend long hours racing because it’s your property. There are no rules and regulations to follow; you create your own rule since it’s on your property. It can be real fun driving on your property.
Safety Tips While Driving a Go-kart
Do you want to live long? Then you have a part to also play to ensure that. While driving a Go-kart there are some safety tips to follow, which are;
Wear a Helmet
You should never go racing without a helmet. The head is very fragile and 12 percent of racing injuries are on the head or neck. If you put on a good helmet it will serve as your head protector.
The head is very delicate and any little injury can damage the brain. Buy a good helmet that can also protect your face. Racing centers don’t allow racing without a helmet. Do your best to put on a helmet.
Wear Neck Braces
Wear neck braces that fit perfectly, and also make sure it doesn’t hinder you from breathing well. Test the neck braces before racing to know how you feel putting them on and if it’s not restricting your breathing.
Equipment Should be in Perfect Shape
Before you race, ensure your equipment are in perfect shape. Check your Go-kart, and the tires. Check if you don’t have a leaking gas. Ensure your kart is well serviced before driving it.
Ensure that the belt and chain aren’t broken or else it can ruin your racing. Be 100 percent sure your equipment is in good shape.
Wear a Seat Belt
If you wear your seat belt while driving a normal vehicle, why then would you neglect using a seat belt in your Go-kart?
Just as you can’t drive a normal vehicle without a seat belt, you should also ensure you make use of your seat belt while driving a Go-kart. When an accident occurs, the seat belt will reduce the impact on you.
Don’t Wear Baggy Clothing
It’s better to put on a tight-fitting tracksuit; it helps to protect your skin. Avoid t-shirts with low hanging sleeves and take off necklaces or jewelry that stand a chance of getting cut up.
Follow Rules and Regulations
Listen to rules and regulations and follow them accurately. You can attend a safety rules and regulations briefing. It helps you to know how you can be safe while driving a Go-kart.
Develop Good Driving Habit
Consciously practice good driving habits. Use Go-karts in areas that are good for kart riding. Avoid fences and barriers, incoming traffic, loose stones, or areas with uneven, soft turf.
Final Thoughts
It’s fun racing with a go-kart but doesn’t drive Go-Kart on the road or sidewalk. If you must drive a go-kart, drive in an indoor karting track, outdoor karting track, and other places mentioned above. It’s safer when you drive Go-karts to their designated places.
Go-kart should be driven with care so as to prevent any form of accident. Helmet and neck braces should always be put on before racing. kart should be checked if it’s in good shape before driving to prevent any form of accident.