Golf cart etiquette in The Villages emphasizes safety, courtesy, and following specific, local, and state regulations for sharing roads and multi-modal paths. Key practices include using turn signals or hand signals, yielding to pedestrians, driving on designated paths, obeying all traffic laws, and parking properly in marked spaces to maximize space. 

Key Golf Cart Rules and Etiquette

• Rules of the Road: Treat your cart like a car. Do not text and drive, do not drink and drive, and come to a full stop at stop signs.
• Path Usage: Use designated multi-modal paths, not the main roads, whenever possible.
• Lights: Use headlights and taillights after dark, as it is often required and safer.
• Speed Limits: Do not exceed 20 mph, and obey all posted signs.
• Yielding: Always yield to pedestrians, who have the right-of-way.
• Parking: In crowded areas like town squares, park angled and pull in to allow two or more carts to fit in one spot.
• Safety: Do not allow passengers to stand in the cart. 

Sharing the Road and Paths

• Left Lane Usage: On streets with designated, painted golf cart lanes, stay within that, but be aware that you may need to move to the main, paved road at times.
• Passing: Avoid passing slower golf carts on narrow, multi-modal paths.
• Turning: Use turn signals or hand signals to indicate turns, and check mirrors and blind spots frequently.
• Roundabouts: Use caution in roundabouts, as they can be high-traffic areas. 

Common Courtesy

• Wave and Smile: It is customary to greet other residents.
• Pack Accordingly: Keep sunscreen, water, and a light jacket on hand for the ride.
• Secure Children/Pets: Ensure all passengers, including pets, are secured.
• Respect Private Property: Do not use private driveways or lawns as cut-throughs.