By Jan Vejraska, SCW Posse public information officer
It’s that time of year again.
Children are visiting the area for spring break and the holiday. A time when grandparents allow their grandchildren to drive golf cars, thinking it’s a fun thing to do.
Before Sun City West residents allow their grandchild to drive a golf car, consider the following penalties that a Maricopa County Sheriff’s deputy could issue a citation if an underage or unlicensed child is caught driving a golf car.
• Misdemeanor citation, resulting in a $285 fine.
• Suspension of driving privileges in Arizona, regardless of where licensed.
Also, golf car owners with an out-of-state license who allow their grandchildren to drive the golf car will have their home state notified and they could lose their license.
Should a golf car driven by an underage child be involved in an accident, the grandparent and the child’s parents could be subject to a civil lawsuit, as most insurance companies won’t cover the insured if they allow an unlicensed driver to operate the vehicle. An insurance company could also cancel a policy, causing the grandparent to seek insurance elsewhere, at much higher rates.
Sheriff’s Posse of Sun City West officials urge residents to consider all of the above before putting their grandchildren and themselves at risk.
