5J-18.0152. Regulation of High Speed Go-Kart Tracks Open for Rental Concession Operation

(1) Purpose. This section establishes specific requirements for high speed go-kart tracks and high speed go-karts open to the public for rental use in addition to the other requirements contained in this chapter pertaining to amusement rides. Owners that provide high speed go-kart tracks and high speed go-karts for rental use shall at a minimum meet these requirements. This rule does not pertain to go kart tracks surrounded by a barrier system defined in rule paragraphs 5J-18.015(6)(b) and (c), F.A.C., provided that all other requirements of Rule 5J-18.015, F.A.C., are also met.

(2) Definitions. As used in this rule, the following definitions shall apply:

(a) Driver means a patron responsible for operating a high speed go-kart. Drivers must be over 10 years of age and must have attended an instructional briefing. Drivers must be of sufficient stature and physical ability to properly reach and manipulate all controls on the go-kart.

(b) Frame means the primary supporting members of the go-kart.

(c) High speed go-kart means a go-kart with a maximum operating speed greater than 30mph.

1. Class I means a high speed go-kart governed or otherwise limited to a maximum operating speed of between 30 and 35 mph.

2. Class II means a high speed go-kart governed or otherwise limited to a maximum operating speed of between 35 and 50 mph.

(d) Instructional briefing means an on-site, off-track instructional session led by a track operator or attendant, describing safe operations of the high speed go kart.

(e) Pit area means a designated area where patrons are loaded or unloaded into and out of go-karts.

(f) Refuel area means that area where engine fueling is accomplished.

(g) Roll bar means a frame or structure which extends above the patron’s head and is designed to support the weight of the high speed go-kart, and protect the patron should the go-kart turn over.

(h) Safety restraint means an adjustable lap belt and cross body safety restraints or harness.

(3) Posted Signs.

(a) A sign shall be posted at the entrance to each track or in the pit area containing the following instructions and information for patrons:

1. Helmets required,

2. Closed toe shoes required,

3. Eye protection required,

4. Karts must be operated in a safe manner,

5. Signs indicating direction of travel must be obeyed,

6. The maximum number of Class I or Class II go-karts allowed in operation during a race,

7. Properly secure loose clothing and hair as to not interfere with safe operations,

8. Patrons under the influence of drugs or alcohol are not permitted to operate the high speed go-karts.

(b) If the go-karts are prohibited from having safety restraints or roll bars by the manufacturer the following signage will also be required:

1. Neck guards required,

2. Chest and rib protectors required,

3. Long pants and abrasion resistant jackets required.

(4) High Speed Go-Kart Requirements.

(a) A detailed operational manual for each model high speed go-kart and high speed go-kart track must be kept onsite at all times. Each operational manual must be written in English and must include:

1. A detailed, scaled drawing of each go-kart course, including course measurements,

2. Written emergency plans which also must be posted in the employee’s work area,

3. Manufacturer’s maintenance instructions and specifications for each type of go-kart.

(b) The governor or speed-limiting device shall not be accessible to the patron of the high speed go-kart.

(c) Rotating, moving, or hot engine parts of a high speed go-kart shall be shielded from contact by patrons while exiting, riding, or entering to prevent injury to patrons.

(d) No more than one person shall occupy a high speed go-kart at any one time.

(e) A high speed go-kart shall have brakes that operate as designed by the original manufacturer or as approved by a licensed professional engineer.

(f) The brake and throttle controls on a high speed go-kart shall:

1. Be visually labeled, “stop” for brake, and “go” for gas (fuel), or be color-coded, red for brake, green for go, and

2. Return automatically to a non-operational position when released.

(g) All high speed go-karts shall be equipped with safety restraints and roll bars unless the manufacturer specifically prohibits such devices.

(h) All high speed go-karts shall be equipped with impact bumpers or impact-absorbing parts surrounding the body of the high speed go-kart.

(i) All wheels of a high speed go-kart shall be enclosed, designed, or guarded so that they cannot interlock with or ride over the wheels of another go-kart.

(j) The fuel tank of a high speed go-kart shall be designed and mounted so that when the high speed go-kart is inverted, leakage or seepage of fuel does not exceed 1 ounce in 5 minutes from any source.

(k) All parts on go-karts must meet or exceed the manufacturer’s specifications.

(l) Each high speed go-kart shall be individually identified. This identification shall be permanently affixed to the frame in a consistent and a readily visible location.

(m) High speed go-karts shall not operate at speeds higher than those established in paragraph (2)(c).

(5) Track and Facility Requirements.

(a) Each track shall meet the following criteria:

1. Hard surface tracks shall have a smooth and consistent gripping surface,

2. The width of all tracks shall be a minimum of three times the width of the widest car or 12 feet, whichever is greater, except where cars run individually, and

3. No intersecting course configurations shall be permitted to operate at the same time; however, pit area entrances and exits are permitted.

(b) Track safety barriers must be constructed to stop the go-kart in a manner so as to minimize the risk of injury to a driver in the event of collision.

(c) Track safety barriers shall be:

1. Between the track and every obstruction or hazard that presents risk of injury,

2. Along all non-access and non-egress edges of the pit area,

3. Between tracks or sections of track that are within 50 feet of each other,

4. Between the track and any area where spectators have access,

5. Of sufficient height and present a vertical face to minimize the risk of the kart climbing and/or crossing the barrier per manufacturer or insurance requirements, and

6. Maintained in a condition that would not create a hazard or present an unnecessary risk to a driver should they come in contact.

(d) The pit area, for patron loading and unloading:

1. Must be separated from the track, and

2. Must have separate entrances and exits to the track.

(e) The property where the track is located shall be surrounded by a fence or barrier to avoid inadvertent patron entry. Fences and gates shall be in accordance with Rule 5J-18.0125, F.A.C.

(6) In addition to all other requirements, high speed go kart facilities must meet the following requirements:

(a) The speed of the go-karts is governed or otherwise limited in accordance with this rule,

(b) The track is designed to accommodate go-karts travelling at speeds at which the go-karts are being operated on the track, and

(c) The barriers on the track are appropriate to be used with the go-karts being operated on the track.

(7) Safety Equipment.

(a) At least one fully charged ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher having a minimum ten pound capacity must be located in every passenger loading area, in every refueling area, in each employee monitoring station, and on all recovery/response vehicles.

(b) The location of each fire extinguisher shall be marked and off the ground, and the fire extinguisher shall be easily accessible.

(c) Fire extinguishers must be inspected annually by the local fire marshal or a recognized service.

(d) Staff involved in controlling any ride cycle must be equipped with two-way radios or similar communication devices to ensure clear communication at all times.

(e) The following safety equipment is required to operate a high speed go-kart:

1. Helmet ‒ each helmet must meet or exceed the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218, section 571.218, Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, incorporated by reference in Rule 5J-18.0011, F.A.C. A copy of this material may be obtained by writing to Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, or may be inspected at the Division of Consumer Services, Bureau of Fair Rides Inspection at 2005 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-6500, or may be accessed online at http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-08484,

2. Closed toe shoes, and

3. Eye protection.

(f) In addition to the safety equipment listed in paragraph (6)(e), the following equipment is required to operate a high speed go-kart if restraints or rollbars are prohibited by the manufacturer:

1. Neck guards,

2. Chest and rib protectors, and

3. Long pants and abrasion resistant jackets.

(g) The following safety equipment shall be available if requested by the driver of a high speed go-kart:

1. Neck guards, and

2. Chest and rib protectors.

(8) Refueling.

(a) Go-karts shall be refueled in a designated area. No patrons or spectators are allowed in the area during the time of refueling.

(b) No Smoking signs must be posted next to the refueling dispenser.

(9) Inspection Requirement. Prior to a department inspection of a high speed go-kart, there must be present on location: 

(a) The high speed go-kart’s operational manual written in English, and

(b) The high speed go-kart’s prior inspection reports conducted by the owner or their designee.

(10) Operations.

(a) No person shall be permitted to drive a go-kart without attending an on-site instructional briefing designed specifically for the go-kart course being driven. Instructional briefings attended within the previous 30 days will meet this requirement if the instructional briefing content has not changed. The briefing shall include, at a minimum:

1. Discussion of the course design, a visual representation of the course, and specific instructions on how to drive the course,

2. Explanation of the colors of flags and any other signals which will be used during the ride cycle, to include those used when issuing warnings and indicating cessation of operations,

3. Instructions regarding kart gas and braking, to include description and explanation of proper acceleration and deceleration of the high speed go-kart,

4. Instructions on the proper use of safety equipment,

5. Instructions prohibiting blocking, bumping, and reckless driving,

6. Instructions regarding proper operation of vehicle controls,

7. Information regarding the importance of following rules and instructions,

8. Description and demonstration of all emergency signals,

9. Instructions on safe operation procedures, and

10. Instructions on course requirements. 

(b) All high speed go-karts that are operated simultaneously on a track shall have body parts, bumpers, and wheels that are size compatible.

(c) High speed go-karts brought by members of the public shall not be operated with high speed rental go-karts unless all high speed go-karts meet all requirements of this section.

(d) Class I and Class II high speed go-karts shall not operate on the track at the same time.

(e) Class II drivers must be over 16 years of age with a valid driver’s license or 18 years of age or older.

(f) Drivers who do not meet Class II requirements but who have safely raced the course in a Class I go-kart a minimum of five sessions may be granted permission to operate a Class II go-kart by the owner or operator of the track. Proof of prior Class I go-kart operation must be recorded and retained by the owner.

(g) The number of high speed go-karts permitted to operate on a track at one time is limited to the number of go-karts the track was designed to safely contain. Documentation of the maximum number of Class I or Class II go-karts that can safety operate on the track at the same time must be maintained by the track owner. Documentation from the track designer, manufacturer, or a professional engineer will meet this requirement.

(h) High speed go-kart attendants shall:

1. Ensure all required safety equipment is being properly used,

2. Be positioned so that they can observe all sections of the track and reach any section of the track immediately. Electronic visual and audio means may be used to supplement attendants’ observation of the track,

3. Observe each patron to ensure proper karting knowledge and driving proficiency,

4. Not be engaged in the operation of other amusement rides during go-kart operations,

5. Ensure drivers are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol during operations,

6. Provide the track with adequate lighting for night operation, if applicable, and

7. Enforce all rules for safe operations.

(i) Tracks shall be free of oil and fuel spills. A high speed go-kart losing oil or fuel shall be immediately removed from the track. In the event of an oil or fuel spill, all operations shall cease until the spill has been cleaned up and the track is deemed by attendants to be safe for operations.

Rulemaking Authority 616.165, 616.242(4) FS. Law Implemented 616.242 FS. History–New 11-18-20.