5J-18.015. Regulation of Go-Kart Tracks and Similar Vehicles

(1) Purpose. This section establishes specific requirements for go-kart amusement rides operating up to 30 miles per hour in addition to the other requirements contained in this chapter pertaining to amusement rides. Amusement rides guided by an automatic steering system are exempt from this section. These requirements help insure that go-kart rides constructed permanently or temporarily in the State are safely operated and maintained. Go-kart vehicles and tracks shall at a minimum meet these requirements.

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

(a) Adult Track means a track that is designed to operate adult vehicles or kiddie vehicles but not at the same time unless alternative specifications are provided by the manufacturer.

(b) Adult vehicle means a vehicle designed for patrons who are a minimum of 52 inches of height and have leg length sufficient to reach the brake and throttle control unless alternative specifications are provided by the manufacturer of the vehicle.

(c) Carrier means a component of an amusement device which holds or contains the patron or patrons.

(d) Frame means the primary supporting members of the vehicle.

(e) Family track means a track that is designed to operate kiddie and adult vehicles that have been designed and modified to be compatible for safe operations.

(f) Governor means a device that limits the maximum speed of a vehicle to a predetermined number of miles per hour.

(g) Kiddie track means a track that is designed to only operate with kiddie vehicles.

(h) Kiddie vehicle means a vehicle designed for patrons not over 54 inches in height and with a leg length sufficient to reach the throttle and brake control unless alternative specifications are provided by the manufacturer of the vehicle.

(i) Pit area means that designated area where patrons are loaded or unloaded into and out of vehicles.

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

(k) Remote Control Speed Limiting Device means a speed limiting component which allows the operator of the track to bring the throttle back to idle of any vehicle on the track.

(l) Roll Bar means a frame or structure which extends above the patron’s head and is designed to support the weight of the vehicle, and protect the patron should the vehicle turn over.

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

(n) Track means the physical surface over which the vehicle travels.

(o) Track Safety Barrier means a physical obstruction designed to prevent a vehicle from leaving the track.

(p) Vehicle means a carrier controlled or driven by patrons specifically designed to be run and which is run on a fixed course for amusement, pleasure, or excitement of the patron. Vehicle includes go-karts, and other similar vehicles.

(3) Posted Signs. A sign shall be posted at the entrance to each track or in the pit area containing the following instructions and information for operation:

(a) In order to drive an adult vehicle patrons must be at least fifty-two inches in height unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer;

(b) In order to drive a kiddie vehicle patrons must not be over fifty-four inches in height unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer;

(c) Helmets and eye protection will be provided upon request;

(d) Vehicles must be operated in a safe manner;

(e) Signs indicating direction of travel must be obeyed;

(f) Properly secure loose clothing and hair as to not interfere with safe operations.

(4) Operations.

(a) No person shall be allowed to operate an adult vehicle unless that person is at least fifty-two inches in height and has a leg length that is sufficient to reach the brake and throttle controls from the driver’s seat unless otherwise permitted by the manufacturer.

(b) No person who exceeds fifty-four inches in height or who has a leg length insufficient to reach the brake and throttle controls from the driver’s seat shall be permitted to operate a kiddie vehicle unless otherwise permitted by the manufacturer.

(c) All vehicles that are operated simultaneously on a track shall have body parts, bumpers, and wheels that are size compatible.

(d) An adult vehicle and a kiddie vehicle shall not be operated on the same track at the same time, unless it is on a family track designed for this purpose.

(e) Attendants shall be positioned so that they can observe track operations and reach any section of the track immediately. In addition, observation of facility operations may be supplemented by electronic visual and audio means. Attendants shall not be engaged in the operation of other amusement rides although they may observe vehicle operations on an adjacent track.

(f) Tracks shall be free of oil and fuel spills. A vehicle 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.

(g) Helmets must be provided for all patrons desiring to use them. Each helmet must meet or exceed 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 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.

(h) Safety eye protection must be provided for all patrons of vehicles on sand or dirt tracks. On paved tracks, eye protection must be available to patrons desiring to use them.

(i) A person who has hair of sufficient length so that it may be entangled in moving parts shall not be permitted to use a vehicle unless the person’s hair is secured in such a manner so as to remove the hazard.

(j) All loose clothing shall be secured so as not to interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle.

(k) The following instructions shall be provided to patrons prior to their operation of the vehicles:

1. Smoking shall not be permitted in vehicles or pit areas.

2. Vehicle patrons must remain seated and inside vehicles at all times while on the course.

(l) Thee track shall be equipped with adequate lighting for night operation, if applicable.

(m) Manual emergency signals to control vehicles are required. The course may have electronic, as well as manual, required emergency signals.

(n) Track attendants must describe and demonstrate to patrons all emergency signals prior to operation of vehicles.

(o) Track attendants must instruct all patrons as to safe operation procedures.

(p) Track attendants shall enforce all rules for safe operations.

(q) Track attendants shall prohibit operations of vehicles by patrons under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

(5) Vehicle Requirements. In addition to the other requirements found in this chapter:

(a) Each owner or manager shall have a detailed operational manual written in the English language for each track and the vehicle in operation on the track to include:

1. A detailed, scaled drawing of each track.

2. Written emergency plans which are also posted in the employee’s work area.

3. Manufacturer’s maintenance instructions and specifications for each type of vehicle.

(b) The speed of every vehicle shall be limited or governed so as not to exceed the maximum speed for which the track is designed.

(c) The governor shall not be accessible to the patron of the vehicle.

(d) Every vehicle shall retain patrons inside the vehicle in the event of a collision or upset.

(e) Rotating, moving, or hot engine parts of a vehicle shall be shielded from contact by patrons while exiting, riding or entering to prevent injury to patrons.

(f) No more than one person shall occupy a vehicle at any one time unless the vehicle is designed for such operation by the vehicle manufacturer and insured for such operation by the track’s insurance carrier.

(g) A vehicle shall have brakes that operate as designed by the original manufacturer or approved by a licensed professional engineer.

(h) The brake and throttle controls on a vehicle shall:

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

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

(i) To minimize the risk of injury to patrons in the event of a collision or upset, the steering wheel support column, steering wheel, headrests, roll bar, and other components which will come in contact with the patron shall be padded. If patrons wear helmets, the roll bar need not be padded.

(j) The required roll bars on a vehicle must extend above the patron’s head and be capable of supporting the weight of the vehicle.

(k) All vehicles shall be provided with impact bumpers or impact-absorbing parts surrounding all sides of the vehicle.

(l) All wheels of a vehicle shall be so enclosed, designed, or guarded so that they cannot interlock with or ride over the wheels of another vehicle.

(m) The fuel tank of a vehicle shall be designed and mounted so that fuel tank will not leak excessive fuel if the vehicle rolls over or suffers collision.

(n) When the vehicle is inverted, leakage or seepage of fuel may not exceed 1 ounce in 5 minutes from any source.

(o) All parts on the vehicles must equal or exceed the manufacturer’s specifications.

(p) Each vehicle shall be individually identified. This identification shall be permanently affixed to the frame in a consistent and a readily visible location.

(q) Vehicles must have safety restraints for each patron and roll bars unless the manufacturer specifically prohibits the use of such devices.

(6) Track and Course Requirements.

(a) Each track shall be inspected and permitted pursuant to Section 616.242, F.S., and shall meet the following criteria:

1. Hard surface tracks shall have a smooth surface,

2. Dirt or sand tracks shall have a reasonably graded surface,

3. The width of all adult 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,

4. No intersecting course configurations shall be permitted; however, pit area entrances and exits are permitted.

(b) Track safety barriers, as required pursuant to this rule, must be constructed to prevent a vehicle from overturning or running over or under the barrier.

(c) Track safety barriers shall be firmly secured and must provide an uninterrupted continuous barrier along the entire length of both sides of the track with the exception of the pit area.

(d) Every track shall be surrounded by a fence or barrier. Fences and gates shall be in acordance with rule 5J-18.0125, F.A.C.

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

1. Must be separated from the track area by barriers; and,

2. Must have separate entrances and exits.

(f) Electrical systems must be in compliance with the local building code.

(7) Fire Protection.

(a) Fully charged ABC dry chemical fire extinguishers having a minimum ten pound capacity must be available.

(b) Fire extinguishers must be located within 70 feet of every section of the track and at least one fire extinguisher shall be kept next to the refueling area and one at the passenger loading area. The fire extinguishers shall be easily accessible and mounted off the ground.

(c) The location of each fire extinguisher shall be conspicuously marked and the fire extinguisher easily accessible.

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

(e) Fire extinguishers must be properly charged at all times.

(8) Refueling.

(a) Vehicles shall be refueled in a designated refuel 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 inspection of a vehicle there must be present on location:

(a) The vehicle’s operational manual written in English; and,

(b) The vehicle’s prior inspection reports, as required by Section 616.242(16), F.S.

Rulemaking Authority 616.165, 616.242(4), (16) FS. Law Implemented 616.242 FS. History–New 12-6-93, Amended 2-14-99, 5-30-10, Formerly 5F-8.015, Amended 7-27-17, 10-29-19, 11-18-20.