Tiger Woods cannot drive a car for the next five years. A Florida judge suspended his license after a recent driving incident. The judge made one thing clear: if Tiger gets behind the wheel of a car, he goes straight to jail.
This left sports fans asking one big question: Can Tiger Woods still drive a golf cart?
The short answer is yes. Florida law has a unique rule that keeps the golf legend mobile on the green.
Here is how the legal loophole works and what it means for Tiger.
Why Did Tiger Woods Lose His License?
Tiger Woods reached a plea agreement in Martin County, Florida. Prosecutors dropped an initial DUI charge down to reckless driving.
As part of the penalty, the court handed down a strict punishment:
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A 5-year driver’s license suspension.
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Fines and court fees.
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A strict warning from the judge against driving any motor vehicle.
Tiger surrendered his license immediately. But while his days on public highways are paused, his days on the fairway are not.
The Golf Cart Loophole: What Florida Law Says
Can you drive a golf cart with a suspended license in Florida?
In most states, losing your license blocks you from operating any motorized vehicle. Florida works differently.
Under Florida state law:
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Anyone aged 18 or older can drive a standard golf cart.
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You do not need a driver’s license to operate one.
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This rule applies on private property and approved golf courses.
Florida State Attorney Thomas Bakkedahl confirmed that this law applies to everyone. Even with a 5-year suspension, Tiger can legally drive a cart while playing a round of golf.
FLORIDA VEHICLE RULES FOR SUSPENDED LICENSES
+--------------------+-----------------------+----------------------------------+
| Vehicle Type | License Required? | Can Tiger Drive It? |
+--------------------+-----------------------+----------------------------------+
| Passenger SUV/Car | Yes | NO (Immediate Jail Time) [1.1.1] |
| Public Highways | Yes | NO [1.1.1] |
| Standard Golf Cart | No (If 18+) [1.1.5] | YES [1.1.5] |
+--------------------+-----------------------+----------------------------------+
What’s Next for Tiger?
Tiger will need a personal driver for his daily travel on public roads. But when he returns to the golf course, he won’t need to walk the 18 holes. He can hop right into the driver’s seat of a cart.
It turns out the one place Tiger Woods can still legally drive is the place he knows best.
