How old do you have to be to ride a go cart?

Minimum age requirements vary by state and ownership of the land where the go kart is being used. On public property, use of go karts is regulated under the off-highway vehicle classification.

In California, for example, there is no minimum age requirement for drivers of off-highway vehicles such as go karts. According to the California State Parks, riders must be able to safely reach and operate all controls of the vehicle. Though there is no age requirement, parents can be held legally responsible for their children under the age of 14. According to the Florida Forest Service, all children under the age of 16 must be under direct adult supervision when operating a go kart on public lands.