An operator detection system for sensing the presence of an operator at an operator control station of a turf-care vehicle is provided. The system comprises at least one operator presence sensor structured and operable to sense whether an operator is present at the operator control station and a controller communicatively connected to the operator presence sensor(s). The controller structured and operable to determine whether each of the operator presence sensor(s) sense(s) that an operator is present at the operator control station, enable operation of an engine of the vehicle and at least one cutting unit of the vehicle when one or more operator presence sensor(s) sense(s) that the operator is present at the operator control station, and disable operation of the engine and at least one cutting unit when one or more operator presence sensor(s) sense(s) that the operator is not present at the operator control station.