How to Make a Golf Cart Street Legal

How to Make a Golf Cart Street Legal (What You Need)

So you want to know how to make a golf cart street legal?

I’m here to help, but I have some good news and some bad news…which do you want first?

I’m going to assume you want the bad news, so here it is: The guidelines for a street legal golf cart vary state by state. Sometimes they even vary by neighborhood. That means I can’t just give you one set of instructions to follow for every situation.

I bet you’re wondering: so what’s the good news?

Generally speaking, if you start with the federal requirements for a street legal golf cart, you’ll probably be close to meeting your state’s requirements as well.

I’m going to highlight some of the common requirements for a street legal golf cart. Once you check those items off the list, you’re probably just an extra step or two away from being able to drive on the street in your area.

After I cover the federal requirements, I’ll do a state-by-state write-up to try and fill in any gaps.

Sound good?

Please note: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal advice or to address all circumstances that might arise. Laws and regulations change regularly, so please check with your local governing bodies for the most up-to-date information.

How to Make a Golf Cart Street Legal (What You Need)

Time to get into the nitty gritty.

If you live in the United States and want to enjoy a street legal cart, you’re going to need to comply with federal, state and local regulations. This section will focus on how to make a golf cart street legal, according to federal guidelines.

Step 1 – Meet the Federal Golf Cart Requirements

For better or worse, the big dogs get to call the shots. According to federal guidelines, your golf cart needs:

  • A VIN number (vehicle identification number)
  • A license plate
  • A seat belt
  • A golf cart windshield
  • Headlights
  • Brake lights
  • Turn signals
  • Mirrors

Some sources I consulted said that a horn and speedometer were also required, but I was unable to confirm that in other places.

So what’s the takeaway?

Before you hit any road legally, you’re going to need to check those items off the list.

It may seem like overkill, but if you look at the list again, it might be more accurate to conclude that those items will keep you from getting killed.

Not so fun fact: there are over 18,000 golf cart related injuries each year.

Adding those safety features will shift your cart from a golf cart cruiser toward a more functional, albeit slow moving vehicle.

Now that we’ve covered the federal requirements, let’s highlight some state law.

States Where Golf Carts are NOT Legal to Drive on the Street

Before we go into specific requirements for each state, I have to drop a quick truth bomb on you. Some states won’t allow a golf cart on a public street. Period. End of story.

If you live in…

  • Delaware
  • Hawaii
  • Maryland
  • Missouri
  • New York
  • Rhode Island

…then you are prohibited from enjoying a neighborhood electric vehicle on an actual street.

New York actually threatens you with the possibility of an arrest (probably not worth it to test that one). My brother enjoyed a court date in New York as a result of their stringent policies. He would be quick to tell you to avoid legal troubles there at all costs.

If you live in any of those states, you’re out of luck regardless of the safety features you add to your golf car. You’ll have to give up on your dream (or move to a more flexible state).

But What Makes a Golf Cart Street Legal in Florida, Texas, etc?

Now you’re getting closer to hitting the road, but you still have to worry about state law.

Step 2 – Meet Your State’s Golf Cart Requirements

As I mentioned early in this article, this post is for informational purposes only. Laws and regulations change regularly, so please check with your local governing bodies for the most up-to-date information.

That being said, in August 2022, I tried to go state-by-state to determine what hurdles you need to cross to drive your electric golf cart around the town.

Here’s what I came up with:

AlabamaThe official state policy is that golf carts are not vehicles and can't be used on public roads. However, some localities have made special exceptions for their golf cart communities.
AlaskaGolf carts are permitted on roads with a speed limit of 35mph and below.
ArizonaCarts are permitted on roads with a speed limit of 35mph and below. A valid driver's license is required.
ArkansasGolf carts can be used on local roads if the locality allows. They cannot be used on federal, state or county roads. No driver's license required.
CaliforniaGolf carts must not weigh more than 1,300 pounds and can only carry 1 or 2 people. The cart must have a safety-glazed windshield and fenders.
ColoradoGolf carts are permitted on roads with a speed limit of 35mph and below. A triangular slow-moving vehicle sign must be attached to the back of the cart.
ConnecticutGolf carts are permitted on local streets in some towns. In these areas, carts can only be driven on roads with speed limits of 25mph and below. A driver's license is required and nighttime driving is not permitted.
DelawareNot street legal. Golf carts can only be driven on private property.
FloridaGolf carts can be driven on public roads with a speed limit of 25mph or below. The driver must be at least 14 years old and maintain speeds of 20mph or below.

If the golf cart is driven at a speed over 20 miles per hour, the driver needs to have a special license and the cart will need to be registered with the DMV. Insurance would also be required.

State law says that golf carts can only be operated from sunrise to sunset, though exceptions exist in certain communities.
GeorgiaGolf carts are permitted on roads with a speed limit of 35mph and below. A driver's license is required or the driver must be riding a legal adult who has a driver's license.
HawaiiNot street legal. Golf carts can only be driven on private property.
IdahoGolf carts must insured and have a valid restricted vehicle license plate. A horn must be installed and audible at 200 feet. The cart's mirror must show the road 200ft behind the golf cart.
IllinoisIn certain municipalities, golf carts are permitted on roads with a speed limit of 35mph and below.
IndianaGolf carts are permitted in some cities and towns. A driver's license is required.
IowaGolf carts are permitted in some cities and towns. A triangular slow-moving vehicle sign must be attached to the back of the cart. Golf carts can only be operated from sunrise to sunset.
KansasGolf carts are permitted in some cities and towns, as long as they do not exceed 30mph. Golf carts can only be operated from sunrise to sunset.
KentuckyGolf cart drivers require a permit from their local government office and a sticker that demonstrates the cart has been approved for use on local streets and that it has been inspected by the sheriff. A driver's license is required.

Also, a triangular slow-moving vehicle sign must be attached to the back of the cart. Golf carts can only be operated from sunrise to sunset.
LouisianaGolf carts can be used in some towns where roads are specifically marked for their use. A triangular slow-moving vehicle sign must be attached to the back of the cart. A driver's license is required.
MaineGolf carts can be used in low speed areas.
MarylandNot street legal. Golf carts can only be driven on private property.
MassachusettsGolf carts must be registered, titled, insured and inspected. License plates are required and a valid driver's license is required to operate the cart on the road.
MichiganGolf carts can be driven during daytime hours (30 minutes after sunrise and 30 minutes before sunset). A driver's license is required.
MinnesotaGolf carts are permitted in some towns, it is entirely up to each jurisdiction. A special permit is required along with vehicle insurance.
MississippiGolf carts are permitted in some towns during daytime hours (30 minutes after sunrise and 30 minutes before sunset). They cannot be driven over 20mph.

All carts must have safe tires, brakes, a rear view mirror, reflectors on the rear and a white reflector on the front of the cart.
MissouriNot street legal. Golf carts can only be driven on private property.
MontanaGolf carts are not permitted, unless a city specifically has an exception. In that case, a valid driver's license is required.
NebraskaGolf carts cannot drive on a state or federal highway, but they can CROSS those roadways when they intersect with a local street.

Otherwise, golf carts are permitted on roads with a speed limit of 35mph and below. The cart should not exceed 20mph.
NevadaGolf cart permits are required in counties where the population exceeds 700,000.
New HampshireGolf carts are permitted, but they must be registered and insured. A driver's license is required and carts can only be operated from sunrise to sunset.
New JerseyElectric golf carts are permitted on some local roads, as long as the speed limit is 25mph and below. A valid driver's license is required.

If children are riding in the cart, safety restraint laws apply (the same as if they were riding in a regular motor vehicle).
New MexicoGolf carts are permitted on some local roads, but not on state or federal roads.
New YorkNot street legal. Golf carts can only be driven on private property. New York has the strictest golf cart laws, so act accordingly. You can be arrested for driving a cart on public roads, sidewalks, or parking lots.
North CarolinaGolf carts can be operated on roads where the speed limit is 35mph or below. A driver's license is required and the driver must be over the age of 16. Drivers may not be under the influence of alcohol.
North DakotaGolf carts can be operated in some towns and cities. They cannot drive on a state or federal highway, but they can CROSS those roadways when they intersect with a local street.
OhioGolf carts can be operated in some towns and cities. They cannot drive on a state or federal roads. A driver's license is required.
OklahomaGolf carts can operated in some towns and cities, as well as state parks. The roads must have a speed limit of 25mph or less, as well as signs indicating that there is golf cart traffic.
OregonGolf carts can be operated in some cities or counties, especially if they are within close proximity to a golf course.
PennsylvaniaGolf carts can be operated for up to 1 mile on low speed public roads. The driver of the cart must be at least 12 years of age.
Rhode IslandNot street legal. Golf carts can only be driven on private property.
South CarolinaGolf carts can be driven on public roads with a speed limit of 35mph or below. They can only be driven during daytime hours. Drivers can cross a highway or street with higher posted speed limits when there is an intersection.
South DakotaGolf carts are permitted, but they must be registered and insured. Nighttime driving is permitted if lights are installed on the cart.
TennesseeGolf carts are permitted on low-speed roads, but they must be registered as a low speed vehicle. Title and registration are required.
TexasGolf carts are permitted in some towns and cities.
UtahGolf carts are permitted on low-speed roads as a low speed vehicle. VIN, title and registration are required.
VermontGolf carts can be designated as a low speed vehicle and driven on public roads with a speed limit of 35mph or below.
VirginiaElectric golf carts are permitted on some local roads, as long as the speed limit is 25mph and below. A valid driver's license is required. The cart can only be operated between sunrise and sunset.
WashingtonGolf carts are permitted in towns that create golf cart "zones." These roads cannot exceed 25mph and must be properly marked. A driver's license is required.
West VirginiaGolf carts can be designated as a low speed vehicle and driven on public roads in some towns and cities.
WisconsinGolf carts are not permitted on public roads unless they are designated as a LSV (low speed vehicle).
WyomingGolf carts are permitted on local roads as long as they have a VIN and meet all safety requirements. Registration, title, license plate and insurance are required.

Recommended Reading: Can you drive a golf cart on the sidewalk in Florida?

How to Make a Golf Cart Street Legal
Thanks to Dawn McDonald for the photo.

Step 3 – Follow the Rules of Your Locality

OK. You’re nearing the finish line here. Pat yourself on the back for reading this far, you’re in the upper 50th percentile for sure.

Assuming you’ve met the federal golf cart requirements AND you live in a state where golf carts are street legal, now you need to make sure you’re obeying the rules and requirements of your locality.

This might include:

  • Following the posted speed limit
  • Staying off of roads/sidewalks in certain locations
  • Registration and insurance requirements
  • A valid drivers license

I know there’s tons of information (and misinformation) to sort through. If you’re the extra-cautious type, you could always just call the local motor vehicle department or police department (don’t use 911) to find out what the golf cart policy is in your area.

Ignorance isn’t always bliss (especially in New York).

Why do I have to comply with golf cart laws?

As you probably know, golf carts were made for the golf course.

When Club Car developed their first electric vehicle, I don’t think they envisioned their golf car cruising on the same city street as an actual motor vehicle.

Golf cart owners, however, had a different vision. Why should they be prohibited from driving on a public street with their stylish low speed vehicle?

The simple answer can be summed up in two words: Public safety.

A golf cart accident on a public road or highway could be disastrous, so golf cart laws were put into place to try to meet the demands of the golf cart operator while protecting motorists on any public road.

So are golf carts street legal?

If you meet all of the federal, state and local requirements, you may be allowed to enjoy the local sights and sounds from the comfort of your utility vehicle.

Be sure to do your homework before setting out on the open road.

Anything I missed? Have a great story to share?

Post it in the comments below.

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