Golf carts are becoming increasingly common not only on golf courses but also on streets, highways, and roads.
However, golf carts must follow state laws to be allowed on the road.
Without understanding these rules, golf carts can become costly problems for their owners.
You first need to understand the definitions of golf carts and low-speed vehicles, as well as the licenses required for each.
What is Indiana’s definition of a golf cart?
In Indiana, according to code 9-13-2-69.7. Sec. 29-7, a golf cart is:
—a four (4) wheeled motor vehicle originally and specifically designed and intended to transport one (1) or more individuals and golf clubs for the purpose of playing the game of golf on a golf course.
This means that golf carts cannot legally be driven on any street or highway with a speed limit above 35 miles per hour without appropriate licensing.
It is also important to note that golf carts included in this definition are either powered by an electric motor and battery or by a gasoline engine.
Therefore, it does not pertain to other off-road vehicles.
NEVs, the new kids on the block
Golf carts, also referred to as NEVs (Neighborhood Electric Vehicles), are legal to operate in low-speed communities.
Street-legal electric golf carts are registered the same way cars are and can carry several people while saving you money on operating costs.
Regardless of your golf cart’s speed, it is crucial to follow the posted speed limit, as many county roads, public roads, city streets, and specific subdivisions have different speed limits.
What is a low-speed vehicle?
Low-speed vehicles, or LSVs for short, are defined as four-wheeled vehicles propelled by an electric motor with at least 750 watts of power and capable of reaching up to 25 miles per hour.
All LSVs must have headlights, taillights, brake lights, blinkers, a windshield, seat belts, and a parking brake.
Also, they must be tagged and titled just like any other vehicle registered in Indiana.
In addition, LSVs must comply with specific requirements for safety and equipment standards, lighting specifications, and braking performance.
Golf Carts vs. LSVs
With golf carts and LSVs, usage differs.
In many cases, people use the terms interchangeably, but it’s more legally correct to classify a street-legal golf cart as a low-speed vehicle.
In contrast, those that can go more than 25 miles per hour are best classified as neighborhood electric vehicles.
Golf carts and LSVs are legally defined by federal law.
In the end, while there are some definite differences between golf carts and LSVs, both can be driven on roads where the speed limit does not exceed the posted limit by more than 15 miles per hour.
Indiana’s laws for low-speed vehicles require a valid driver’s license to operate on public streets.
Street Legal Golf Carts in Indiana
If your golf cart has been modified to be an LSV, you can ensure it is street-legal.
One essential requirement is that you have a golf cart registration in accordance with Indiana golf cart laws.
This means you must have a vehicle identification number, a valid driver’s license, and other motor vehicle requirements, such as inspection and insurance.
According to state law, you will also need a license plate, which you must display on both the front and back of golf carts and be visible at all times.
Additionally, the letters and numbers on your plate must be aligned, visible, and easy to read.
Indiana laws vary from city, county, or town, so you will need to check your local ordinance traffic regulations to ensure that you comply with the following and much more.
• Seat belts
• Rearview mirrors
• Insurance
• Headlamps
• Break lights
• A slow-moving vehicle sign
• Vehicle identification number
• Golf cart registration
• Parking brakes
• Turn signal lamps
Lighting
Indiana golf carts require headlights, taillights, brake lights, and signal lamps to be considered street-legal.
We offer several lighting options that we can introduce to you in our golf cart shop.
Signal lamps
Turn signals serve an essential function: letting other drivers know which direction your vehicle is turning.
To be street-legal in Indiana, turn signals must meet the following requirements: must have individual lamp units that are visible from the front and rear; must be amber to the front and red to the rear; may only flash at a rate of 60p/min (for a total of 120 flashes per minute), and lamps must be on the same side as the turn direction.
Headlamp beam
In addition to having both a headlight and a taillight, Indiana law requires that low-speed vehicles have at least one headlight.
Therefore, when making your golf cart street legal, these lights must meet the following requirements:
• A minimum of two headlamps, or one on each side of your vehicle.
• An upper beam of at least 500 candlepower, which means that it can cast light to more than 100 feet in front.
• Turn signal lamps in the front.
• A taillight containing a red light source visible from 500 feet to the rear of your motor vehicle.
Red rear taillight
The rear of your golf cart or LSV must have a red light that is visible at all times.
Whether you are making your golf cart street legal or want to ensure that you have a taillight, the red light must meet the following criteria:
• The lens of the taillight must be at least two square inches in size.
• The lens of the light must be made out of red, transparent material.
• The light must be placed in the center of the rear end.
Learn more about street-legal requirements, modifications, and compliance here.
Indiana golf cart laws
To operate a golf cart on public roads, you must title and register it as a low-speed vehicle or neighborhood electric vehicle.
In some cases, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles may require an inspection of your golf cart before you can have it properly titled and registered as an LSV.
If this is the case, be sure that you follow all state regulations regarding the inspection process.
While making your golf cart street legal in Indiana is possible, you must follow all state laws and regulations for this type of motor vehicle.
Understanding golf cart laws in Indiana will help keep everyone safe when driving these fun and versatile vehicles.
Golf carts’ street legal perks
There are some definite advantages to owning a street-legal golf cart.
Driving a golf cart through city streets, especially in a recreational area, can be a fantastic experience.
It can be very freeing to feel confined to the course or public golf course roads.
As with any other vehicle, there are some safety concerns to consider when operating a low-speed vehicle.
Safety golf cart laws
Whether driving a low-speed vehicle or a street-legal golf cart, you should be mindful of cyclists, pedestrians, and other motor vehicles when driving through an area with mixed traffic.
Traffic laws still apply to street-legal golf carts, so it is important to remember this when driving, regardless of how fast your cart can go.
Other safety laws to pay attention to are those regarding drinking and driving.
If you are caught operating an LSV while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the penalties are the same as those for a regular motor vehicle.
Do your research
If you decide to make your golf cart street-legal, be sure to research and confirm it is legal in your area.
Since each city and town has different street-legal golf cart laws, you will want to follow all applicable rules and regulations in your area.
While legal in some areas, you will want to ensure your community allows street-legal golf carts.
This ensures you don’t waste time and money preparing a golf cart for the road if it’s not legal to drive.
Some states, such as California, have strict laws concerning the operation of an LSV, while other areas have no requirements for operating a golf cart.
Final Thoughts
Driving street-legal golf carts and LSVs can be convenient to get around the city, county, or town.
However, if you are based in Indiana, you should check your city’s laws to ensure your golf cart is street-legal.
Remember to follow your local laws to ensure your golf cart is legal and safe.
If you have any questions about ensuring your golf cart is street-legal or about converting it into a low-speed vehicle, contact Carts & Parts at (937) 459-8891 today.
We’re happy to answer any questions you might have. We are located at 1035 N. Columbia St., Union City, IN 47390.
Carts & Parts is the go-to source for golf carts and parts. We’re proud to offer service, golf cart rentals, and accessories to the residents of Ohio, Indiana, and beyond.
Do you have any information on slow moving vehicles in the state of Florida
Hi Kenneth, Thank you for reaching out. Unfortunately, we’re not familiar with Florida laws regarding LMVs, but this link may help:https://www.flhsmv.gov/safety-center/consumer-education/low-speed-vehicles/.
Hello. I have an older 99 EZGO CarryAll gas utility truck and would like to get it certified as street legal. It is only lacking seat belts. It already has Lights, turn signals, brake lights and horn. I have owned it for for a long time. I am needing a certificate of origin stating that it is a low speed vehicle. It is not a golf cart, it is a little truck with a dump bed. Can you advise me please? Thanks for your help.
Hi Tim, You can obtain a Manufacturer Certificate of Origin for your E-Z-GO CarryAll gas utility truck from the E-Z-GO website at https://ezgo.txtsv.com/manufacturer-certificate-of-origin. You will need to provide your personal information, vehicle information, and some required documents, such as an invoice, warranty registration, and photo ID. Once you have obtained the certificate of origin, you can check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for further information on how to get your vehicle certified as street legal. If you have any other questions, please get in touch with us at (937) 459-8891.
Hello. Are you familiar with Fort Wayne, IN (Allen County) LSV requirements for it to be street legal? The BMV said nothing is required and I do not need to register. I think they are wrong but can’t find anything definitive on my own. I have the Certificate of Origin. It has factory installed turn signals, seat belts, head lamps, tail lights, horn, windshield etc.
Hi Jody, No, we are not familiar with Allen County’s LSV requirements. However, according to the Indiana Code § 9-21-1-3.3, a city, county, or town may adopt by ordinance traffic regulations concerning the use of golf carts or off-road vehicles, or both on a highway under the jurisdiction of the city, county, or town. Golf carts in Indiana are restricted to public streets with a maximum speed limit of 35 mph. You also need a valid driver's license to operate a golf cart in Indiana. Since each municipality is responsible for the regulations concerning golf carts, and your jurisdiction says nothing is required, and you don't need to register, we're not sure what else you can do expect to get it in writing in case there are problems down the road. Hope this helps! 😊
Hi Jody, I live in Leo, IN. I can drive my street legal golf cart in Leo, Harlan, and Grabill without any problems. But there are horse and buggies in our area or SMV. I think this is why we can drive our golf carts in these 3 towns without having problems. I do not think you are allowed to drive them in Ft. Wayne though. You should call Either the Allen County Sheriffs Dept or the ISP for all your answers. I have found out in my years of driving or having a boat that the BMV do not know actual street laws in Indiana. They think that they do but the police will tell you the true laws. Hope this helps you out.
Thanks for the update
Our pleasure!
I have a gas powered golf cart that I haul in a travel trailer when I go camping. The private camp grounds allow the cart as long as I have proof of insurance and lights for night time use. I have an opportunity to bring my toy hauler camper and cart to an Ohio State Park Campground. The allow this as long as the cart is registered and plated. What would I need to do to make this happen?
Hi Scott, Embarking on an adventure to Ohio State Park Campgrounds with your gas-powered golf cart sounds like a fantastic plan! We recommend you contact your local BMV office or visit their website (www.bmv.ohio.gov) for the most up-to-date requirements and procedures specific to your situation. Some state parks may have additional rules or regulations regarding the use of golf carts within their premises, so it’s also a good idea to check with the particular state park you plan to visit. Have fun!
I live in South Bend, Indiana where in several places we are adding separate bike lanes, including one that now goes in front of our house. I just saw two large golf carts or whatever they are called zooming along our bike lane instead of on the road. I kind of thought the reason we have a bike lane is to protect bikers from cars. What does Indiana (or my county) law say about golf carts? Our bike lane is also used by families with kids enjoying themselves safely separated from cars. I’d sure not like to take MY kids out where a cart can come zooming along and taking up the full width of the lane!
Hi Liz, It’s understandable to feel uneasy about golf carts using the bike lane, especially with families and children in the area. For clarity on this issue, it would be best to reach out to your local government or city officials. They can provide information on the regulations regarding golf cart use in your community and address any safety concerns you might have.