On the Lookout for a Golf Cart Street Legal for Sale? Here’s What You Need to Know (With State Laws)

Are you looking for a golf cart street legal for sale? Street-legal golf carts are becoming increasingly popular as a viable form of transportation and leisure.

From neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) to low-speed vehicles (LSVs) being used on public roads, people are turning their golf course cars into fully street-legal golf carts that offer excitement, convenience, and style.

But before you set off on your journey with your newly gained street-legal golf cart, there are several considerations you should consider, ranging from state laws to safety equipment and more.

Whether a brand new model or an old favorite, this comprehensive guide will help you understand all aspects of owning a street-legal golf cart, from purchasing a vehicle to making necessary modifications and even how to make it an adrenaline-filled adventure.

Street-Legal Golf Carts: Cruise in Style and Comfort

Street-legal golf carts offer an exciting and stylish way to get around. With many cities across America embracing these low-speed vehicles, you can enjoy the convenience, comfort, and style of cruising in a street golf cart.

Whether you’re looking for an electric golf cart or an LSV, an extensive selection of significant manufacturers like E-Z-GO or Club Car are offering safer, more reliable designs with new features such as 4-seat golf carts, seat belts, rearview mirrors, signals, and a stop lamp, allowing you to customize your experience in how works best for you.

Looking for more power? Add bigger tires and higher top speeds to street-legal LSV golf cars for ultimate fun.

So whether you’re heading out on a shopping trip or taking your friends on a joyride along the course, you can cruise in style and comfort with a street-legal golf cart.

What Are Street-Legal Golf Carts?

Street-legal golf carts are low-speed vehicles (LSV) designed to travel at a maximum speed of 25 mph. They are powered by electricity and resemble traditional golf carts with four wheels, a bench seat, and an enclosed body.

Golf cars were initially designed for operation on or near a golf course but are now used for much more. From running errands to taking friends out for joy rides along residential streets or pathways at the beach, street golf carts offer convenience and comfort without owning a car.

Adding new features allows users to customize their street-legal vehicle by adding reflex reflectors and higher top speeds for maximum fun.

Combining affordability with the latest advances in technological design makes it easier than ever to cruise around town on your terms in a street-legal golf cart.

Homeowners associations and local governments are embracing this modern mode of transportation that is eco-friendly, stylish, and efficient—a surefire way to stand out from the crowd.

Exploring the Different Street-Legal Golf Carts

With a vast selection of street-legal golf carts for sale, you can find the perfect low-speed vehicle that meets your needs.

From four-wheel-drive models for added traction and stability on rough terrain to two-wheel drive options providing improved maneuverability, there’s something for everyone.

Electric golf carts powered by lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries are the most common type, while gasoline motors are louder and more expensive.

Aluminum frames provide maximum durability and lightweight performance, while steel frames offer heavier-duty capabilities best suited for utility vehicles.

Let’s explore the different street-legal golf carts.

Four-Wheel Drive vs. Two-Wheel Drive Golf Cars

Power is delivered to all four wheels in a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle. This allows the vehicle to distribute power to all four wheels, improving traction and stability, especially on rough or slippery surfaces.

In a golf cart, a four-wheel-drive system may be implemented in various ways.

For example, it may use mechanical or hydraulic linkages to transfer power from the drivetrain to the front and rear wheels.

It may also use a combination of gears, clutches, and differentials to distribute power as needed.

Some four-wheel-drive golf cars may also have locking differentials or selectable drive modes to optimize performance in different conditions.

Unlike four-wheel-drive golf cars, which distribute power to all four wheels, two-wheel drive (2WD) golf carts only deliver power to two wheels.

As a result, the two-wheel drive may not perform as well as four-wheel-drive golf carts on rough or slippery surfaces, but they may be more efficient and cost-effective.

Electric vs. Gasoline Motors Street-Legal Carts

Electric and gasoline motors are the two primary power sources used in street-legal golf carts, each offering distinctive advantages.

Electric golf carts provide quiet operation, zero emissions, and access to all personalization and customization options, while gas-powered golf cars offer more power and torque for taking hills or hauling heavier cargo.

Beyond those differences, both street-legal golf carts have similar features, such as LED lighting systems, speed governors,s and joystick controllers that make them easy to drive.

Both electric carts and gas-powered models are rugged enough for frequent use on city streets or hilly terrain on the course.

So when considering a street-legal golf cart option that fits your needs, remember that you have both electric and gasoline motors available.

Aluminum vs. Steel Frames Golf Carts

Regarding street-legal golf cars, two primary frame materials are used: aluminum and steel. Each type of material has characteristics that make it ideal for specific purposes.

Aluminum frames are lightweight yet incredibly strong and resistant to corrosion, making them better suited for everyday use on city streets or hilly terrain on the course.

Steel frames offer a more rugged construction capable of supporting heavier payloads and tougher conditions.

However, steel is much heavier than aluminum, so using it can reduce your golf cart’s speed and maneuverability.

When choosing which frame is best for your situation, consider the balance between durability, weight, speed, and maneuverability you need for your new low-speed vehicle.

Safety Considerations for Street Legal Golf Carts

Street-legal golf cars offer a fun and convenient way to get around, but they can also be dangerous if the proper safety considerations aren’t taken.

Whether you own or rent one of these vehicles, it’s important to understand how to use and maintain them properly.

◽️ Know the weight capacity of your vehicle and don’t exceed it.

◽️ Be aware of state laws and follow them accordingly.

◽️ Make sure all lights, brakes, and steering systems are functioning properly before driving.

◽️ Keep your speed within reasonable limits, especially on wet and slippery surfaces.

◽️ Only allow experienced drivers to operate the vehicle.

◽️ Refrain from drinking or taking drugs while driving a street-legal golf cart.

◽️ Don’t drive on roads with speed limits higher than the top speed of 25 mph.

◽️ Be aware of vehicles coming from the opposite direction, as you can be less visible in a golf cart.

◽️ Make sure that your mirrors and blind spot areas are correctly functioning.

◽️ Stay away from busy areas where there are many pedestrians and drivers.

◽️ When parking, ensure you place your vehicle securely off the road and out of traffic.

What are Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs)?

Low-speed vehicles (LSVs) are motor vehicles that can operate at speeds of up to 25 mph on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less.

LSVs, such as golf carts, electric golf carts, neighborhood electric vehicles, and Club Cars, are popular among golf courses and neighborhoods where the speed limit is 25 mph or lower.

Although LSVs aren’t designed for long trips, they can get you where you’re going in just a few hours.

It’s important to check your state laws before operating one of these vehicles on public roads.

Whether looking for a reliable way to get around town or considering buying a new golf cart, LSVs are an affordable solution for those interested in eco-friendly transportation.

Street Legal Golf Cart Laws and Regulations by State

Most states are similarly based on federal standards for street-legal golf cars.

However, it is highly recommended you check with your local authorities to ensure you understand your specific needs.

Laws and regulations not only vary from state to state but also from city to city.

DISCLAIMER: The brief descriptions of each state’s street-legal golf cart laws are not legal advice. We researched the information to the best of our abilities at the time of this writing.

We do not claim accuracy nor accept any liability or responsibility for incorrect information. It is the responsibility of the user to verify all information with their local transportation authority.

Alabama

You must register golf carts with the DMV and have a valid street license plate. The cart should have headlights, brake lights, a turn signal, windshield wipers, and a parking brake. Drivers must also adhere to all applicable traffic laws while operating the vehicle.

Alaska

Golf carts must meet all the same prerequisites as snowmobiles and off-highway vehicles. Drivers need a valid driver’s license, an insurance policy, and 16 years or older. Golf cart operators should also ensure they properly outfit their vehicles with shields, reflectors, brakes, and lights for safe operation.

Arizona

All golf carts driven on roads must be registered, insured, and meet the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles standards. These vehicles may only operate on roads with speed limits below 35 mph to ensure safety.

Arkansas

Act 170 (HB1274) states Arkansas municipalities allow the operation of golf carts on city streets that are not federal or state highways or county roads. And golf carts are not required to be registered or licensed to be operated on roads.

California

In California, golf carts are exempt from registration when driven on a highway within a mile of an affiliated golf course. These vehicles may legally traverse roads assigned by local authorities at speeds no greater than 25 mph – provided the operator is sixteen years old or above.

To legally drive a golf cart on the roads of California per Highway Patrol regulations, it must have certain safety and equipment requirements including but not limited to: headlamp, tail lamp, stop lamp, rear reflector, front/rear turn signals, front/side reflectors; mirror, horn, fenders, safety-glazed windshield with wipers and safety belts.

Colorado

Colorado classifies golf carts as Low-Speed Electric Vehicles (LSEV) and permits them on roads with posted speed limits up to 35 mph. However, LSEVs may cross over roads with higher limits.

Traveling on state highways with a golf cart is not permitted. Yet, local governments may permit the use of golf carts by passing an ordinance or resolution. Those who drive must be at least 16 years old, and passengers under 21 are prohibited when driving without a license.

Connecticut

Connecticut communities are granted the right to permit golf carts to be operated on public roads, provided limits are no more than 25 mph. All operators must have a driver’s license and insurance. Golf carts can only be used during daylight hours and must be equipped with a horn and warning flag.

Delaware

According to Delaware Code Title 21, Section 2113A, a low-speed vehicle (LSV) is a “four-wheel vehicle whose speed attainable in one mile is over 20 miles per hour but no more than 25 miles per hour on a paved, level surface.” You can only operate these vehicles on Delaware two-lane roadways where the limit is 35 miles per hour or less. They also must be titled, registered, and insured with a standard-sized numbered license plate displayed on the rear of the vehicle.

Florida

In Florida, you can be as young as 14 to operate a golf cart on public roads as long as the posted speed limit is 30 mph or less and it is during daylight hours. There are no requirements for street-leal carts to be registered and insured. They are required to be equipped with “efficient brakes, reliable steering apparatus, safe tires, a rearview mirror, headlights, brake lights turn signal windshield, and red reflector warning devices in both the front and rear.”

Georgia

In Georgia, you can drive your golf cart on any road where the limit is 35 mph or less during daylight hours. You can also be as young as 15 years old with a valid driver’s license and even be able to drive alone. To be legal, the golf cart must have “headlights, brake lights, turn signals, a windshield braking system, a reverse warning device, tail lamps, a horn, and hip restraints.”

Hawaii

Golf cars, street-legal or otherwise, are not allowed on Hawaiian public roads.

Idaho

Idaho also does not allow golf carts on public roads.

Illinois

The state of Illinois identifies golf carts as “non-highway vehicles.” If local municipalities allow it, golf cart owners with valid driver’s licenses can drive on city streets with posted limits not exceeding 35 mph. Your street-legal cart must be equipped with “brakes, a steering apparatus, tires, a rearview mirror, red reflector warning devices in the front and rear, a slow-moving emblem on the rear, with both headlight and tail lamps.”

Indiana

Indiana golf carts are only allowed to operate on city, town, or county roads as local governing bodies permit. You do not have to register your golf cart but need a valid driver’s license.

Iowa

Like Indiana, Iowa code 321.247 states golf carts are allowed on city streets as long as local authorities approve them. However, you may not drive on “city roads that act as a primary road link to the city but shall be allowed to cross them.” You must have a driver’s license and equip your golf cart with a “slow-moving vehicle” sign and a bicycle safety flag. Street-legal brakes are required when operating on city streets, and “other safety requirements.”

Kansas

Kansas golf carts can only be driven on allowed city roads with posted limits of no more than 30 mph. You can also drive at night if your cart has a slow-moving vehicle emblem and lights.

Kentucky

Kentucky allows golf carts on public roadways designated by the local government with maximum speed limits of 35 mph during the day. You are not required to register your golf cart, have a title, or be emission compliant. However, you need a driver’s license and meet federal motor vehicle safety standards for low-speed vehicles.

Louisiana

Louisiana law, TITLE 32 – Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation RS 32:299.4, states: “The operation of a golf cart upon the public roads or streets of this state is prohibited, except…” when “designated by a parish or a municipal street that a municipality has designated for use by a golf cart.”

The golf cart allowed on public streets must “be equipped with efficient brakes, a reliable steering apparatus, safe tires, a rearview mirror, and red reflector warning devices in both the front and rear of the vehicle…with headlamps, front and rear turn signal lamps, tail lamps, and brake lamps.”

You must also register the golf cart and “display a decal issued by the office of motor vehicles.” A valid driver’s license and liability insurance are required.

Maine

Golf cart owners in Maine can drive on roads or streets with posted speed limits of 35 mph or lower. You must have a driver’s license and be sure municipalities or the local governing bodies have approved the roads you are traveling with visible posted signs showing such.

Maryland

You must possess a valid driver’s license to operate a low-speed vehicle on Maryland roads. A person may not drive a low-speed vehicle on a roadway for which the posted maximum limit exceeds 30 miles per hour; or on an expressway or another controlled-access highway that is signed to prohibit the use of these vehicles on its roadways.

Massachusetts

To be on a public way, LSVs must be registered, titled, insured, and inspected. No emissions test is required if an electrical motor or battery powers the vehicle. If the LSV is liquid-fueled, the emissions test is required.

Low-speed vehicles are prohibited from “limited access” and “express state highways” and any portion of other roads where the speed limit exceeds 30 mph.

Michigan

Golf carts may drive along village, city, and township streets with speed limits of 15 mph or less and state trunk lines with a maximum speed limit of 30 mph during the day. You are not required to register the golf cart, but you must be at least 16 years old and have a driver’s license.

Any modified golf cart must meet the same vehicle safety requirements of an LSV that, require: headlamps, at least one tail lamp, at least one stop lamp or mechanical signal device, one reflector on each side, one exterior and interior mirror, brakes, a parking brake, a horn, a windshield, safety belts, crash helmets, and the manufacturer’s identification number.

Minnesota

If golf carts can reach a speed of 25 mph, they may be labeled as either neighborhood electric vehicles or medium-speed electric vehicles. Unfortunately, public roads are off-limits for these vehicles; however, Minnesota legislation allows local governments to grant permits under their jurisdiction.

You do not need a driver’s license if you have a restricted permit, only valid in the region where it was issued. You may only drive a golf cart during the day, with headlights, taillights, brake lights, a rear mirror, and a triangular slow-moving vehicle emblem.

Mississippi

There are no laws about driving golf carts on public roads, but the state allows local municipalities to allow them within their jurisdiction. You can only drive your golf cart during the day and have a driver’s license. You also must register your cart and ensure it has headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield.

Missouri

Municipalities may allow golf carts to operate on city roads in Missouri with posted speed limits of no more than 35 mph. You do not have to register your golf cart, but you must equip it with adequate brakes.

Montana

Montana law allows golf carts on public roads of cities or counties and by ordinances established by the local governing body. They must be registered, insured, and titled. Operators must also have a driver’s license. You must equip your cart with at least one and not over two headlamps, at least one tail lamp, a reflector, stop lamps, a horn, and a mirror that reflects the driver from a view of the highway.

Nebraska

You can not drive a golf cart in Nebraska at more than 20 mph. You can drive them close to a golf course allowed by the local governing body, only during the day on streets with speed limits of no more than 35 mph. A driver’s license and liability insurance are required. However, there is no safety standard equipment required.

Nevada

You may operate golf carts in Nevada residential developments where approved. Depending on the area, you may also require a permit and insurance. A driver’s license is required. No safety equipment is required unless operating in a county population of 700,000 or more.

New Hampshire

There are currently no golf cart laws in New Hampshire.

New Jersey

New Jersey considers a four-wheeled vehicle with an attainable speed of over 20 miles per hour but no more than 25 miles per hour on a paved surface as a Low-Speed Vehicle. It must be an electric golf cart (which cannot be fueled by gas or diesel) and must meet federal safety guidelines.

The LSV must be titled, registered, and insured. If certified by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner, they are exempted from vehicle inspection and State sales tax.

It is up to the municipality to allow LSVs within their jurisdiction on roads with speed limits no greater than 25 mph. A driver’s license is required and must be registered. You must also display a safety information decal provided by the manufacturer on the vehicle’s rear with a license plate.

New Mexico

New Mexico allows municipalities to permit and regulate golf carts on municipal streets. You must have a driver’s license and meet the financial responsibility requirements. Golf carts must be equipped with brakes, reliable steering, safe tire, rear-view mirror, slow-moving vehicle emblem, audible device, headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn lights.

New York

If your golf cart is considered a Low-Speed Vehicle, you can register it and drive on New York State highways.

North Carolina

You can drive golf carts on North Carolina county or city streets with posted speed limits of less than 35 mph. Drivers must be at least 16 years old with a driver’s license. The cart must be registered and insured. You must also have a vehicle identification or serial number, rearview mirror, rear triangle reflector, two operating headlights, and two operating tail lights.

North Dakota

Golf carts in North Dakota may operate on city roads if allowed by the local government only during the day. There are no titling, registration, safety standards, or speed requirements.

Ohio

Ohio’s code 4511.215 states a local authority can allow golf carts on public streets. Drivers must be at least 16 years of age with a valid driver’s license. Your golf cart must be registered and inspected. You must also have adequate brakes and braking system, brake lights, headlights, tail lights, signal lights working steering mechanism, a windshield, a rear-view mirror, and appropriate tires.

Oklahoma

Golf carts are not allowed on Oklahoma state-owned highways. But they may be allowed on municipality city streets with posted speed limits of less than 25 mph. There are currently no safety equipment requirements.

Oregon

Golf carts can be driven on Oregon highways that are only next to a golf course and authorized by local authorities. Golf cart registration is not required.

Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, golf carts are not allowed on highways but can cross a highway if needed as the state or local authorities approve it. To drive alone in a golf cart, you must be at least 18 years of age. Golf carts are not required to be registered.

Rhode Island

No laws or regulations regarding golf carts on public roadways in Rhode Island can be found.

South Carolina

Golf carts are allowed on secondary roads during the day with speed limits of no more than 35 mph within 4 miles from the address on the registration certificate (not the driver). Drivers must be at least 16 years of age with a valid driver’s license. All golf carts must be registered and insured.

South Dakota

Golf carts in South Dakota are only allowed on the streets by a municipal local government. You must have a driver’s license and insurance. And the golf cart must be equipped with a slow-moving vehicle emblem or a white or amber warning light.

Tennessee

If a golf cart is modified to meet all low and medium-speed vehicle requirements, it can be registered and used on Tennessee public roadways as the county permits, with speed limits of 35 mph or less. A driver’s license, insurance, and VIN are required, along with headlamps, stop lamps, front and rear turn signals, tail lamps, reflectors, a parking brake, an exterior mirror, a windshield, and seat belts.

Texas

You can drive a golf cart on a Texas highway during the day with speed limits of no more than 35 mph as long as the road is not more than 2 miles from a golf course. You do not need to have it registered, but you must display a license plate if driving on a highway. The golf cart must have headlamps, tail lamps, reflectors, a parking brake, and mirrors.

Utah

Utah allows low-speed vehicles on roads with posted speed limits of no more than 35 mph as long as it has not been structurally altered from the original manufacturer’s design. The LSV must be registered, titled, and inspected. However, it is exempted from emissions requirements.

Vermont

If your golf cart is considered a neighborhood electric vehicle in Vermont, you can operate it on a highway with a speed limit of no more than 35 mph.

Virginia

In Virginia, you can drive a golf cart at night on designated public highways with posted speed limits of not more than 25 mph as long as it is equipped with lights. You must have a driver’s license to operate on public roads and display a slow-moving vehicle emblem.

Washington

Golf carts are allowed to operate on Washington county, city, and some public roads with speed limits of no more than 25 mph as approved by the local authority. You must be at least 16 years of age with a valid driver’s license. When operating on streets and highways, the golf cart must be equipped with reflectors, seat belts, and rearview mirrors.

West Virginia

You can register your golf cart in West Virginia as an LSV if the Certificate of Origin states, This Low-Speed Vehicle conforms to the Federal Regulations under Title 49 CFR Part 571.500 USDOT Approved. No homemade or retrofitted golf carts qualify.

LSV golf carts can operate on public roads within the corporate limits of a municipality, where the speed limit is not more than 25 mph. And upon registration renewal, the owner must certify, under penalty of false swearing, that all lights, brakes, tires, and seat belts are in good working condition. You must also have a valid driver’s license.

Wisconsin

Local authorities govern the operation of golf carts on Wisconsin highways but restrict them to less than a mile and have a travel route sign. The posted speed limit can not exceed 25 mph. The driver must be at least 16 years old, and the golf cart is required to have reflective devices.

Wyoming

If a golf cart qualifies as a Multipurpose Vehicle defined by the state of Wyoming, it can be driven on streets and highways, not only interstates. You must get a title but only need registration plates if operating on the roads.

Ready to Purchase a Street-Legal Golf Car?

Purchasing a street-legal golf cart is a fun experience, but it is crucial to understand the policies and regulations that come with it.

With our selection of street-legal golf carts, you can enjoy the convenience, comfort, and affordability of owning a golf car while maintaining safety.

While it might seem like a complicated process, with the help of our experienced staff, you can make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.

Here’s what Donnie has to say about his experience purchasing one of our street-legal golf cars.

“We had the pleasure of visiting the store and meeting Jeff and his boys and building a custom cart to our liking. It was such a extremely pleasant and calm experience with soooo many options for our cart down to the color of the lug nuts lol!

Every little detail was treated with pride and precision and by the time we left after our build was complete and ready to be assembled I felt as if we had known Jeff and his sons forever! We had soooo much fun this summer at the campgrounds and my town streets (street legal cart) with our ezgo rxv.

I highly recommend carts and parts for all your golf carts needs and wants!!!!💯 We shall be returning in our future!!!!”

See more of our real-time reviews.

Do you own a street-legal golf car, or are you considering purchasing one? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.