What are the laws for driving a golf cart in NC?
Continue reading for more info and specifics regarding the laws for driving golf carts in NC. Do you have to be 16 to drive a golf cart in NC? Unfortunately for our teenaged friends, the answer is yes, you do need to be at least 16 years of age and have a valid driver’s license to drive a golf cart on the roads of NC.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart?
Golf cart drivers must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver license. Golf carts aren’t equipped with the safety mechanisms that vehicles are, which is why they aren’t recommended for children younger than 16. There are no seat belts or airbags, which could result in serious injury or even death if an accident were to occur.
Do you need a license to drive a golf cart in Florida?
A permitted golf cart may be operated ONLY on a secondary highway or street for which the posted speed limit is 35 MPH or less. They may, however, cross an intersection where the speed limit is ABOVE 35 MPH. The driver of the golf cart must be at least 16 years of age and hold a valid driver’s license. Driver must have with them the following:
What do you need to know about driving a golf cart?
The driver of the golf cart must be at least 16 years of age and hold a valid driver’s license. Driver must have with them the following: The registration certificate issued by the department. Proof of liability insurance for the golf cart. Their driver’s license.
Can a 14 year old drive a golf cart in North Carolina?
How Old Does My Child Need to Be to Drive a Golf Cart? In the state of North Carolina, golf cart drivers must possess a valid driver's license must be at least sixteen years of age. Golf carts may not be driven on public roads with speeds higher than 35 miles per hour.
Can a 15 year old drive a golf cart in North Carolina?
North Carolina All drivers must need to be over the age of 16 years.
Do you need a license to drive a golf cart NC?
According to the NCDOT, you have to have your driver's license on you when operating a golf cart on public roads and streets in North Carolina. If you are taking your cart out onto the road, make sure you have your license on you at all times.
Is it legal to drive a golf cart on the road in NC?
Since operating a golf cart on North Carolina roads, even though they can only be legally driven on streets with a speed limit of 35 mph or less, the same laws apply when it comes to alcohol. Golf cart drivers could be charged with a DWI, driving with open containers or other alcohol-related offenses.
What state can you drive at 13?
What is the minimum age to drive in the USA? The minimum age to drive in the USA is just 16 in some states, however other states require you to be at least 18. You can obtain a learner's permit in Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, North and South Dakota at just 14 years old.
Can a kid drive a golf cart?
They may not be operated on public roads or streets by anyone under age 14. Also, these motorized carts are not allowed on roadways where the posted speed limit is greater than 35 mph. To stay safe on golf carts, make sure you: Don't let children younger than 14 drive golf carts unsupervised.
Who can drive a golf cart in NC?
Any person who operates a golf cart must be at least sixteen (16) years of age or older. No person may operate a golf cart unless that person is licensed to drive upon the public streets, roads and highways of North Carolina and then, only in accordance with such valid driver's license.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in Carolina Beach?
least 16 years of ageThe operator of the golf cart must be at least 16 years of age and possess a valid driver's license.
What is a street legal golf cart in NC?
Street legal carts are allowed to operate on roads that have a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or slower. Technically classified as a Low Speed Vehicle, or LSV, your cart is allowed to cross a street that has a higher posted speed limit, but you may not drive it on these streets.
Can you get a DUI on a golf cart in NC?
North Carolina prohibits operating various vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol beyond cars, trucks, SUVs and golf carts. Drivers can receive a DWI while riding a bike, operating a watercraft, driving a moped or even operating a lawnmower in a public area.
Are golf carts titled in NC?
Since most Golf carts are purchased and a bill of sale is given to the buyer, the owner must apply for a title through the NC License Plate Office. In order to receive a title through this agency, you must have a notarized bill of sale and proof of liability insurance.
Is it illegal to ride a four wheeler in a neighborhood in NC?
§ 20-171.19. (e) Except as otherwise permitted by law, no person shall operate an all-terrain vehicle on any public street, road, or highway except for purposes of crossing that street, road, or highway.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf buggy?
Many states in the US allow people at 16 years of age to drive with a learners permit & an adult over 21 years of age in the vehicle. Some visitors like our clients thought this was ok here in Mexico. While the legal driving age may be 16 here, a learners permit will not cut it, a license is necessary.
Can a 13 year old drive a golf cart in Florida?
In Florida, you do not need a valid driver's license to operate a golf cart. The state does not impose age restrictions for operating a golf cart while on a golf course. But a golf cart driver has to be over 14 years old when crossing a public road designated for golf carts.
What is a street legal golf cart in NC?
Street legal carts are allowed to operate on roads that have a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or slower. Technically classified as a Low Speed Vehicle, or LSV, your cart is allowed to cross a street that has a higher posted speed limit, but you may not drive it on these streets.
Can a 14 year old drive a golf cart in Florida?
Golf cart operators are not required to have a driver license; however, to operate a golf cart on designated public roadways, a person must be 14 years or older.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart?
The driver of the golf cart must be at least 16 years of age and hold a valid driver’s license. Driver must have with them the following: The registration certificate issued by the department. Proof of liability insurance for the golf cart. Their driver’s license. See the official documentation for golf cart laws here.
How many headlights does a golf cart have?
If your golf cart has two (2) headlights and two (2) taillights, it may be operated ANYTIME. A permitted golf cart may be operated ONLY on a secondary highway or street for which the posted speed limit is 35 MPH or less. They may, however, cross an intersection where the speed limit is ABOVE 35 MPH. The driver of the golf cart must be ...
What is the speed limit for a low speed vehicle?
Parking brake. Windshield. Seatbelt for each designated seat. Not be operated on any roadway with a speed limit above 35 mph. Any person operating a low-speed vehicle (LSV) must have in their possession a valid driver license.
Golf Cart Operation Requirements State to State (USA)
Overall, the minimum age requirement to legally operate a golf cart varies from state to state. Some states, like California, Colorado, and Montana only require individuals to be at least 14 years of age. However, a majority of the other states require golf cart operators to possess a valid state driver’s license.
Is it Legal to Operate a Golf Cart in Your Neighborhood?
Even if you meet the minimum state age requirements for golf cart operation, you will still want to inquire if golf cart operation is legal in your neighborhood. In many states, golf cart operation is legal in neighborhoods that maintain lower speed limits and possess less vehicle traffic.
Characteristics of a Street Legal Golf Cart
A golf cart is normally required to possess a functioning example of the following equipment in order to be deemed street legal. In some states, golf carts are also required to possess their own vehicle identification numbers and state vehicle registrations.
Enjoy Putting Around Town in Your Cart!
Driving a golf cart can be a fun and a rather inexpensive way to commute around town. Operating a golf cart is also a great way for younger drivers to practice their skills before moving on to larger and more dangerous vehicles such as cars and trucks.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in NC?
Do you have to be 16 to drive a golf cart in NC? Unfortunately for our teenaged friends, the answer is yes, you do need to be at least 16 years of age and have a valid driver’s license to drive a golf cart on the roads of NC. This is per the North Carolina Department of Transportation, who have specific rules and regulations regarding golf cart use ...
Can you drive a golf cart on a private property in North Carolina?
However, if you are driving the cart on private property or on a golf course, the same law does not apply.
Do I need a driver's license to drive a golf cart in NC?
You can still drive a golf cart in North Carolina if you do not have a NC driver’s license. However, as mentioned above, you still have a have a valid driver’s license to drive ...
Can you drive a golf cart on your own property?
If you are driving a golf cart on your own property, you can set whatever rules you like as to who can drive it. Many golf courses have their own rules regarding who can drive golf carts on their course. Make sure you check with the golf course before you go to make sure that your under-16 players can drive their carts.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in North Carolina?
In the state of North Carolina, golf cart drivers must possess a valid driver’s license must be at least sixteen years of age. Golf carts may not be driven on public roads with speeds higher than 35 miles per hour.
How fast can a golf cart go on a public road?
However, cities and counties can choose to allow golf carts on public streets with posted speed limits of 35 miles per hour or slower. Be sure to check your local ordinances for more information. If you live in a private community that owns and maintains its own roads, the operation of golf carts in controlled by the Homeowners Association.
Why do people use golf carts?
Whether you’re taking it out to the course, taking family or friends out to the pool, or going to a neighborhood cookout, a golf cart is a great way to enjoy the scenery and build relationships with neighbors. Golf carts are affordable, easy to operate, and just plain fun to drive.
Can a child drive a golf cart?
Keep in mind that young children can be hurt in a golf cart accident and should be allowed to drive golf carts only if they understand the safety measures required to operate a cart carefully.
How much is a fine for a child driving a golf cart?
Parents or guardians allowing an unlicensed child to operate a golf cart are subject to a fine in excess of $200.00. Golf carts being operated in violation of state law are also subject to being towed at owner’s expense. Golf carts are allowed on secondary roads with a posted speed limit of 35mph or less and can cross primary roads.
Is a golf cart allowed in North Carolina?
You will find the people in this area to be friendly and hospitable. There are restrictions on the use of golf carts in the State of North Carolina. Golf carts must be licensed, insured, and registered as Low Speed Vehicles (LSV) with the Dept. of Motor Vehicles and may not be operated: On primary highways. By an unlicensed driver.
Can you drive a golf cart on a secondary road?
Golf carts are allowed on secondary roads with a posted speed limit of 35mph or less and can cross primary roads. All state traffic laws must be obeyed and the seating capacity of the golf cart cannot be exceeded.
Know The Difference Between Golf Carts, LSVs, and NEVs
Many states (including North Carolina) make distinctions between these different classifications of vehicles, and have different laws for each.
The Process Of Making Your Golf Cart Street Legal In North Carolina
Complete an application for registration and title. You’ll turn this in to your local DMV office, along with paying registration, title fees, and applicable taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Make Golf Carts Street Legal In North Carolina
The bottom line here is that if you want to take your golf cart on public roads in North Carolina, you must make your golf cart street legal.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve learned more about how to make your North Carolina golf cart street legal and have simplified the process with this guide.
