Yes, golf carts are street legal in North Carolina. They must be registered and have the proper insurance, and 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 North Carolina.
Are golf carts street legal in North Carolina?
Our street legal carts meet all the legal requirements for the state of North Carolina and guidelines for the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA). We’ll also provide everything you need to make registering your street legal golf cart easy and efficient. Why Use A Street Legal Cart?
What do you need to drive a golf cart street legal?
A golf cart windshield generally comes in clear and tinted options: Once you’ve selected a street legal light kit with the proper lighting/indicators and a windshield, the next thing you’ll need is mirrors. You'll want to make sure you have clear view of your surroundings while driving on the street.
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:
Is there a speed limit for golf carts on the street?
The statute allows a municipality/county to regulate golf carts on any street with a speed limit 35 mph or less and the operator must be 16 or older. The municipality has the legal authority to establish speed limits on municipal streets.
Can you 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.
Do you have to register a golf cart in North Carolina?
Vehicles resembling golf carts which exceed this speed capacity must be registered with the NC Department of Motor Vehicles, in which case they will essentially be regulated as an automobile, and otherwise such vehicles will not be allowed on public streets.
How do I get a VIN number for my golf cart in NC?
If you want a VIN for your golf cart, you need to register it for road use. This process starts at your local DOT authority and requires you to show various information, such as the proof of purchase, the weight of the cart, and much more.
Do golf carts have titles?
Golf carts do not have titles like cars, so a serial number is the first thing you should check for if you want to buy a golf cart from an individual. "If it doesn't have a serial number on it, that's a good indication or red flag that you really need to do some checking on it or stepping away from it," Miller said.
How much does it cost to register a golf cart in NC?
The annual fees for golf cart permits are below:Resident/Property Owner Golf Cart:$ 60.00Resident/Property Owner LSV:$ 40.00Non-resident LSV:$100.00
Do you need insurance on a golf cart in NC?
Any person who operates a golf cart must be responsible for all liability associated with operation of the golf cart and must have liability insurance coverage which will cover the use of a golf cart in an amount not less than required by North Carolina law for motor Page 2 G-5 Page 2 of 5 Revised 1/26/10 vehicles ...
Does a bill of sale have to be notarized in NC?
In North Carolina, bills of sale presented for registration of a motor vehicle or vessel must be notarized. Certification/Signature: The signature of the seller and/or buyer, depending on the form, finalizes the transfer.
Is golf cart street legal?
In all states, a Street Legal Golf Cart must be operated by a licensed driver. Below we've listed the federal requirements that each street legal and and low speed vehicle must have: Working lights: Head, brake, and tail lights with turn signals. DOT approved tires, windshield wiper and seat belts.
How do you make a UTV street legal in NC?
You'll need to make sure your UTV has a few safety features first in order for it to be street legal in North Carolina on October 1st....Here's what you need as written in the new law:Headlamps.Parking brakes.Rear view mirrors.Reflex reflectors.Seat belts.A speedometer.Stop lamps.Turn signal lamps.More items...•
Do golf carts have titles 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.
Do golf carts have a VIN number?
When scheduling service or ordering parts for your golf cart it is very important to know and locate the serial number (VIN). Each cart has its own unique serial number just like a car and by knowing what this number is you are able to determine what type, year, and power supply your cart has.
How fast can a golf cart go without a governor?
A typical electric cart without an upgraded speed control tops out around 12 mph.
What do you need for a street legal light kit?
Once you’ve selected a street legal light kit with the proper lighting/indicators and a windshield, the next thing you’ll need is mirrors. You'll want to make sure you have clear view of your surroundings while driving on the street. The most popular and required mirrors for on-street driving are: Rear View Mirror.
Is it legal to put lights on a golf cart?
Installing golf cart lights is one of the key components in making a golf cart street legal, if not the most important. There are so many different lighting options for golf carts out there. Generally, you’ll see “Basic” and “Street Legal” or "Deluxe" options.
Can you drive a golf cart on the street?
For example, in some cities in Florida, Georgia, Texas and California there are entire communities that drive their golf carts on the street. ALWAYS check with your local municipality to make sure it’s okay to drive a golf cart on the street.
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.
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.
What are the requirements for street legal?
They must have mirrors, a horn, seatbelts, headlights, brake lights, four-wheel brakes, tires approved by the Department of Transportation, a VIN, and a license and registration.
How fast can a street cart go?
Most street allowed carts will not go faster than 15 miles per hour.
What does "street allowed" mean?
What Does Street Allowed Mean? Street allowed carts are not allowed on public streets, but certain communities have petitioned to allow carts within certain municipalities, which means golf carts are welcome on the streets in places like Carolina Beach, Pinehurst, and Wrightsville Beach.
Can you use a golf cart on public roads?
It all depends on how you want to use it! If you’re going to be taking your cart on public roads with speed limits of 35 miles per hour, then a street legal cart may be what you need. However, if you use your golf cart at one of the beaches or communities that welcomes street allowed carts, then you should be fine with a golf cart ...
Is it legal to drive a golf cart on the street?
Unfortunately, not all golf carts are street legal. You might have heard the term “street allowed,” which we’ll explain here. While it might sound like a good story to tell people later on, getting pulled over in a golf cart is far from a fun experience. If you ever have any questions about your specific golf cart or want to make sure ...
How fast can a street legal golf cart go?
These vehicles can be driven on roads with a speed of 35 mph or less in most states. You’ve probably even seen golf carts cruising around college campuses, beach towns and military bases.
How many digits are in a street legal cart?
We’re your local and national experts for street legal carts. Created right here in the USA, each vehicle comes with the proper paperwork and required 17-digit VIN number. We want you to enjoy and feel safe in your cart, so contact us with any questions or concerns.
What you need to know about Golf Carts in North Carolina
Some golf carts are legal on most public roads in North Carolina. Others are not legal on all public roads unless allowed under special exemptions, which are passed by the NC Legislature and approved by the governor.
What you need to know about Golf Carts in South Carolina
Only licensed drivers over 16 years of age may drive golf carts (except on private property) in South Carolina. That means that it is against the law for children or unlicensed drivers to drive a golf cart on a public road (which includes your neighborhood).
What is reciprocity law in NC?
Specifically, reciprocity laws meant that NC law enforcement would recognize out-of-state registered plates on side-by-sides. Locals would get their side-by-sides registered in another state and drive them on the North Carolina roads semi-legally.
How tall is a UTV in North Carolina?
Check your dimensions and see if you match: Length: 110 inches or longer. Width: 58 inches or wider. Height: 60 inches or taller. If your UTV meets those, you can make it street legal in North Carolina. But you still have to check a few more things off your list.
Can you ride anywhere?
The law doesn’t allow you to ride anywhere you want. In fact, the intention is to make it easier to cruise into town for supplies or to get from one trailhead to another. It’s not written for you to replace your everyday driver with a side-by-side. Here are the specific rules for the roads you’re allowed to drive on:
Is side by side street legal in North Carolina?
North Carolina is officially the 23rd state to make side-by-sides street legal. With nearly half the union making some concessions to road access for UTVs, we’re getting closer to the dream of riding everywhere. Imagine visiting any park or trail in the country with the confidence of knowing that you can spend the whole weekend in your side-by-side.
Do you need to register side by side in NC?
You’ll also need to register and tag your side-by-side with the North Carolina DMV before you can hit the road. Turn signal kits, windshields (or helmets), and proper registration are among the requirements to make your side-by-side street legal in NC.
