What Makes a Golf Cart Street Legal
- Headlights
- Taillights
- Turn Signals
- Horn
- Windshield
- Side mirrors
- Seat belts
- Low-speed vehicle sign
- Insurance
- Registration
How to make your golf cart street legal?
Aug 12, 2019 · Here is what the golf cart will need to meet the federal requirements: A lighted license plate. A VIN number. A horn. A speedometer. DOT-approved tires, seat belts, and windshield wipers. Working headlights, brake lights, and turn signal lights. Interior and exterior-mounted mirrors.
Can I make a golf cart street legal?
You’ll of course need to opt for the street legal package that contains the parts listed below: Headlights Taillights/Brake Lights Turn Signals Horn
What makes a 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, …
How do you make a go cart street legal?
Mar 29, 2019 · Florida, the mecca for street legal golf carts, describes a street legal golf cart as the following: “any four-wheeled electric vehicles whose top speed is greater than 20 miles per hour but not greater than 25 miles per hour.” This includes Low Speed Vehicles such as Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV).

What does a golf cart need to be street legal in Florida?
A golf cart must be equipped with efficient brakes, reliable steering apparatus, safe tires, a rearview mirror, and red reflectorized warning devices in both the front and rear. A golf cart may not be operated on public roads or streets by any person under the age of 14.
Can I drive a golf cart around my neighborhood?
A golf cart that is not street legal will not be eligible for driving on the neighborhood. And, there are ways to ensure that your golf cart is street legal. One way to do that is by adding the essential components that are found in a car. These elements include safety belts, lights, horns, mirrors, and speed monitors.
How do you make a golf cart LSV?
For a golf car to be considered a low speed vehicle (LSV), three things must be true:The golf car must have DOT mandated safety accessories.The golf car must be registered, titled and tagged, with a VIN.The golf car must be properly insured.Jul 7, 2021
How do you make a Club Car Precedent street legal?
How To Make A Golf Cart Street LegalHeadlights.Taillights.Turn Signals.Horn.Windshield.Side mirrors.Seat belts.Low-speed vehicle sign.More items...•Oct 20, 2020
How fast do golf carts go?
between 12 and 14 miles per hourWhat is the Average Golf Cart Speed? The average top speed of a typical golf cart without any upgrades is between 12 and 14 miles per hour. Without any sort of modification or upgrade on a golf cart, the top speed that you will be getting on a golf cart is about 14mph.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart on the street in California?
Golf Cart Operation Requirements State to State (USA)STATEAGE REQUIREMENTCalifornia14Colorado14Connecticut16Delaware1615 more rows•Dec 3, 2020
Do I need a windshield on my golf cart?
A golf cart is the ideal vehicle to roam around with. Most base golf cart models are open-air, which is great on a nice day, but not in bad weather. If you want to use your golf cart on rainy or sunny days, you might need to consider installing a windshield on the cart.Feb 1, 2021
Do golf carts come with seat belts?
Most carts do not come equipped with golf cart seatbelts, so, if you plan on driving your cart on the street, you'll need to install these to make it street legal.Dec 27, 2017
How do you make a golf cart go faster?
6 Ways You Can Make a Golf Cart FasterAdd More Torque to Your Golf Cart.Upgrade Your Golf Cart's Motor.Improve the High-Speed Controller of the Cart.Add Better Golf Cart Tires.Use a Higher Powered Golf Cart Battery.Watch the Weight in Your Golf Cart.May 18, 2021
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.
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 does it mean to have a street legal golf cart?
A street legal golf cart implies that laws are in place to determine what “legal” actually means. Currently, the law is playing catch up in many areas. It is important to keep in mind that laws vary from state-to-state, with some states not having clear laws in place at all.
How fast can you drive a golf cart?
One law that seems to be a consensus is the ability to drive on roads with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less . While we recommend you look into the specific golf cart laws in your state, we went ahead and put together a list ...
How fast can a golf cart go in Florida?
Florida, the mecca for street legal golf carts, describes a street legal golf cart as the following: “any four-wheeled electric vehicles whose top speed is greater than 20 miles per hour but not greater than 25 miles per hour.”.
Why do people use golf carts?
Golf cart usage on the open roads has increased exponentially in the last 20 years and for good reason. Some of the benefits of using a golf cart for your commute instead of a car are: More efficient: Due to their smaller size, golf carts are much for fuel efficient than a car. If you choose to go the electric golf cart route, ...
Do you need headlights on a golf course?
Headlights: Headlights are rarely necessary on the course, but you will need to make sure you have them before you hit the road. Tail Lights/Brake lights: Sharing the road with cars can be extremely dangerous if you don’t have tail lights and brake lights.
Is a golf car considered a low speed vehicle?
Golf cars that are not considered low speed vehicles are prohibited from operation on roads with a few exceptions detailed in s. 316.212. As with motor vehicles, low speed vehicles are subject to a license tax, which is the same as that prescribed in Florida Statute s. 320.08- for non-electrically powered vehicles.”.
Do golf carts have a speedometer?
Many golf carts are lacking a speedometer. Parking Brakes. Rear View Mirrors: Seeing what is behind you on a golf course isn’t top of mind, but on the road it is imperative you see not only what is in front of you, but also behind you. Windshields.
How far away from a golf course is a golf cart required to be registered?
For example, in California, registration of a golf cart isn't required if it's operated within one mile of a golf course. And in South Carolina, a golf cart must be operated within four miles of the address on the registration.
What is the speed limit for a golf cart?
Common restrictions include: limiting golf cart operation to only roadways where the posted speed limit is 25 to 45 miles per hour or less. limiting golf cart operation to only during daylight hours or from sunrise to sunset. requiring the golf cart driver to have a valid driver's license, and. only allowing drivers who are at least 14 ...
How fast can a golf cart go?
Definitions vary, but in many states, a golf cart is specifically defined by statute as a vehicle that is designed to: 1 operate on a golf course for recreational purposes 2 carry golf equipment 3 carry no more than two people 4 operate at maximum speeds of 20 miles per hour 5 have at least three wheels in contact with the ground, and 6 have a maximum empty weight of 1,300 pounds.
How fast can you drive a golf cart?
operate on a golf course for recreational purposes. carry golf equipment. carry no more than two people. operate at maximum speeds of 20 miles per hour. have at least three wheels in contact with the ground, and. have a maximum empty weight of 1,300 pounds.
Can you drive a golf cart on public roads?
Operating a Golf Cart on Public Streets. In most states, golf carts are exempt from registration and insurance requirements. States with these exceptions generally don't permit golf carts to be operated on public roads or streets.
Can you get arrested for driving a golf cart?
In most states, you can be arrested for driving a golf cart while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Many states categorize a golf cart as a motor vehicle and a person who operates a motor vehicle on premises open to the public while under the influence can be charged with a DUI. A golf course or resort would generally be considered premises open to the public. Therefore, even if an intoxicated person isn't driving a golf cart on a public street, the driver can be charged with a DUI under the laws of many states. (Read more about how DUI is defined .)
Can you drive a golf cart while under the influence?
Driving a Golf Cart While Under the Influence. In most states, you can be arrested for driving a golf cart while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Many states categorize a golf cart as a motor vehicle and a person who operates a motor vehicle on premises open to the public while under the influence can be charged with a DUI.
Current Florida Statute On Golf Cart Operation
If you are only planning on operating your golf cart on a golf course and on your private property, the Florida Statutes, defines the rules in section 320.01 (22) as "a motor vehicle that is designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes and that is not capable of exceeding speeds of 20 MPH." Golf carts are allowed to be operated on roadways that are designated for golf carts with a posted speed limit of 30 MPH or less.
How To Convert Your Golf Cart To A LSV
Now that you know what's needed, how do you go about converting your golf cart to a street legal LSV? It's really a simple process! The first thing you need to do is make sure your golf cart is equipped with all of the safety equipment listed above.
Let's wrap this up!
The information above is based on current Florida statutes as of January 2021. Laws and statutes can change depending on your location. Please do your due diligence and verify the above information with your local DMV to be sure it is still applicable.
What is a golf cart in Florida?
Golf carts are defined in section 320.01 (22), Florida Statutes, as “a motor vehicle that is designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes and that is not capable of exceeding speeds of 20 MPH.”.
How fast can a golf cart go?
Golf carts may be operated on roadways that are designated for golf carts with a posted speed limit of 30 MPH or less. Golf carts are not titled or registered and are not required to be insured with PIP and PDL coverage. A person must be 14 years or older to operate a golf cart.
What is a low speed vehicle?
A low speed vehicle (LSV) is a vehicle with a top speed greater than 20 MPH,but not greater than 25 MPH. LSVs must be registered, titled and insured with personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL) insurance. Any person operating an LSV must have a valid driver license.
Do you need insurance for an ATV in Florida?
ATVs are titled vehicles, but not requiring registration. Nor do they require to be insured with PIP and PDL coverage. (Sections 261.20, 316.2074 and 316.2123, Florida Statutes) As per Florida law all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) may only be operated on unpaved roadways where the posted speed limit is less than 35 MPH and only during daylight hours. Anyone under the age of 16 operating an ATV on public land must be under the supervision of an adult and must have proof of completion of a Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) approved safety course. ATV operators and riders under the age of 16 must wear a USDOT approved safety helmet and eye protection.
What equipment is needed for a golf cart?
To be street legal, a golf cart must have the following functioning equipment: seat belts, a windshield, a horn, turn signals, rear-view mirror, head lights and brake lights. The LSV must be equipped with the following: a windshield, headlamps, tail lamps, stop lamps, mirrors, reflectors, parking brakes and se at belts.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in Ohio?
The driving of golf carts by underage persons is prohibited. In Ohio the age when a person can apply for a driving permit is 16. The permitted driver can drive when accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years of age.
What is the difference between a golf cart and a low speed vehicle?
Difference between a Golf Cart and an LSV. A golf cart is an open 4-wheeled vehicle that can drive up to 15 miles per hour. A low speed vehicle or LSV is another 4-wheeled vehicle that tends to have more coverage than a golf cart and has speeds up to 20-25 miles per hour.
Can you drive a golf cart at night?
No one can legally drive a golf cart while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If the golf cart does not possess operating lights, it cannot be driven at night.
Do you need a DOT number to drive in Ohio?
Ohio requires a DOT number on all road-worthy vehicles. To obtain DOT or department of Transportation approval and DMV or the department of motor vehicle approval, the vehicle must have be registered and insured. The driver must be licensed and meet the age limits required for licensing.
Do golf carts need insurance?
Golf carts, like cars and trucks, should carry insurance coverage. Insurance coverage should be standard liability and should include under insured and uninsured motorists coverage to cover the driver completely.
What state is the golf cart law in?
If you’re going to be purchasing a golf cart or low speed vehicle (LSV) and you live in the state of North Carolina, then you may need to familiarize yourself with the specific laws regarding driving them. Here is an overview according to North Carolina Golf Cart Laws:
How fast can a golf cart go?
Golf carts typically have a maximum speed of 15 or 20 mph, while LSVs go a minimum of 20 mph, and sometimes as fast as 35mph or more. Another difference between the two is that LSVs must have a Vehicle identification number (VIN).
What is the difference between a golf cart and a low speed vehicle?
What is the difference between a Golf Cart and LSV? First of all, not everyone is aware of the difference between a golf cart and a low speed vehicle (LSV.) There are two distinct ways to differentiate between the two, and one pertains to speed. Golf carts typically have a maximum speed of 15 or 20 mph, while LSVs go a minimum of 20 mph, ...
How old do you have to be to drive a LSV in North Carolina?
Like golf carts, LSV drivers must be 16 years of age, with a valid driver license. In order to legally operate a LSV on the streets of North Carolina, the vehicle must be equipped with the following: Headlamps. Tail lamps.
Can you drive a golf cart in daylight?
Golf carts can be driven anytime, only if it has 2 head and taillights, otherwise they can only be driven during daylight hours. ...
