To operate on public streets, most states also require that golf carts be equipped with a horn, adequate brakes, headlights, taillights, reflectors, rear-view mirror, a slow-moving vehicle sign, and a bicycle safety flag. Some states also impose specific restrictions on where a golf cart can be operated.
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.
What is the speed limit for a street legal golf cart?
The laws surrounding street legal golf carts are still in their infancy and change on a regular basis. 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.
Are golf carts street legal in Florida?
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. Florida, the mecca for street legal golf carts, describes a street legal golf cart as the following:
Do you need a license plate for a golf cart?
REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED FOR GOLF CARTS. State law allows for use of golf carts with a slow-moving vehicle emblem in the following situations: to cross intersections, including a road or street that has a posted speed limit of no more than 35 miles per hour. A city can pass a local ordinance allowing for the use of golf carts on certain roads.
How do I convert my golf cart to LSV?
The process of converting a golf cart to an LSV includes many steps....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.
Can you drive a golf cart on the road in the US?
States where golf carts are legal on public roads You cannot drive golf carts legally on public roads in Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Missouri, or Rhode Island. New York takes it a step further by explaining that you could be arrested for operating a golf cart on public roads or sidewalks or in parking lots.
Do you have to have a license to drive a golf cart on the road in Indiana?
Street Legal in Indiana. Indiana's laws for low-speed vehicles require the driver to have a valid driver's license operating on public streets. Another essential requirement is to have a golf cart registration according to Indiana laws.
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.
How fast can a golf cart go without a governor?
A typical electric cart without an upgraded speed control tops out around 12 mph.
Do golf carts have VIN numbers?
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.
Do golf carts have titles?
The bottom line is that standard golf carts do not have titles. But, if they are modified to become an LSV then you must obtain a certificate of title.
Where can you drive a golf cart in Indiana?
Golf carts cannot be registered in the state of Indiana, however that does not mean they cannot be driven on public roads. In other words, your city may allow the use of golf carts on public roads.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart Indiana?
16 yearsIndiana. Legal age of the driver is 16 years. Golf carts are limited to cities and towns that passed local laws to allow carts to be driven on the road. A valid driver's license is necessary for every golf cart driver.
How do I get a license plate for my golf cart in Florida?
To title and register an LSV, take the following documents to a Motor Vehicle Service Center:Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin;Form HSMV 82040 (Application for Title);Proof of Florida insurance (minimum $10,000 PDL and $10, 000 PIP);Identification – driver license, ID card or passport; and.Applicable fees.
Can I drive my golf cart on the street in Florida?
(1) A golf cart may be operated only upon a county road that has been designated by a county, a municipal street that has been designated by a municipality, or a two-lane county road located within the jurisdiction of a municipality designated by that municipality, for use by golf carts.
Is golf cart insurance required in Florida?
Florida doesn't require insurance for golf carts. But low-speed vehicles, or LSVs, are a separate category from golf carts in Florida and are required to have minimum liability coverage.
Where are golf carts legal?
Additionally, golf cart drivers must be licensed to operate a motor vehicle. Maine. Golf carts are legal for use in low-speed areas around golf courses and on islands that are habitable. Maryland.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in Minnesota?
The driver must be at least 16 years old and must have a driver’s license. Golf carts cannot be driven within 30 minutes of sunset and sunrise. Minnesota. The state of Minnesota allows for the local government to permit or not permit golf cart use on public roadways and highways under their jurisdiction.
How fast can a golf cart go?
Golf carts are not street legal and can only be driven on private property. A golf cart can be driven on public roads at a speed of 20 miles per hour with speed limits under 25 miles per hour as long as the driver is at least 14 years old.
How much weight can a golf cart carry?
The carts must not weigh more than 1,300 pounds and it should not carry more than two people, including the driver. The cart must have a safety-glazed windshield as well as fenders. Colorado. Golf carts may only operate on roads with speed limits under 35 miles per hour.
What are the speed limits for golf carts in Illinois?
Illinois. If a municipality specifically allows it, golf carts can be driven on roadways that are deemed safe and have speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less. Indiana. Golf carts are limited to cities and towns that have passed local laws to allow for them to be driven on the road.
What is the speed limit for electric golf carts?
Alaska. Electric golf carts may operate on roads with speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less. Arizona. Golf carts may be used on roads with speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less.
When will electric golf carts be available?
Electric Vehicles / By Peter Jones / August 12, 2019. July 4, 2020. Many golf carts can go quite fast and they are very convenient to use. For this reason, many people want to use them for getting around town.
What is required for a golf cart?
Windshield. Windshields are required federally for street legal golf carts – plus, they’ll shield you from any rocks, dust, or other debris that may be kicked up by other vehicles in front of you. Be sure to choose a shatter resistant acrylic windshield, as these can withstand the high speeds of golf balls on the course while still offering ...
How fast can a golf cart go?
The main requirement for golf carts is speed: golf carts must reach a minimum speed of 20 miles per hour.
How to get a VIN number for a golf cart?
In order to get a VIN number for your golf cart, you’ll need to register it with your local DOT (Department of Transportation) authority. You’ll typically need information such as proof of purchase, the weight of the golf cart, and proof that you’ve equipped the vehicle with the necessary items above.
Do you have to have a golf cart registered?
Golf carts must be registered, titled, insured, and inspected in order to be on a street or road. If the golf cart is electric-powered then emissions testing is not required.
Can you take a golf cart on public roads?
The bottom line here is that if you want to take your golf cart on public roads, you must make your golf cart street legal. Not only from a legal perspective, but also for the safety of you, your passengers, and others on the road. It’s a good idea all-around. Not to mention all the additional use you’ll get out of your golf cart!
Do golf carts require gas?
Many golf carts don’t require gas and are quieter than standard vehicles, making them more appealing options for short distance travel. Take a read through our comprehensive guide on how to make your golf cart street legal and you’ll be on the road in no time.
Do you need a horn for a golf cart?
Horn. You’ll need a horn to make your golf cart street legal as well – luckily, golf cart horns are very affordable and relatively easy to install.
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.
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.
Know The Difference Between Golf Carts, LSVs, and NEVs
Many states (including Florida) make distinctions between these different classifications of vehicles, and have different laws for each.
The Process Of Making Your Golf Cart Street Legal In Florida
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 Florida
The bottom line here is that if you want to take your golf cart on public roads in Florida, you must make your golf cart street legal.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve learned more about how to make your Florida golf cart street legal and have simplified the process with this guide.
