The Legality of Driving Golf Carts on the Street
.jpg)
It's easy to see why some people would prefer a golf cart to a car, especially in warmer climates. They are less expensive, more fuel-efficient (or even electric), simpler to park, and more enjoyable to drive. However, it's important to find out if golf carts are allowed on public roads in your state before you buy one and start driving it around. Is a golf street cart legal?
Because they are designed to be driven only on golf courses, some American states have banned golf carts from public highways. Some U.S. states permit golf cart use on public roads, but drivers in those states must still follow other traffic laws and regulations. So what makes a golf cart street legal? We'll answer this question and others below.
What Makes a Golf Cart Street Legal?
Depending on where they are going, a low-speed vehicle does offer a practical means of getting people from point A to B. However, golf carts are not allowed in some areas, and drivers who don't follow the rules face large fines. If you want to use a golf cart on public roads without breaking the law, you should familiarize yourself with the regulations in your state.
In the US, golf cart laws vary by city and state. The presence of golf carts is being welcomed by more and more municipal governments, especially in warmer climates like Florida, California, Texas, and Georgia. Other states are less enthusiastic.
If you need any additional details, the authorities should be able to provide them, but here are some basics to get you started:
- A valid driver's license
- A 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Insurance
- Lights that work (head, brake, and tail lights with turn signals)
- DOT-approved tires
- Installed mirrors (interior and exterior),
- A speedometer, a horn, a windshield with wipers, and seatbelts
- A license plate holder with lights
- The top speed must be between 20 and 25 miles per hour.
Are Electric Golf Carts Street Legal?
Golf carts are not intended to travel faster than 15 mph and they do not come equipped with the necessary safety features for use on public roads. However, carts that meet legal standards for use on public roads have additional safety equipment. Electric carts must also adhere to the state's safety regulations to be considered road-legal.
Can You Make a Golf Cart Street Legal?
In the United States, golf carts that meet certain criteria are allowed on public roads. People who want to make their golf carts legal can do so by upgrading and modifying them. Their current golf cart needs to meet the requirements set forth by the state so that it can be driven on public roads.
Legality in Florida
Roads specifically marked for golf carts with a speed limit of 30 mph or less are open to their use. Some county roads are passable for golf carts because they intersect with other golf cart-friendly roads, golf courses, or mobile home parks.
In both cases, signs indicating that golf carts share the road should be posted. It is important to check on any restrictions placed by your local government on the use of golf carts on public roads before putting one into motion.
There is no legal requirement for PIP or PDL insurance on golf carts because they are not registered vehicles. A driver's license is not needed to operate a golf cart, but a person must be at least 14 years old to drive a golf cart on public roads that have been designated for such use.
Find out where you can drive a street-legal golf cart.
Get a Street Legal Golf Cart in Florida
WilDar is a full-service golf cart dealership and an authorized dealer for E-Z-GO, Cushman, Tomberlin, Evolution, and Cricket golf carts. We sell both brand-new and pre-owned golf carts. For the Treasure Coast, we are your go-to source for custom golf carts that are both stylish and functional. Both our parts and service departments are well stocked and highly regarded.