One of the most common questions we get from our readers is: “How do I make my golf cart street legal?” – and we don’t blame them!
Golf carts are great for zipping around the course, but making your golf cart street legal can expand the enjoyment and value you’ll get out of your purchase.
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.
What You’ll Need to Make Your Golf Cart Street Legal
Below are the federal requirements that golf carts and other low-speed vehicles (LSVs) need in order to be considered “street legal”:
Working Lights (Headlights, Tail Lights, and Turn Signals)
There are many golf cart lighting kits out there, and they typically come in the “basic”, “deluxe”, and “street legal” varieties.
Make sure you choose the “street legal” kits here. Most all street legal kits will include headlights, tail lights, and turn signals, and some also include a horn.
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 the visibility and protection you need on the road.
Seat Belts
Seat belts must be available for all passengers in your golf cart. These kits are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Opt for the traditional buckle-type seat belts to make this process simple.
Interior and Exterior Mounted Mirrors
You’ll need an interior-mounted rear-view mirror and exterior-mounted driver and passenger mirrors on your golf cart before hitting the street.
These are typically very easy to install in minutes, with each just using a few bolts or screws depending on the mirror’s mounting and length.
Speedometer
Clearly, you’ll need to know how fast you’re going to ensure compliance with local speed limits when driving your golf cart. There are a wide variety of speedometers available on the market today, and many of them can be installed with zero wiring experience required.
What’s more, some models can also provide trip mileage, battery measurements, and more, bringing additional features and convenience to your 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.
Reflectors On All Corners of the Golf Cart
All vehicles of any speed designation – including golf carts – require reflectors on all corners of the vehicle. Golf cart reflectors are also extremely affordable and very simple to install.
Slow Moving Vehicle Sign
This sign alerts faster-moving vehicles that your golf cart is present on the road and may not be moving at the same speed they are, protecting you and your passengers. It’s cheap, easy to install, and required to make any golf cart street legal.
Lighted License Plate Bracket
Just like any other vehicle on the road, you’ll need a license plate bracket that can illuminate your plate when it’s dark out. Most of these are very affordable and offer options that wire into the existing system, or can be operated and installed wirelessly.
Vehicle Identification (VIN) Number
Most golf carts only come with a serial number and not a VIN number. 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. Once complete, your golf cart will be assigned a VIN.
Driver’s License
Yes, you read that right – just like any other vehicle in operation on the road, you’ll need a driver with a valid driver’s license to operate your golf cart on a street or road. Make sure to abide by your local laws and guidelines here.
Having These Items Professionally Installed
You can go to a golf cart repair shop near you to have most of these items installed for a fee, making the process much easier and simpler, getting you and your golf cart on the road faster.
The Process of Making Your Golf Cart Street Legal
Get Registered
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.
Most DMV offices typically require the following when processing your registration and title:
- A manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (if it is a new vehicle only)
- Previous owner’s Certificate of Title or Dealer Reassignment form (if applicable)
- Previous registration and bill of sale (if an exempt vehicle)
Get Insurance
Contact your insurance company after your golf cart is registered in order to discuss insurance options. Make sure your golf cart is covered by a policy that includes Personal Injury Protection and Property Damage Liability coverage at a minimum.
Get Inspected
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.
Check Your Local Laws for Specific Requirements
What we’ve covered above are specifically for the federal guidelines for golf carts – your local or state laws may require additional criteria to make your golf cart street legal. Refer to your State’s Department of Transportation or Department of Motor Vehicles for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Make Golf Carts Street Legal
Why Should I Make My Golf Cart Street Legal?
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!
Can All Golf Carts Be Street Legal?
For the most part, any golf cart or other low-speed vehicle can be made street legal as long as it meets the requirements above. The main requirement for golf carts is speed: golf carts must reach a minimum speed of 20 miles per hour.
Can My Child Drive A Golf Cart On The Street?
If your child does not have a permit or driver’s license, you should not let them operate a golf cart on the street. The same rules apply to golf carts as do every other vehicle on the road.
Do I Need Insurance On My Golf Cart?
If you’re planning on making your golf cart street legal, you must have insurance. If you only plan on using your golf cart off-road or on your personal property, that is a personal choice – however, we still recommend insuring your golf cart no matter where you use it.
Where Can I Drive My Golf Cart?
Street legal golf carts are allowed to be driven on roads that have a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or slower. You are allowed to cross roads with a higher speed limit, but not allowed to drive on them.
Additionally, golf carts are only allowed to operate in the day if they are not equipped with headlights. Some states don’t allow golf carts to operate on the street without headlights regardless of the time of day, so check at your State and local level as well.
What Is The Age Requirement To Drive A Golf Cart?
If a person does not have a permit or driver’s license, they are not able to operate a golf cart on the street. The same rules apply to golf carts as every other vehicle on the road.
Do Golf Carts Have VIN Numbers?
Golf carts do not have VIN numbers automatically assigned to them. You’ll need to follow the registration process (outlined above) in order to get a VIN number assigned to your golf cart to make it street legal.
Do I Need A Drivers License To Drive A Golf Cart On The Road?
Yes, a driver’s license or permit is required to drive a golf cart on the road.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve learned more about how to make your golf cart street legal and have simplified the process with this guide. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or leave a comment below – we’d love your feedback and are happy to answer any questions you have.
While you’re here, take a look at our reviews of golf cart lift kits, the best bluetooth speakers for golf carts, and our golf cart price guide.
Once you’ve made your golf cart road ready, check out our guide where we answer the questions: will a golf cart fit in a truck bed and how much does a golf cart weigh.