Have you ever looked at a golf cart and thought to yourself “can golf carts be street legal?”
Lets get into it and find out how you can make any golf buggie into a street legal golf cart!
What Does ‘Street Legal’ Mean?
Street legal refers to a vehicle equipped and licensed for use on public roads. The car must meet certain requirements, such as specific configurations of signal lights, windshields, and safety equipment, to be considered street legal.
Can Golf Carts Be Street Legal?
Because they are designed to be driven only on golf courses, Some U.S. states have banned golf cars from public highways.
Other than a golf course you can only drive your golf cart on roads where cars aren’t in a big hurry – think streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
However, a select few states do allow for the use of golf carts on public roads, like Florida where laws permit you to drive a golf cart on the road under certain conditions.
Things To Remember Before Registering To Make Your Golf Cart Street Legal
The federal code allows a street legal LSV to operate on some roads. To convert a golf car into a LSV you need to make sure you’re on the right track with local regulations which are:
Following Traffic Laws And Regulations
Driving a street-legal golf cart means you also need to follow the same rules as other drivers. This includes:
- Driving at or below the speed limit. (70 miles per hour or less)
- Respecting traffic signs and signals.
- Having a valid driver’s license.
Safety Features You’ll Need to Make a Golf Cart Street Legal
In addition to golf buggy safety equipment, there are a couple of required things for golf cars to be legally driven on roads. It’s not just about legality but also to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road
- Horn: This required safety feature lets you catch the attention of other drivers on the road.
- Seat belts: All street legal golf car require seat belts to protect passengers in case of an accident or sudden stop.
- Windshield: A protective windshield will ensure the dust particles in the air won’t affect your visibility as you drive.
- Headlights: It is necessary for street legal golf buggy to have operating headlights in order to guarantee safety in dim lighting situations.
- Taillights: Taillights also known as break lights are required on a street legal golf car to let other drivers know that you’re about to use the brakes.
- Turn signals: Similar to taillights, street legal carts need turning signals to notify people that you’re about to switch lanes.
- Rearview mirrors: Fitting side mirrors onto street legal golf car is necessary in order to provide drivers with visibility of their surroundings.
Getting a Special ID for Your Street Legal Golf Cart
If you plan to drive your golf cart on public roads, you’ll need a special number called a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
An electric golf cart must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), just like a car. For that, a VIN is a must. Without it, you won’t be able to get a license plate or insurance.
Note: Remember to get this special ID because driving a golf cart on public roads without a V.I.N could get you in serious legal trouble.
Registering Your Golf Cart as a Low-Speed Vehicle
Once you’ve ensured that your golf car has all the necessary equipment and has been assigned a Vehicle Identification Number (V.I.N.), the next step is to officially recognize it as a low-speed vehicle.
The documents required for registration may vary based on the state, but generally, you will need:
- Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (M.C.O)
- V.I.N
- Proof of insurance
- A valid driver’s license, ID card, or passport
Ready to Take Your Golf Cart On Public Roads?
If you’re excited about making your golf cart street legal, remember it’s all about safety and following the rules. Always be careful, and have a great time exploring your neighborhood in your cool, street-legal golf buggy!