What Does a Golf Cart Need to Be Street Legal? (A Complete Guide)

AvatarByMatthew Woods Golf Blog

Golf carts are a popular way to get around on a golf course, but what if you want to use your golf cart on the street?

In some states, golf carts are considered to be low-speed vehicles and can be driven on public roads with a few modifications. However, other states have more stringent requirements for golf carts to be considered street legal.

In this article, we’ll take a look at what you need to do to make your golf cart street legal in different states. We’ll also discuss the benefits and risks of driving a golf cart on public roads, and provide some tips for safe operation.

So if you’re thinking about taking your golf cart on the road, read on for all the information you need to know.

Requirement Explanation Example
Muffler Reduces noise pollution Quiet muffler
Headlights Provides visibility at night LED headlights
Taillights Provides visibility to other drivers Red taillights
Turn signals Indicates direction of travel Amber turn signals
Brake lights Indicates when the vehicle is braking Red brake lights
Horn Alerts other drivers to your presence Loud horn
Windshield Provides visibility for the driver Clear windshield
Seat belts Protects passengers in the event of a crash 3-point seat belts
Registration Identifies the vehicle and its owner State-issued registration
Insurance Protects the owner and passengers in the event of a crash Valid insurance policy

What Does A Golf Cart Need To Be Street Legal?

In the United States, the requirements for street-legal golf carts vary from state to state. However, there are some general rules that most states follow.

Required Equipment

The following equipment is typically required for a golf cart to be street-legal:

  • Lights: Golf carts must have headlights, taillights, and brake lights. The headlights must be white, and the taillights and brake lights must be red.
  • Horn: Golf carts must have a horn that can be heard from at least 200 feet away.
  • Mirrors: Golf carts must have at least one mirror on each side of the vehicle. The mirrors must be positioned so that the driver can see behind the vehicle without having to turn their head.
  • Brakes: Golf carts must have brakes that are capable of stopping the vehicle in a safe distance.
  • Seat belts: Golf carts must have seat belts for all passengers.
  • Windshield: Golf carts must have a windshield that provides the driver with a clear view of the road.
  • License plate: Golf carts must have a license plate that is issued by the state in which the vehicle is registered.

Registration and Licensing

In order to register a golf cart, you will need to contact your local DMV. The documents you will need will vary depending on the state, but typically include:

  • The golf cart’s VIN number
  • The golf cart’s title
  • A bill of sale
  • Proof of insurance

Once you have registered your golf cart, you will need to obtain a license plate. The license plate will be issued by the state in which the vehicle is registered.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your golf cart is street-legal and safe to drive on public roads.

Registration and Licensing

In addition to the required equipment, golf carts must also be registered and licensed in order to be driven on public roads. The registration and licensing process varies from state to state, so it is important to contact your local DMV for specific information.

How to register your golf cart

To register your golf cart, you will need to visit your local DMV and bring the following documents:

  • The golf cart’s VIN number
  • The golf cart’s title
  • A bill of sale
  • Proof of insurance

Once you have provided these documents, the DMV will issue you a registration certificate and a license plate.

What documents you need

The documents you need to register your golf cart will vary from state to state. However, the following documents are typically required:

  • The golf cart’s VIN number
  • The golf cart’s title
  • A bill of sale
  • Proof of insurance

Where to register your golf cart

You can register your golf cart at your local DMV. The address and phone number of your local DMV can be found on the DMV website.

Insurance

In most states, you are required to have insurance on your golf cart if you plan to drive it on public roads. The type of insurance you need will vary depending on your state’s laws, but it typically includes liability insurance. Liability insurance covers damages that you cause to other people or property if you are involved in an accident.

The amount of insurance you need will also vary depending on your state’s laws. However, a good rule of thumb is to have at least $100,000 in liability coverage. This will help to protect you in the event of a serious accident.

You can get insurance for your golf cart from a variety of sources, including your car insurance company, a golf cart insurance company, or a local agent. When shopping for insurance, be sure to compare quotes from multiple companies to get the best possible rate.

Safety Tips

Driving a golf cart is not as safe as driving a car, so it’s important to take extra precautions to stay safe. Here are a few safety tips for driving your golf cart:

  • Wear a seatbelt. This is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself in the event of an accident.
  • Obey the speed limit. The speed limit for golf carts is typically 15 mph. Driving faster than this can increase your risk of an accident.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Be especially careful when turning corners or changing lanes.
  • Use your turn signals. Let other drivers know what you’re doing so they can avoid you.
  • Don’t drink and drive. Never drive your golf cart after drinking alcohol.
  • Be courteous to other drivers. Let other drivers merge in front of you and wave to them as you pass.

By following these safety tips, you can help to reduce your risk of an accident.

Driving a golf cart on public roads can be a fun and convenient way to get around. However, it’s important to make sure that your golf cart is street legal and that you have the proper insurance. By following the tips in this article, you can help to keep yourself and others safe on the road.

What Does A Golf Cart Need To Be Street Legal?

  • A golf cart must have a VIN number. This number is assigned by the manufacturer and is unique to each cart. It is used to identify the cart and track its history.
  • A golf cart must have headlights, taillights, and turn signals. These lights must be visible from a distance of at least 500 feet.
  • A golf cart must have a horn. The horn must be loud enough to be heard from a distance of at least 100 feet.
  • A golf cart must have a rearview mirror. The mirror must be positioned so that the driver can see behind the cart without turning their head.
  • A golf cart must have seatbelts for all passengers. Seatbelts must be worn by all passengers under the age of 18.
  • A golf cart must be operated by a driver who has a valid driver’s license. The driver must be at least 16 years old.
  • A golf cart must be registered with the state. The registration fee varies from state to state.
  • A golf cart must be insured. The type of insurance required varies from state to state.

Additional Resources:

  • [Golf Cart Laws by State](https://www.golfcartsdirect.com/golf-cart-laws-by-state/)
  • [How to Make Your Golf Cart Street Legal](https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/make-your-golf-cart-street-legal-4178870)
  • [Golf Cart Safety Tips](https://www.golfcartsdirect.com/golf-cart-safety-tips/)

    there are a few key things that a golf cart needs to be street legal. These include:

  • A windshield
  • Headlights
  • Taillights
  • Brakes
  • Horn
  • A license plate
  • Insurance
  • A driver’s license

By following these requirements, you can ensure that your golf cart is safe to drive on public roads. However, it is important to note that laws vary from state to state, so be sure to check with your local authorities for specific requirements.

In addition to the above requirements, there are a few other things that you may want to consider when making your golf cart street legal. These include:

  • A seat belt
  • A fire extinguisher
  • A first aid kit
  • A reflective safety vest

By taking these additional steps, you can further increase the safety of your golf cart and its passengers.

Overall, making your golf cart street legal is a relatively simple process. By following the above requirements, you can enjoy all the benefits of owning a golf cart without having to worry about breaking the law.

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Matthew Woods
Matthew Woods
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