Golf carts are not only useful for playing golf, but also for getting around your neighborhood, campus, or community. However, not all golf carts are allowed to be driven on public roads. To make your golf cart street legal, you need to follow certain rules and regulations that vary by state and locality.
In general, street legal golf carts are classified as low-speed vehicles (LSVs) or medium-speed vehicles (MSVs), depending on their top speed and performance. LSVs can travel up to 25 mph, while MSVs can go up to 35 mph. Both types of vehicles must meet certain safety and equipment standards, such as having headlights, taillights, turn signals, mirrors, seat belts, windshields, horns, and brakes.
To make your golf cart street legal, you need to do the following steps:
- Check your local laws and regulations. Different states and municipalities have different requirements for street legal golf carts. Some may allow LSVs only, while others may permit MSVs as well. Some may have specific rules for registration, licensing, insurance, and inspection. You can find out more information from your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or similar agency.
- Upgrade your golf cart to meet the standards. Depending on the type and model of your golf cart, you may need to modify or add some features to make it street legal. For example, you may need to install a slow moving triangle, a windshield wiper, a VIN number, a license plate light, and a vehicle identification number (VIN) decal. You may also need to upgrade your battery, motor, controller, or tires to increase your speed and performance. You can buy these parts and accessories from golf cart dealers or online retailers.
- Get your golf cart inspected and certified. Once your golf cart is ready, you need to take it to an authorized inspection station or mechanic to verify that it meets the standards for street legal golf carts. You may need to pay a fee for the inspection and certification. You will also need to fill out a low-speed or medium-speed affidavit form, which is a document that certifies that your golf cart has been properly modified and meets the requirements.
- Register and license your golf cart. After passing the inspection and certification, you need to register and license your golf cart as a street legal vehicle. You will need to provide proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and the inspection and certification documents. You will also need to pay the registration and licensing fees, which may vary by state and locality. You will then receive a license plate and a registration sticker for your golf cart.
- Enjoy driving your golf cart on the road. Once you have completed all the steps, you can legally drive your golf cart on public roads that have a speed limit of 35 mph or lower. You can also cross roads that have a higher speed limit, but not drive on them. You must follow the same traffic rules and regulations as other vehicles, such as obeying the signs, signals, and speed limits. You must also wear a seat belt and have a valid driver’s license.
Making your golf cart street legal can be a fun and rewarding project that can enhance your mobility and convenience. However, it also requires some time, money, and effort to comply with the laws and regulations. Before you start, make sure you do your research and consult with your local authorities and experts. By doing so, you can ensure that your golf cart is safe, legal, and ready for the road.
