What Makes A Golf Cart Street Legal?
Whether you live on the coast or are simply sightseeing or vacationing, riding around in a golf cart can be a fun, convenient, and affordable way of getting around town. However, it’s important to remember that golf carts are motor vehicles subject to traffic laws just like your usual set of wheels. Golf carts are legally similar to other low-speed vehicles (LSV), which are subject to unique laws, and must follow specific requirements to maintain street-legal status.
Here are a few tips and resources to help make sure you have a great time in your golf cart while staying safe and out of trouble! Click here.
Street Legal
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, golf cart owners must:
- ⁃Validly register their golf cart in the appropriate county/town/city department
- ⁃Obtain proof of ownership, liability insurance, and a completed waiver of liability
- Maintain a current, valid drivers license while operating on a public road
- display a valid license plate and inspection sticker
Because golf carts are motor vehicles operating on public roads, they must maintain minimum standards of safety equipment, including:
- Headlights and taillights
- Front and rear turn signals
- Brake lights
- Reflex reflector
- Interior and exterior mirrors
- Parking brake
- Horn
- Speedometer
- Windshield
Here are some general rules and guidelines to be aware of when operating a golf cart around town:
- Golf carts can only be driven on roads where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or lower
- Golf carts may be driven at any time as long as the cart has operating headlights and taillights
- Golf carts operate by all normal parking rules
- Golf carts can only be driven by those 16 years of age or older
- The maximum number of passengers must not exceed that specified by the manufacturer
- Golf carts should be driven at the right edge of the road and must yield to other vehicular and pedestrian traffic
And remember, you can be cited with a dui/dwi or other related violations while operating a golf cart!
Golf cart rules and regulations may vary by city, county, or state, so be sure to double-check before operating your vehicle.
Below are links to some helpful resources for our local areas:
