Street-Legal Golf Cart Requirements by State (2026 Guide)

Street-Legal Golf Cart Requirements by State (2026 Guide)

Whether your golf cart is street legal depends on two things: what it legally is, and which state you drive it in. A standard golf cart tops out under 20 mph, and most states allow it on public roads only where a local ordinance says so, usually on streets posted 25 to 35 mph.

A low-speed vehicle (LSV) is a four-wheeled vehicle that can go more than 20 mph but no more than 25 mph and weighs under 3,000 lb GVWR (49 CFR 571.3). LSVs must carry federally required safety equipment and are usually titled, registered and insured like a car.

The federal LSV equipment checklist

Every LSV must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 500 (49 CFR 571.500). These items are required, not optional upgrades:

  • Headlamps
  • Front and rear turn signals
  • Tail lamps
  • Stop (brake) lamps
  • Red reflex reflectors: one on each side, as far rear as practicable, plus one on the rear
  • Mirrors: driver-side exterior, plus a passenger-side exterior or an interior mirror
  • Parking brake
  • Windshield with safety glazing meeting FMVSS 205 (AS-1 or AS-4)
  • VIN conforming to 49 CFR Part 565
  • Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt at every seating position

New factory-built LSVs must also meet rear-visibility and pedestrian alert-sound rules. Light bars, underglow and sound bars are fun upgrades, but they are not required anywhere and do not make a cart street legal.

Shop the required parts: our Street Legal Kit list groups the lights, turn signals, mirrors, horn, seat belts and slow-moving-vehicle sign most conversions need. Check each listing for DOT or SAE markings and confirm what your state requires before you buy.

State-by-state rules

Most states allow LSVs on roads posted 35 mph or less, but few let you turn an existing golf cart into one. Florida, Kansas and Delaware have a path for converted carts, and at least 11 states bar it outright. “Unclear” means we could not confirm it on an official state page, so check with that state’s DMV.

Alabama

  • Golf carts on public roads: Not street legal under state rules
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph (police guidance)
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: No (factory certificate required)
  • Extra rules and paperwork: LSV registered; title exempt
  • Source: Ala. Admin. Code 810-5-1-.238

Alaska

  • Golf carts on public roads: Only where a city code allows
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Effectively no
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Registration needs an LSV certificate of origin
  • Source: Alaska DMV

Arizona

  • Golf carts on public roads: Registered carts allowed; cities often limit to 35 mph roads
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Register as a golf cart instead
  • Extra rules and paperwork: LSVs carry a restrictions label; registration, insurance, license
  • Source: A.R.S. 28-966

Arkansas

  • Golf carts on public roads: City streets by ordinance (not state or county roads)
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: No state LSV operating law
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Unclear
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Local ordinances set insurance and age
  • Source: AFDC summary

California

  • Golf carts on public roads: Roads posted 25 mph or less; local golf-course zones
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: No
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Carts need lights, signals, mirror, horn, windshield for road use
  • Source: Vehicle Code 21716

Colorado

  • Golf carts on public roads: By local ordinance; driver 16+
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph (40 on some state highways with CDOT approval)
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Effectively no
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Title and registration as Class C
  • Source: Colorado DMV

Connecticut

  • Golf carts on public roads: Town roads posted 25 mph or less, daylight, licensed driver
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: Defined in 2024; operating rules unclear
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Unclear
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Carts need a horn and visibility flag
  • Source: CGS §14-300g

Delaware

  • Golf carts on public roads: No state law found
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Only if it fully meets FMVSS 500
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Title, registration, insurance, license
  • Source: 21 Del. C. §2113A

Florida

  • Golf carts on public roads: Locally designated roads posted 30 mph or less; daylight unless allowed
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Yes: FLHSMV inspection and VIN
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Title, registration, $10k PIP + $10k property damage, license
  • Source: FLHSMV

Georgia

  • Golf carts on public roads: Locally designated roads posted 25 mph or less
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Allowed by definition; process unclear
  • Extra rules and paperwork: LSVs need an SMV emblem or amber strobe
  • Source: Georgia DPS

Hawaii

  • Golf carts on public roads: No state law found
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph (electric only)
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Unclear
  • Extra rules and paperwork: State safety inspection; 2 mirrors, belts, SMV triangle
  • Source: HRS §291C-134

Idaho

  • Golf carts on public roads: No general state law
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph (electric only; no crossing roads over 45)
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Unclear
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Title, registration, insurance, license
  • Source: Idaho Code 49-663

Illinois

  • Golf carts on public roads: Local ordinance; roads posted 35 mph or less; license + insurance
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 30 mph (35 if local allows)
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Unclear
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Carts need lights, signals, mirror, reflectors, SMV emblem
  • Source: 625 ILCS 5/11-1426.2

Indiana

  • Golf carts on public roads: By local ordinance; license or ID at 16½
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Unclear
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Local ordinance may require SMV sign
  • Source: IC §9-21-1-3.3

Iowa

  • Golf carts on public roads: City-approved streets, daylight, licensed driver
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Likely no (factory-built only)
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Carts need SMV sign and bicycle flag
  • Source: Iowa Code 321.247

Kansas

  • Golf carts on public roads: City-authorized roads posted 30 mph or less; daylight unless lit
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 40 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Yes, if a modifier certifies FMVSS compliance
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Registration, insurance, license
  • Source: K.S.A. 8-15,108

Kentucky

  • Golf carts on public roads: Local ordinance roads posted 35 mph or less; local permit + inspection
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Unclear
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Carts need lights, signals, mirrors, belts, horn, SMV emblem
  • Source: 2020 Act (KRS 189.286)

Louisiana

  • Golf carts on public roads: Designated streets; license, insurance, OMV decal
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Unclear
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Carts need lights, signals, mirror, reflectors
  • Source: R.S. 32:300.1

Maine

  • Golf carts on public roads: Islands or by special state permit
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Likely no
  • Extra rules and paperwork: $25/yr LSV plate
  • Source: 29-A §2089

Maryland

  • Golf carts on public roads: Designated roads posted 30 mph or less, dawn to dusk
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 30 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: No
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Title, registration, insurance, license
  • Source: Transp. §21-1125

Massachusetts

  • Golf carts on public roads: Not allowed
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 30 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Effectively no
  • Extra rules and paperwork: SMV emblem; annual inspection
  • Source: Mass.gov

Michigan

  • Golf carts on public roads: Local resolution; roads posted 30 mph or less; 15 mph max; daylight; 16+
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Unclear
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Title, plate, insurance, license
  • Source: MCL 257.657a

Minnesota

  • Golf carts on public roads: Local permit; daylight unless factory lights
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: No
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Carts need SMV emblem and mirror
  • Source: Minn. Stat. 169.045

Mississippi

  • Golf carts on public roads: City-designated streets; license + financial responsibility
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: Set by city
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Unclear
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Carts and LSVs need FMVSS 500 equipment; city decal
  • Source: SB 2605 (2021)

Missouri

  • Golf carts on public roads: City streets by ordinance
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Unclear
  • Extra rules and paperwork: No state LSV title or registration; license required
  • Source: RSMo 304.029

Montana

  • Golf carts on public roads: Locally authorized roads; licensed driver
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: Restricted-license drivers only
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Unclear
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Carts need lights, reflector, horn, mirror
  • Source: MCA 61-8-391

Nebraska

  • Golf carts on public roads: Local ordinance; roads posted 35 mph or less; daylight; 20 mph max
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Unclear
  • Extra rules and paperwork: License and 25/50/25 insurance
  • Source: Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-6,381

Nevada

  • Golf carts on public roads: Approved streets; $10/yr DMV permit, VIN inspection, insurance
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Not addressed (must be factory-built)
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Carts need lights, mirror, SMV emblem
  • Source: Nevada DMV

New Hampshire

  • Golf carts on public roads: No state law found
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Unclear
  • Extra rules and paperwork: FMVSS 500
  • Source: RSA 265:158

New Jersey

  • Golf carts on public roads: No state law found
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 25 mph (35 where allowed)
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Needs factory certificate
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Electric only; speedometer, odometer, “25 mph Vehicle” decal
  • Source: NJ MVC

New Mexico

  • Golf carts on public roads: No state law found
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Unclear
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Speedometer, odometer, wipers
  • Source: NMSA §66-3-1103

New York

  • Golf carts on public roads: Not allowed
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Unclear
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Inspection and insurance as a limited use vehicle
  • Source: VTL §2262

North Carolina

  • Golf carts on public roads: Local ordinance; roads posted 35 mph or less; 16+
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: No
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Speedometer, wipers, horn
  • Source: NCDMV brochure

North Dakota

  • Golf carts on public roads: City streets by ordinance; no night use
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Unclear
  • Extra rules and paperwork: $20 two-year LSV registration
  • Source: NDCC 39-29.1

Ohio

  • Golf carts on public roads: As “under-speed vehicles” by local ordinance; roads posted 35 mph or less
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Use the under-speed route instead
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Local inspection, then title and registration
  • Source: ORC 4511.214

Oklahoma

  • Golf carts on public roads: City ordinance, or county roads posted 25 mph or less
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Unclear
  • Extra rules and paperwork: City sets cart equipment
  • Source: 47 O.S. §11-1116

Oregon

  • Golf carts on public roads: Only near residential golf developments
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph (45 for medium-speed EVs)
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Unclear
  • Extra rules and paperwork: LSV certification form to title
  • Source: ODOT DMV

Pennsylvania

  • Golf carts on public roads: Not allowed (crossings only)
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: Not street legal (title only, no registration)
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: No
  • Extra rules and paperwork: None
  • Source: 75 Pa.C.S. §77A01; PennDOT bulletins

Rhode Island

  • Golf carts on public roads: Not allowed
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph (since July 2024)
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: No
  • Extra rules and paperwork: SMV emblem; state inspection
  • Source: RI DMV

South Carolina

  • Golf carts on public roads: DMV decal ($5, 5 yrs), insurance, 16+; roads posted 35 mph or less; within 4 miles by default
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: No
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Titled and insured like a car
  • Source: S.C. Code Title 56 Ch. 2

South Dakota

  • Golf carts on public roads: State and county roads posted 25 mph or less; local ordinance
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: No
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Title required
  • Source: SDCL 32-3-71

Tennessee

  • Golf carts on public roads: Not street legal unless upgraded
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: Under 2025 UTV law: roads up to 45 mph, 35 mph max, daylight
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Unclear after 2025 change
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Helmets, roll bar, horn; 16+ licensed
  • Source: AFDC summary

Texas

  • Golf carts on public roads: Planned communities, beaches, near golf courses; local roads posted 35 mph or less
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 45 mph (35 mph max speed)
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Unclear
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Golf cart plate; carts need lights, reflectors, parking brake, mirrors
  • Source: Transp. Code 551.403

Utah

  • Golf carts on public roads: Municipal ordinance; no title or registration
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Effectively no (no structural alterations)
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Wiper and SMV emblem; safety inspection
  • Source: Utah DMV

Vermont

  • Golf carts on public roads: No state law found
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Unclear
  • Extra rules and paperwork: 25 mph max speed
  • Source: 23 V.S.A. §1043

Virginia

  • Golf carts on public roads: Locally designated roads posted 25 mph or less; license; SMV
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Unclear
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Speedometer, odometer, wiper
  • Source: Va. Code 46.2-908.3

Washington

  • Golf carts on public roads: Local “golf cart zones” posted 25 mph or less; 16+
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Unclear
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Carts need reflectors, belts, mirrors
  • Source: RCW 46.61.725

West Virginia

  • Golf carts on public roads: No state law found
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 25 mph, inside city limits only
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: No
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Owner certifies equipment at registration
  • Source: W. Va. Code 17A-3-2

Wisconsin

  • Golf carts on public roads: Local ordinance; not on state trunk highways
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: 35 mph
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: No
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Title, LSV plate, insurance, license
  • Source: WisDOT

Wyoming

  • Golf carts on public roads: Registered as a “multipurpose vehicle”: any road but interstates
  • LSVs allowed on roads posted up to: No state LSV definition
  • Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Register as MPV instead
  • Extra rules and paperwork: Title; SMV emblem if under 25 mph
  • Source: 2007 HB0013

FAQ

Does adding lights and mirrors make my golf cart street legal? Not by itself. In most states the cart must also be inspected, assigned a VIN, titled, registered and insured as an LSV. Equipment is only one step.

Can I drive an LSV on any road? No. Most states limit LSVs to roads posted 35 mph or less, and some allow crossings of faster roads only at intersections.

Do I need a driver’s license? Almost every state requires a valid license to drive an LSV on public roads. Rules for golf carts on local roads vary; see your state above.

Can my golf cart go faster than 25 mph once it’s street legal? A vehicle that can exceed 25 mph is no longer an LSV under federal rules and would have to meet full car safety standards.

Shop by department: Street Legal Kit, Batteries & Chargers, Covers & Protection, Seats & Accessories.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities and counties add their own rules. Confirm with your state DMV and local government before driving on public roads. Last reviewed October 2026.

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