How do I make my golf cart street legal?  This is probably one of the most common questions asked by golf cart owners.  The problem is that it is not an easy question to answer.  It depends…  it depends on the state, county, city, HOA, or other government agency that regulates the use of golf carts, Neighborhood Electric Vehicles ( NEV ) and Low Speed Vehicles ( LSV ) in your area.  In this article we will discuss accessories that MOST municipalities require to make your Club Car, Yamaha, E-Z-GO or other cart street legal.  This may also include carrying insurance, titling, and putting a license plate on your cart.  As mentioned in the video about making your golf cart street legal and discussed below, we will provide a link to many states requirements below.  Again, this is to the state level and may not discuss what your HOA, city, or county requires to make your golf cart street legal.  This article is our opinion and assessment of making a golf cart street legal.  Driving a golf cart on the street can introduce dangers not found on a golf course.  Consult with governing agencies and golf cart dealers when making decisions regarding the safety of equipment / activities involving your golf cart or LSV.

One of the first things that we learned when trying to have our first golf cart approved for street legal use was what to call it.  In most cases, a “golf cart” is not allowed to be driven on the street.  A “golf cart” is loosely defined as a vehicle designed to carry one or more passengers and associated equipment around a golf course and with a top speed below 20 mph.  So, what do I call my “golf cart” when I want to make it street legal?  You need to approach this whole process as making your “Low Speed Vehicle” street legal.  An LSV is a passenger vehicle with a top speed between 20 and 25 mph.  Many golf carts are not that fast but we will discuss that issue and how to correct that below.  

So, once your LSV is equipped with everything required to drive it on the street, what is next.  Some states and other regulating agencies require an inspection, getting an LSV title, possibly a license plate, and you may be required to carry golf cart insurance.  Most areas only allow golf carts to be driven on the street by licensed drivers over the age of 16.  Another common regulation of street legal golf carts is that the only be driven on streets with speed limits at or below 30 or 35 mph (depending on area).  There are also generally laws about crossing streets with higher speed limits and most commonly require crossing at lights or other specified locations.

In this article we will break down the accessories required to make your golf cart street legal into sections.  Remember that these are just the common accessories required by most regulating agencies and may not include everything you need to do to your golf cart for the area you will be using your LSV on the roads.  Some areas require titling, license plates, inspections an more.  Others just require certain equipment so that, when checked by an authority, you have everything required.  The sections we will discuss to make your golf cart street legal will be… First, street legal light kits (including horn, turn signals, flashers / hazard lights, brake lights, and daytime running lights.  Second, golf cart seat belt kits.  Third, motors, controllers, or motor/controller combos to make your cart run the required top speed.  Fourth, reflectors and mirrors (rear view and side) generally required on street legal golf carts.  Fifth we will discuss windshields and windshield wipers.  Sixth we will cover Department of Transportation ( DOT ) approved golf cart tires as some areas require these tires for use on carts driven on public roadways.  Lastly, we will discuss miscellaneous accessories that may be required if you want to drive your golf cart on the streets.