Driving golf carts is increasingly popular for their convenience and efficiency, but they also require regulations to ensure the safety of users and pedestrians. In fact, the golf cart market in the US is almost a $2 billion dollar market and is only expected to grow from there to more than $3 billion by 2032!
Safety measures for driving golf carts are important due to increased usage in diverse environments like residential areas and parks, where they share spaces with pedestrians and other vehicles. With their growing popularity, there’s a higher risk of accidents, especially with users of varying ages and mobility levels.
Ensuring proper safety protocols helps prevent injuries and promotes responsible use. Additionally, as golf carts become more common on public roads, adherence to safety guidelines is essential to comply with legal requirements and protect all road users.
Additionally, driving golf carts are often regarded as eco-friendly alternatives compared to traditional vehicles, contributing to a more sustainable mode of transport. Their relatively low operating costs, coupled with the sense of enjoyment they bring while cruising around scenic landscapes, further enhance their popularity. The social aspect of using golf carts, whether during a friendly round of golf or community events, also fosters camaraderie among users, making them a preferred choice for leisure and transportation.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to golf cart laws across all 50 states, providing essential insights for golf cart owners and possible accident victims. Refer to the links by state for a full list of golf cart laws.
| State | Summary of State Laws | Links to State Law |
| Alabama | Golf carts are allowed only on private property and golf courses unless otherwise allowed by local ordinances. Must have headlights and taillights if driven after dusk. | Alabama Constitution of 1901, Act § 2021-80 |
| Alaska | Alaska requires golf carts to meet the same requirements as snowmobiles and other off-highway vehicles when operated on a highway or vehicular area. Golf carts are also considered low-speed vehicles (LSVs) and must meet various criteria like be a minimum age of 16. | 13 Alaska Admin. Code § 04.420 |
| Arizona | Golf carts can only be driven on roads with posted speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less. The top speed for a golf cart is designated by the community but will not exceed 25 mph. Golf carts must obey all the same traffic laws as other motorists, including traffic lights, stop signs, and rights-of-way. Golf carts must have working headlights, brake lights, and a horn. They are exempt from the Arizona requirement that all motor vehicles must have a windshield. | Revised Statute (A.R.S.) § 28-777 |
| Arkansas | Driving golf carts are allowed on city streets except for city streets that are also federal or state highways/country roads. | Arkansas Code § 14-54-1410 (2023) – Operation of golf carts on city streets |
| California | Driving golf carts on roadways at a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour but are prohibited from highways and drivers must be at least 16 years of age and have a valid drivers license. | 7.045 Golf Carts (VC §§345, 21115, 21115.1, and 21716) |
| Colorado | Golf carts must be registered, be equipped and can not exceed 25 miles per hour and all drivers must have a valid drivers license. | Colorado Title 42. Vehicles and Traffic § 42-4-111 |
| Connecticut | Connecticut law generally prohibits the use of golf carts on public roads unless you have registration and proof of insurance and you cannot exceed 25 miles per hour. | CGS § 14-12(a) |
| Delaware | Golf carts are not street legal and can only be driven on private property. The age to operate a golf cart is at the discretion of the property owner. | Low-speed vehicles, Del. Code Tit. 21 § 2113A |
| District of Columbia | Drivers must be 16 years old to operate the vehicle. Golf carts can only be operated on streets with 25 mph speed limits or less. Golf carts can only be operated between sunrise and sunset. | Synopsis DC Law Golf Carts |
| Florida | Driving golf carts on roadways are only allowed on streets with a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour or less but must be registered and insured along with the driver having a valid drivers license. | Florida Statutes Title XXIII. Motor Vehicles § 316.2126 |
| Georgia | Golf carts must weigh less than 1,300 pounds and have a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour. | Georgia Code 40-1-1 (17.2)-(A): Low Speed Vehicles |
| Hawaii | Driving golf carts on roadways are only permitted on streets with a posted speed limit of more than 25 miles per hour. Golf carts must have headlights, taillights, turn signals, rearview mirrors, and seat belts. | Hawaii Revised Statutes § 708-836.1 (2023) |
| Idaho | Golf carts must be registered and insured on public roads if driven over 20 miles per hour and have safety features including seatbelts, brake lights and turn signals. Golf carts may not exceed a 35 mile per hour speed. | Section 49-426 – Idaho State Legislature |
| Illinois | Municipalities can decide when golf carts can be used on their streets. The general rule is that it is illegal to operate a non-highway vehicle on any street, highway, or roadway in Illinois. However, there are some exceptions like a maximum speed limit of 35 miles per hour. | 625 ILCS 5/11-1426.1 |
| Indiana | No state law; varies by municipality. Driving golf carts is only permitted on county roadways by people who are at least 16 years old and have a driver’s license. Golf carts must have at least one working headlight and turning lamps. Golf carts cannot be driven on streets or highways with a speed limit over 35 miles per hour without the proper licensing. | Indiana Code § 9-13-2-69.7. “Golf Cart”; Sample city ordinance: Ordinance No. 2022-07 |
| Iowa | Some cities allow driving golf carts on city streets from sunrise to sunset, but not on primary road extensions and a valid drivers license is required to drive a golf cart on any street or highway in Iowa. | 321.247 Golf cart operation on city streets |
| Kansas | Driving golf carts on any roadways is not permitted unless authorized by the city. They also can’t be driven on streets or highways with a speed limit over 30 miles per hour. Golf carts can only be driven on public streets or highways between sunrise and sunset. | Kansas Statutes Ch. 8. Automobiles and Other Vehicles § 8-15,108. Operation of golf cart; where; when |
| Kentucky | Allows local governments to permit operation of golf cart on public roadway. Driving golf carts is only allowed on roadways with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. The driver must have a valid operator’s license. | Kentucky Revised Statutes § 189.286 (2023) |
| Louisiana | Driving golf carts is allowed on designated parish roads or municipal streets. They are not permitted on public roads and streets, except in certain circumstances. Golf carts must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DOV) and display a decal from the Office of Motor Vehicle (OMV). | Louisiana Revised Statutes § 32:32:299.4 – Golf carts; safety equipment requirements; exemptions; registration |
| Maine | Driving golf carts is permitted if the municipality allows it, and only on roads or streets with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. | Maine Revised Statutes Ch. 197, Sec. 4.29, 2-A |
| Maryland | Driving of low speed four-wheeled vehicles is governed by Maryland Low Speed Vehicle laws; however, golf carts are not considered low speed vehicles. Driving golf carts can only be operated on private property and must have the permission of the property owner. The only city in Maryland that allows golf carts on its roads is Crisfield. | Maryland Transportation Code Section 21-1125 (2023): Limitations on Driving Low Speed Vehicles |
| Massachusetts | Golf carts can only be operated on public roads to travel between parts of a golf course. Golf carts operated on public roads without permission can be towed and the operator may receive a traffic citation. | Golf Cart and LSV Laws |
| Michigan | Golf carts can only be driven by someone with a valid drivers license and only on roadways with a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour or less and golf carts cannot exceed a speed faster than 15 miles per hour. | MCL – Section 257.657a |
| Minnesota | Motorized golf carts require a permit to operate on designated roadways, and permits can be renewed for up to three years and can only be driven sunrise to sunset. | Sec. 169.045 MN Statutes |
| Mississippi | Golf carts must be registered, cannot exceed 20 miles per hour and require certain safety equipment. | Senate Bill 2284 – Mississippi Legislative Bill |
| Missouri | Municipalities can regulate golf cart usage on streets and highways through ordinances or resolutions. Driving golf carts is not allowed on any roadway with a posted speed limit of 45 miles per hour and on state or federal highways, except to cross a portion of a state highway that intersects a municipal street. | RSMo Section 304.034 |
| Montana | Golf carts operated by someone with a low-speed restricted driver’s license cannot cross highways with a posted speed limit of more than 45 miles per hour. Golf carts do not need a title, registration, or liability insurance and requires certain safety equipment. | Montana Code Annotated (2023) 61-8-391. Operation of golf carts |
| Nebraska | Driving golf carts is only permitted on public roads that are next to or continue along a golf course. Some cities and towns may allow golf carts on local roads, but you should check with your local municipality for their laws. Golf carts cannot be driven on state or federal highways, except to cross a portion of the highway system that intersects a street. | NRS 60-6381 |
| Nevada | You are permitted to operate a golf cart on public streets that have received explicit approval from the local government. It is the owner’s responsibility to be aware of which roads are permitted for use. Golf carts can be driven on residential roads and highways with a speed limit of 35 mph or less, with the exception of crossing intersections with higher speed limits. | Golf carts and LSV laws |
| New Hampshire | Golf carts are considered off-highway recreational vehicles (OHRVs) and must be registered and OHRVs must stay to the right and yield to other vehicles. | OHRV Operation and License, N.H. Rev. Stat. § 215-A:29 |
| New Jersey | Golf carts are LSV carts in New Jersey must have headlights, turn signals, parking breaks, seatbelts, and rearview mirrors. They must be battery operated and cannot drive on roadways with speed limits that exceed 25 mph. This includes the shoulder or service roads. | N.J.S.A. 39:4-31.2; Golf carts and LSV laws |
| New Mexico | Golf carts are considered OHVs (Off-Highway Vehicles) in New Mexico and drivers must be at least 15 years old and may only operate golf carts between sunrise and sunset. All golf carts must have safe tires and steering wheels. | Off-Highway Motor Vehicles (§§ 66-1-4.13(B) and 66-3-1001.1(E)) |
| New York | Only a county or municipality can dictate whether golf carts can be driven on roadways in New York. If they are allowed, drivers must be at least 14 years of age, have an operators license and only drive between sunrise and sunset. | New York State Golf Cart And LSV Laws |
| North Carolina | Driving golf is only permitted on roadways with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less and only be driven by someone with a valid drivers license. | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20‑121.1 |
| North Dakota | Drivers must be 16 years old and residents can drive a golf cart on city streets but the operation of the cart is only permissible during the daytime. | N.D. Cent. Code § 40-05-01 |
| Ohio | Golf carts drivers cannot be on streets with speed limits larger than 35 miles per hour and must have headlights, brake lights, taillights, turn signals, windshield, horn, rearview mirror and a license plate light. | O.R.C. Section 4511.214 |
| Oklahoma | Golf carts cannot travel on streets with a posted speed limit of more than 25 miles per hour and can only be on roadways during daylight hours. | |
| Oregon | Golf carts can only be driven on golf courses, drivers must be at least 16 years of age and only during daylight hours. | |
| Pennsylvania | Golf carts can be driven on a public road and drivers must be at least 12 years old and 16 years old if crossing a highway. | Pennsylvania Statutes Title 75 Pa.C.S.A. |
| Rhode Island | A low speed vehicle shall not be operated on a street or a highway with a posted speed limit greater than twenty-five (25) miles per hour | R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-19.6-1. Low-speed vehicles |
| South Carolina | Golf carts can only be operated on roads with posted speeds of 35 mph or less and only during daylight hours and drivers must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license. | South Carolina Code Section 56-2-105 (2023). Golf cart permit and the operation of a golf cart. |
| South Dakota | Municipalities and townships can allow golf carts on highways within their boundaries if they adopt ordinances such as requiring insurance and operator has a valid driver’s license. | SD Codified Laws § 32-14-14 |
| Tennessee | Traditional golf carts, as defined by Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-1-123, may not be titled and registered for on road use, unless modified to meet all of the low or medium speed vehicle requirements in Tennessee law and the federal safety standards contained in 49 CFR 571.500. Driving golf carts is only allowed on roadways with posted speeds of no more than 40 miles per hour. | Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-191 |
| Texas | Golf carts in Texas can only travel on roadways with posted speeds of no more than 35 miles per hour. Drivers must have a valid drivers license and be equipped with certain safety features. | Texas Transportation Code – TRANSP § 551.403 |
| Utah | Driving golf carts is NOT allowed on city streets. | Utah Code Section 41-6a-1510 |
| Vermont | Golf carts are categorized as NEVs or Neighborhood Electric Vehicles and cannot travel on roadways with posted speeds exceeding 35 miles per hour. | 23 VSA § 1033 |
| Virginia | Driving golf carts is only permitted on roadways with a posted speed limit sign of 25 miles per hour or less and drivers must have a valid drivers license. | Virginia Code § 46.2-916.3 |
| Washington | Golf carts must be driven by someone with a valid drivers license, cannot exceed a speed of more than 20 miles per hour and can only be driven between sunrise and sunset. | RCW 46.08.175 |
| West Virginia | Low-speed vehicles, such as golf carts, cannot exceed a speed limit of more than 25 miles per hour and must be registered. | WV Senate Bill 254 |
| Wisconsin | Municipalities and counties can allow golf carts on highways with a speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less, regardless of whether they have jurisdiction over the highway. Golf carts are not considered low speed vehicles. | Golf cart and LSV laws |
| Wyoming | Wyoming law considers golf carts to be multipurpose vehicles (MPVs) and defines them as such in Title 31 of the Wyoming Statutes. Here are some of the requirements for operating MPVs in Wyoming: driver must have a valid driver’s license, MPVs must be equipped with operational equipment that meets statutory requirements and driving on interstates is not permitted. |
As of now, there are approximately 45 states in the United States that have laws allowing golf carts to be operated on roadways under certain conditions. These laws vary from state to state, often stipulating specific requirements such as the maximum speed of the golf cart, age of the operator, mandatory safety features, registration and insurance requirements and designated streets where golf carts can be used. Understanding these laws and regulations are essential for operators to ensure compliance and promote safe usage on public roads.
Golf cart regulations are crucial for ensuring the safety of both operators and pedestrians in environments where these vehicles are commonly used, such as golf courses, communities, and recreational areas. These regulations help to establish standards for operation, maintenance, and safety features, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Additionally, they can promote responsible usage, ensuring that golf carts are operated within designated areas and speed limits, which is essential for maintaining a harmonious balance between golf carts and other vehicles. By adhering to these regulations, individuals and organizations can foster a safer, more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Recent statistics reveal concerning trends in golf cart accidents. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are more than 2,200 deaths related to golf cart or OHVs (Off Highway Vehicles annually). Many of these incidents occur due to collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or stationary objects.
When examining who is usually at fault in these accidents, a considerable number of incidents stem from operator negligence. Factors such as impaired judgment due to alcohol consumption, distractions while driving, and lack of experience play a critical role.
In many cases, unlicensed or inexperienced operators are involved, highlighting a need for comprehensive safety education and awareness campaigns. Additionally, poor maintenance of golf carts can lead to mechanical failures, further contributing to accidents. Overall, there are many issues at play, necessitating a collective effort toward improved safety measures and responsible usage when driving golf carts.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, such as a golf car accident on a public roadway, it’s crucial to know that y have rights and options available to you.
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