Golf Cart Laws by State

As golf carts and low-speed vehicles (LSVs) become more popular for recreational and practical use, it’s important to understand their operation’s specific laws. Each U.S. state has regulations concerning where and how golf carts and LSVs can be driven, whether on public roads, residential communities, or private property. This guide offers a detailed breakdown of golf cart laws for all 50 states, helping you determine where and how to operate your vehicle legally.

Disclaimer: Golf cart laws can change frequently. It is essential to check with local authorities or your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for the most current information. Local jurisdictions may have additional regulations beyond state laws.

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Golf Cart Laws by State

1. Alabama
   • Golf Carts: Not allowed on public roads unless modified to meet LSV standards.
   • LSVs: Must be registered, insured, and permitted on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
2. Alaska
   • Golf Carts: Prohibited on public roads.
   • LSVs: Must meet federal safety standards and be registered as a motor vehicle.
3. Arizona
   • Golf Carts: Can operate on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less, provided they have certain safety equipment like headlights and brake lights.
   • LSVs: Must be registered, insured, and equipped with safety features such as seat belts and lights.
4. Arkansas
   • Golf Carts: Allowed on public roads under local ordinances and restricted to areas like gated communities.
   • LSVs: Must be registered and insured, and they are allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
5. California
   • Golf Carts: Can be driven on roads within communities designed for golf cart use, with speed limits of 25 mph or less.
   • LSVs: Must meet federal safety standards, be registered, insured, and can operate on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
6. Colorado
   • Golf Carts: Permitted on roads with local ordinances, primarily in designated golf cart-friendly areas.
   • LSVs: Must be registered and insured, and are legal on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
7. Connecticut
   • Golf Carts: Allowed on certain roads if approved by local ordinances, typically in residential areas.
   • LSVs: Must meet safety standards, be registered, and insured. They can operate on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
8. Delaware
   • Golf Carts: Prohibited on public roads unless converted into an LSV.
   • LSVs: Must be registered, insured, and meet federal safety standards. Allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
9. Florida
   • Golf Carts: Can operate on roads with speed limits of 30 mph or less, depending on local rules.
   • LSVs: Must be registered and insured, with safety equipment such as headlights, turn signals, and seat belts. Allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
10. Georgia
    • Golf Carts: Permitted in designated golf cart communities or on roads approved by local authorities.
    • LSVs: Must meet federal safety standards and be registered. Can operate on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
11. Hawaii
    • Golf Carts: Prohibited on public roads unless they meet LSV standards.
    • LSVs: Must be registered, insured, and equipped with safety features like seat belts and lights.
12. Idaho
    • Golf Carts: Allowed on certain public roads with local ordinances, primarily within residential or golf course areas.
    • LSVs: Must be registered and insured. Allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
13. Illinois
    • Golf Carts: Can be driven on roads with local ordinances, typically within golf cart-friendly communities.
    • LSVs: Must be registered and insured. They can operate on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
14. Indiana
    • Golf Carts: Allowed on roads with local ordinances. Restrictions apply based on community or county rules.
    • LSVs: Must be registered, insured, and meet federal safety standards. Allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
15. Iowa
    • Golf Carts: Permitted on public roads under local ordinances, especially in residential or golf course areas.
    • LSVs: Must be registered and insured. They can operate on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
16. Kansas
    • Golf Carts: Allowed on public roads with speed limits of 30 mph or less. Restrictions apply based on local ordinances.
    • LSVs: Must be registered, insured, and can operate on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
17. Kentucky
    • Golf Carts: Permitted on roads with local ordinances, particularly in gated or golf course communities.
    • LSVs: Must be registered and insured. Allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
18. Louisiana
    • Golf Carts: Allowed on public roads with local ordinances. Some restrictions apply to areas outside residential communities.
    • LSVs: Must meet federal safety standards, be registered, and insured. Allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
19. Maine
    • Golf Carts: Prohibited on public roads unless converted to an LSV.
    • LSVs: Must be registered, insured, and equipped with safety features. Can operate on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
20. Maryland
    • Golf Carts: Allowed in designated areas with local ordinances. Typically limited to residential or golf course communities.
    • LSVs: Must be registered, insured, and meet federal safety standards. Allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

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21. Massachusetts
    • Golf Carts: Can be operated on roads with local ordinances, usually within private or golf course communities.
    • LSVs: Must be registered and insured. They can be driven on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
22. Michigan
    • Golf Carts: Allowed on roads with local ordinances in certain areas. Typically used in golf cart communities.
    • LSVs: Must meet federal safety standards, be registered, and insured. They can operate on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
23. Minnesota
    • Golf Carts: Can be operated on public roads with local ordinances, usually in residential or golf course areas.
    • LSVs: Must be registered and insured. Allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
24. Mississippi
    • Golf Carts: Permitted on public roads with local ordinances. Primarily limited to residential communities.
    • LSVs: Must meet federal safety standards, be registered, and insured. Allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
25. Missouri
    • Golf Carts: Allowed on roads under local ordinances, particularly in gated communities or golf course areas.
    • LSVs: Must be registered and insured. Allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

26. Montana

• Golf Carts: Allowed on roads only with local ordinances, often within golf communities or private property.
• LSVs: Must be registered and insured. Can be driven on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

27. Nebraska

• Golf Carts: Can be driven on public roads with local ordinances. Typically restricted to residential or golf communities.
• LSVs: Must be registered and insured. Permitted on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

28. Nevada

• Golf Carts: Allowed on certain roads with local ordinances. Often limited to gated communities.
• LSVs: Must be registered and insured. Allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

29. New Hampshire

• Golf Carts: Can operate on certain roads with local ordinances and restrictions. Primarily used in private communities.
• LSVs: Must be registered and insured. Permitted on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

30. New Jersey

• Golf Carts: Allowed on public roads only with local ordinances, typically within golf course communities.
• LSVs: Must be registered and insured. Allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

31. New Mexico

• Golf Carts: Permitted on roads only in designated areas with local ordinances.
• LSVs: Must meet federal safety standards, be registered, and insured. Allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

32. New York

• Golf Carts: Prohibited on public roads unless converted to an LSV.
• LSVs: Must be registered and insured. Allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

33. North Carolina

• Golf Carts: Can be operated on roads with local ordinances, typically within residential areas or golf communities.
• LSVs: Must be registered, insured, and equipped with safety features. Allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

34. North Dakota

• Golf Carts: Allowed on certain roads with local ordinances, often within residential or golf communities.
• LSVs: Must be registered and insured. Permitted on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

35. Ohio

• Golf Carts: Allowed on public roads with local ordinances and must be street-legal.
• LSVs: Must meet safety standards, be registered, and insured. Can operate on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

36. Oklahoma

• Golf Carts: Allowed on public roads under local ordinances. Typically limited to residential communities.
• LSVs: Must meet federal safety standards, be registered, and insured. Permitted on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

37. Oregon

• Golf Carts: Can be operated on roads in designated areas with local ordinances.
• LSVs: Must be registered and insured. Allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

38. Pennsylvania

• Golf Carts: Permitted on roads with local ordinances, primarily within residential or golf course areas.
• LSVs: Must be registered and insured. Allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

39. Rhode Island

• Golf Carts: Prohibited on public roads unless converted into LSVs.
• LSVs: Must meet federal safety standards, be registered, and insured. Allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

40. South Carolina

• Golf Carts: Allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less. Golf carts must be registered with the state DMV.
• LSVs: Must be registered and insured. Allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

41. South Dakota

• Golf Carts: Permitted on roads with local ordinances, typically in residential communities.
• LSVs: Must meet safety standards, be registered, and insured. Allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

42. Tennessee

• Golf Carts: Allowed on public roads under local ordinances, typically within gated or residential communities.
• LSVs: Must be registered and insured. Allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

43. Texas

• Golf Carts: Allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less in areas with local ordinances.
• LSVs: Must be registered and insured. Allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

44. Utah

• Golf Carts: Permitted on roads with local ordinances, typically in gated or residential areas.
• LSVs: Must be registered and insured. Can operate on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

45. Vermont

• Golf Carts: Allowed on certain roads under local ordinances. Primarily limited to private communities.
• LSVs: Must be registered and insured. Allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

46. Virginia

• Golf Carts: Allowed on roads with speed limits of 25 mph or less with local ordinances. Golf carts must meet basic safety requirements.
• LSVs: Must be registered, insured, and meet federal safety standards. Allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

47. Washington

• Golf Carts: Permitted on roads in designated golf cart zones. Local ordinances apply.
• LSVs: Must meet federal safety standards, be registered, and insured. Can be operated on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

48. West Virginia

• Golf Carts: Allowed on certain public roads with local ordinances, typically in residential communities.
• LSVs: Must be registered and insured. Permitted on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

49. Wisconsin

• Golf Carts: Permitted on public roads with local ordinances in specific areas like gated communities.
• LSVs: Must meet federal safety standards, be registered, and insured. Allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

50. Wyoming

• Golf Carts: Allowed on certain roads with local ordinances. Typically restricted to private or residential communities.
• LSVs: Must be registered and insured. Can operate on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

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Final Thoughts

Golf cart and LSV laws vary significantly from state to state. While golf carts are typically restricted to private communities and residential areas, LSVs provide more versatility and are street-legal in many areas. Before purchasing or operating a golf cart or LSV, verifying your local state and municipal laws is important to ensure compliance.