Street legal golf carts have become enjoyable and convenient methods of transportation, and they’re equipped with a wide range of features that enable them to be legally driven on public roads. Some street legal cart requirements include rearview mirrors, turn signals, headlights, taillights, and seat belts.
In this blog post, we’ll explain what makes a golf cart street legal, some of the benefits of a street legal golf cart, and even how to make your golf cart street legal.
What Makes a Golf Cart Street Legal?
A street-ready golf cart needs to adhere to golf cart regulations to ensure its legality on public roads. In addition to golf carts safety equipment, Here are a couple of required things for golf carts to be legally driven on roads:
Headlights: Street legal golf carts require functioning headlights to ensure their safety in low-light conditions.
Taillights: Taillights are also required on street legal golf carts to let other drivers know when you’re braking and turning.
Turn signals: Similar to taillights, street legal golf carts need turning signals to notify people on the road when switching to a different lane.
Horn: This required safety feature lets you catch the attention of other drivers on the road.
Windshield: A protective windshield will ensure dust, debris, and other particles in the air won’t affect your visibility as you ride.
Side mirrors: Street legal golf carts need side mirrors so drivers can see what’s around them.
Seat belts: All street legal golf carts require seat belts to protect passengers in case of an accident or sudden stop.
Low-speed vehicle sign: Some regions state that street legal golf carts require a low-speed vehicle (LSV) sign to indicate they’re classified as a low-speed vehicle still adhering to public road legalities. The low-speed-vehicle definition refers to a vehicle with a max speed of 20 to 25 mph.
Speed Limitations
The average golf cart speed limit ranges between 20 to 25 mph. All street legal golf carts need to follow advertised speed limits on public roads like every other vehicle does.
Compliance With Federal and State Laws
Speed limits differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, so it’s important to be on the lookout for speed limits and local regulations wherever you’re operating a street legal golf cart.
The Benefits of a Street Legal Golf Cart
There are various benefits of a street legal golf cart that make them an ideal method of transportation.
Practicality for short distances: A key benefit of street legal golf carts is their practicality and efficiency for short distances and commutes. They are quiet, easy to use, and more convenient than regular vehicles.
Environmental benefits: Most street legal golf carts have electric motors that don’t produce emissions. This helps to lower your carbon footprint and experience cleaner air in the community you’re in.
Fun mode of transportation: Lastly, operating a street legal golf cart is an enjoyable experience that can make traveling around much more entertaining. You can enjoy the scenery more while enjoying the open-air atmosphere simultaneously.
How to Make Your Golf Cart Street Legal
Converting golf carts to LSV involves a couple of steps to make sure you’re on the right track with local regulations. Firstly, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the regulations in your specific area, as laws vary from one state to the next.
Secondly, you must install the safety equipment we listed on your golf cart. If you’re unsure how to approach this step, it helps to consult with a street legalization service.
Thirdly, you need a golf cart VIN. This stands for vehicle identification number; every vehicle on the road has one.
Fourthly, your golf cart needs to adhere to golf cart insurance requirements. You’ll have to register your golf cart and get the right insurance coverage.
Lastly, you’ll have to get a license plate and schedule a compliance inspection to ensure your golf cart abides by all the requirements for street legal operation.
Start Your Journey Toward a Street Legal Golf Cart Today!
If you’re looking for a street legal golf cart dealer near you, consider reaching out to us at Kandi America. We have a wide range of electric golf carts that are smooth, quiet, and eco-friendly. We use long-lasting batteries that provide nearly 40 miles from a single charge, and they can charge in only 6.5 hours. We also stand behind all of our products, offering a two-year limited warranty on your golf cart.
Contact us to get started today!
FAQ
Q: What is needed to make a golf cart street legal?
A: For a golf cart to be street legal, it requires the right golf cart safety equipment, needs to comply with local regulations, and requires registration and insurance.
Q: What are the new golf cart laws in Florida?
A: To operate a street legal golf cart in Florida, you require a valid driver’s license and the right equipment, as we mentioned earlier. Additionally, driving a regular golf cart on public roads will require a learner’s permit or a driver’s license under bills moving through the Florida Legislature.
Q: What are the laws for golf carts in California?
A: Golf carts in California need to be registered, insured, and able to reach speeds of 20 mph within a mile. They’re also restricted to public streets with a max speed of 25 mph.
