Do you have a golf cart that you want to use on public roads? Driving your golf cart on the streets can be a great way to save money, reduce emissions, and have fun. But you can’t just drive any golf cart on the road. You need to make sure that your golf cart is street legal. In this article, we will show you what it means to have a street legal golf cart, why you should consider making your golf cart street legal, and how to do it step by step.
What does it mean to have a street legal golf cart? A street legal golf cart is a golf cart that meets the minimum safety and performance standards set by the federal government and the state where you live. A street legal golf cart is also called a low-speed vehicle (LSV) or a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV). A street legal golf cart can drive on public roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less, unless otherwise prohibited by local laws. A street legal golf cart also needs to have a valid license plate, registration, insurance, and driver’s license.
Why should you make your golf cart street legal? Making your golf cart street legal can have many advantages, such as:
- Saving money on gas and maintenance. A golf cart is more fuel-efficient and cheaper to maintain than a car. You can also save money on parking fees and tolls.
- Reducing your environmental impact. A golf cart produces less greenhouse gases and air pollutants than a car. You can also use renewable energy sources to charge your golf cart, such as solar panels or wind turbines.
- Enjoying the outdoors. A golf cart lets you enjoy the fresh air and scenery while driving. You can also access places that are not accessible by car, such as parks, trails, or beaches.
- Having fun with your family and friends. A golf cart can be a great way to spend quality time with your loved ones. You can go for a relaxing ride, explore new places, or join a golf cart community.
What do you need to make your golf cart street legal? The requirements for making your golf cart street legal may vary depending on the state where you live. However, some of the common requirements are:
- Seat belts for all passengers.
- Headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals.
- Horn, mirrors, and windshield.
- Speedometer, odometer, and VIN number.
- Reflectors and bumpers.
- Tires and brakes that meet the DOT standards.
You may also need to modify your golf cart’s engine or battery to increase its speed and range. The minimum speed requirement for a street legal golf cart is usually 20 mph, while the maximum speed limit is 25 mph.
How to make your golf cart street legal step by step? To make your golf cart street legal, you need to follow these steps:
1
Check the laws in your state. Before you start modifying your golf cart, you need to check the laws in your state regarding street legal golf carts. You can find this information on your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website or by contacting them directly. You need to make sure that you comply with all the rules and regulations in your state. Once you know the requirements in your state, you need to modify your golf cart accordingly. You can either do it yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. You may need to buy some parts and accessories online or from a local dealer. You may also need to get an inspection certificate from a certified mechanic or an authorized dealer.
2
Register your golf cart. After you modify your golf cart, you need to register it as a street legal vehicle in your state. You need to fill out some forms and pay some fees at your local DMV office. You may also need to provide some documents, such as:
- Proof of ownership (title or bill of sale)
- Proof of insurance
- Proof of inspection
- Proof of identity (driver’s license or ID card)
3
Get a license plate. Once you register your golf cart, you need to get a license plate for it. You may need to order it online or pick it up at your local DMV office. You need to attach the license plate to the rear of your golf cart.
Drive safely and legally. After you get your license plate, you are ready to drive your golf cart on public roads. However, you need to follow some rules and precautions, such as:
- Obey the traffic laws and signs
- Wear your seat belt and helmet
- Use your lights and signals
- Avoid busy or high-speed roads
- Be courteous and respectful to other drivers and pedestrians.
Conclusion Making your golf cart street legal can be a rewarding and enjoyable project. You can turn your golf cart into a legal road vehicle that can save you money, reduce your environmental impact, and have fun. However, you need to make sure that you follow the laws and regulations in your state and modify your golf cart accordingly. You also need to register your golf cart, get a license plate, and drive safely and legally. By doing so, you can enjoy the benefits of having a street legal golf cart in 2023.
