Is Your Golf Cart Street Legal
Here’s Why It’s Complicated
In a nutshell, there’s no simple, one-size-fits-all answer to the question because for a golf cart to be street legal on public roads, it must meet all federal, state and local requirements. And they’re all different. In fact, in some states, golf carts aren’t specifically recognized, but instead fall under the category of LSV—Low Speed Vehicles. Let’s break it down.
Is Your Golf Cart Street Legal?
You’d think it would be question with a simple answer, wouldn’t you…can I drive my golf cart on the street legally? But it won’t take you long to figure out that it’s not simple at all. But thank goodness, you have the tire experts at Treadworld to at least provide you with some guidance as to how to answer the question for you.
FEDERAL REGULATIONS:
The National Highway Safety Administration (NHSA) requires street legal golf carts to have: a speedometer, a horn, a vehicle identification number (V.I.N.), a lighted bracket for the license plate, an interior mirror, an exterior mounted mirror for the driver, a minimum speed capability of 20 miles per house, reflex reflectors at the corners of the cart, head lights, brake lights and taillights containing turn signals, DOT-approved tires, seat belts for each passenger and safety glazed windshield wipers.
STATE REGULATIONS:
There are likely 50 different versions of golf cart regulations, one for each state. For instance, in Florida, you can drive your golf cart on public roads between 20 and 25 miles per hour if you’re at least 14 years old. Doing that same thing in New York or Hawaii could get you arrested. Our home state of Minnesota leaves it up to the local governments, decreeing that permission must be accompanied by a special permit and insurance. If your state officials allow golf carts on public roads, you’ll need to dig deeper to be sure they allow gas-powered golf carts on public roads, because some areas require electric golf carts on the roads. Presumably solar golf carts would also be acceptable—but check.
Whether for Golf Course or Street, Keep Your Golf Cart Safe
There are more than 18,000 golf cart-related injuries each year in the U.S. Though more of those happen away from a golf course rather than on one, it’s still prudent to maintain safety standards even when you’re on the lookout for your next par or birdie. One of the most important aspects of golf cart safety is having good golf cart tires. Typically, golf cart tires will last 4-7 years, obviously depending on how, and how often, you use your golf cart. Check the air pressure regularly because nothing causes golf cart tires—or any tires really—to wear faster than being under-inflated or over-inflated. Check regularly for excessive treadwear, and replace tires that are worn—before they fail and leave you stranded far away from the 19th hole. And keep an eye out for cracking on the sidewalls, dry rot, swelling or bumps. No good.
Check Your Local Laws Before You Drive Your Golf Cart on the Street
While we’ve tried to give you some guidance here for this moment in time—not provide you with legal advice—your biggest takeaway should be that there are no universal regulations that govern driving your golf cart on the street in all states, cities and locales. So, before you go out research laws in your area. You may find GolfCartResource.com to be a useful information resource.
When You Need Tires for Golf Carts, Count on Treadworld
When it comes to golf cart tire replacement, or getting a spare golf tire, or new golf cart wheels and tires, count on us here at Treadworld to provide you with the high-performing, long-lasting tires for golf carts you want, in a wide range of styles and treads. All our RubberMaster Golf Cart Tires are manufactured to strict tolerances from top rubber compounds, then triple-tested for quality, balance and uniformity before being X-rayed to be sure they’re perfect. Easy ordering, fast shipping plus your satisfaction is guaranteed with our no-hassle Ultimate Advantage Warranty. We make changing golf cart tires easy. Don’t hesitate to contact our tire experts via live chat or email with any questions you may have, and to get the ideal tires for golf carts—or the perfect ATV tires, UTV tires, trailer tires, and many others—from our extensive selection.
