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Summertime is upon us. And in some lake towns or other summer destinations, it’s common to see folks driving their golf carts into town. Are the police just turning a blind eye? Or is it actually ever legal to drive a golf cart on the road? The truth is that it comes down to laws passed by that specific town. And there is almost always fine print limiting golf cart drivers.

First thing is first. As we previously reported, 6 states ban golf carts from any public road. These are Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Missouri, Rhode Island, and New York. In fact, New York adds that golf carts are prohibited on sidewalks and in parking lots.

Every other state allows golf carts– but often at the discretion of municipalities. Many of these states classify golf carts as “low-speed vehicles” to get around crash safety laws. But this designation comes with a strict speed limit. In many places, this speed limit is 25 mph.

Golf cart drivers and passengers top on a public road to talk with a pedestrian, other golf carts and cars visible behind them.
Golf carts on the road | LIVINUS via iStockPhoto

Just because golf carts don’t have to pass crash safety regulations–which would require crumple zones and air bags–doesn’t mean they face no requirements. The federal government specifies that even LSVs must have headlights, brake lights, turn signals, a horn, a speedometer, mirrors, and seat belts. They also must be able to reach 20 mph to keep up with regular traffic.

Different states have different laws. For example, California requires golf carts have fender and safety-glazed windshields if they are going to drive on the road. Florida requires a special license to drive your golf cart faster than 20 mph. But you still can’t hop on a street with a speed limit over 35 mph, so you don’t slow traffic too much.

In nice weather, a golf cart can be a pleasant, efficient solution for short drives. But before you invest in one, read up on all the local laws. It’s not a bad idea to call the local police department and see how they feel about golf carts on the roads. I would then drive some of the routes I’m hoping to take with a golf cart, to maker certain their are low speed local roads the entire way.

You can check out a golf cart buyers’ guide in the video below:

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.