What Makes an Electric Golf Cart Street Legal?
“What you have to do to legally operate a golf cart on the street will vary from one location to the next,” says Brett Jackrel, Sales Manager of Moto Electric Vehicles. “We discuss below how laws at different levels apply but contact us directly to learn more about regulations in your location.”
Federal, State, Municipal, and Community Laws
Although golf carts were once limited to cart paths at the local course, “times they are a changing” and changing fast. During the latter part of the 20th century, both economic and environmental concerns began to challenge what private forms of transportation would look like in the future. Similar to how the horse and buggy was forced to share roadways with early two and four-wheel vehicles, traditional modes of transportation are now being asked to share the right of way with street legal golf carts. As the owner of a street legal golf cart, you should have a thorough understanding of vehicle standards for operation at the federal, state, municipal, and community level and what makes a golf cart street legal.
- Federal Regulations - With a growing interest in promoting alternative sources of energy, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published a final rule that established a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard for low-speed vehicles (LSVs) as a federal mandate in June of 1998. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the current law is intended for both neighborhood electric vehicles as well as four-wheel utility vehicles with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or less and are capable of achieving a minimum speed of 20 mph and a maximum speed of 25 mph. Under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, drivers of these low-speed electric vehicles may not operate the vehicle on any roadway with a posted speed limit of 35 mph except to cross a road at an approved intersection.
- State Statutes - Although some states still do not allow golf carts to be operated on public roadways, most have added state statutes that address how, when and where a street legal golf cart is permissible. For those operating street legal golf carts in Florida must abide by state statute 316.212, which defines the conditions of limited use of the State Highway System and basically limits driving to designated county roads and municipal streets. However, the vehicle must meet certain safety requirements and may not be operated by any person under the age of 14. Properly equipped electric carts may be authorized for use on roads that are part of the State Park Road System (if authorized by the Division of Recreation and Parks of the Department of Environmental Protection), but only on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less.
- Local Ordinances – Various rules of the road also apply to golf carts when operated in both private and public settings in Florida, such as the observance of the right-of-way or state laws regarding driving under the influence (DUI). In addition to observing all traffic rules, ordinances may require that electric carts operated on public roads be equipped with a number of features. So, how do you make a golf cart street legal? You will need efficient brakes, steering, tires, rearview mirrors, reflective tape, and lighting kits for the front and rear. Under Florida laws, local governmental entities consult with the Department of Transportation before adopting ordinances that can determine whether or not golf carts can safely share the sidewalk with bicycles and pedestrians. Local agencies are also responsible for installing the appropriate signage that informs residents that an ordinance exists as well as informing drivers of the posted speed limit.
- Community Rules – A great example of how community rules impact street legal golf cars and Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs) can be found in the purpose-designed community known as The Villages. As a retirement hot-spot located in Central Florida, The Villages Homeowners’ Association defines golf carts as a motor vehicle that is designed for sporting and recreation and is not capable of exceeding 20 mph. While the operator of a golf cart does not have to be a licensed driver, they must be over 14 years of age. LSVs, on the other hand, are four-wheel electric vehicles whose top speed is less than 25 mph and may be operated on streets where the posted speed is 35 mph or less. In addition, low speed vehicles must meet the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles guidelines, which includes vehicle VIN number, registration, license plate, and insurance. Golf carts and LSVs are instructed to use marked diamond lanes or to ride along the right-hand edge of the street if there are no markings.
Street legal golf cart is a variable legal term…
Unfortunately, at all levels of government and across the United States, what the term “street legal golf cart” actually implies will continue to vary. Actually, the laws at all levels may not catch up anytime soon. With some states still not having clear laws in place, it is important for you to look into the specific regulations and ordinances that govern driving your golf cart on public roadways and what makes a golf cart street legal. Whereas traditional accessories such as headlights, tail and brake lights, horn, turn signals, rear view mirrors, and windshields would seem to be a no-brainer, the actual restrictions can vary greatly even on private roads, campuses, town centers, etc.
To help you get started, don’t hesitate to call Moto Electric Vehicles. Brett Jackrel and his dedicated staff can help you get started as well as help you determine the best electric cart and accessories to meet your specific needs for a street legal golf cart in your area.
Editorial photo courtesy Shutterstock.com
