How to Make a Street-Legal Golf Cart
We should probably be clear: we’re not about to teach you how to construct a golf cart. That takes some serious skill and time. What we can do is give you some tips on how to make yours street-legal. All golf carts have the potential to be upgraded so you can ride them around town, as well as on off-road terrain. Maybe you won’t be able to ride them everywhere, but a little tweaking can broaden your options. Check out some of the guidelines we provide below and stop by Revel 42 Golf Carts & Powersports if you have any additional questions. We have locations in Raleigh and Wilmington, North Carolina, and proudly serve those from Clayton and Cary.
Adding Lights
You’ll find many golf carts come with their own set of lights, but it’s important to note that this is an essential requirement to operate your golf cart at all hours. You’ll need headlights, turn signals, and brake lights. This is both for your benefit and to help other drivers know you’re there and where you want to go.
It’s important to note that if you don’t have these lights, you can still operate your golf cart on the street, but only during the day.
Upgrading Hardware
There are some other physical additions you need to make to your LSV golf cart. All street vehicles must have a license plate, which means you’ll have to register it with the DMV. It’ll need to be mounted to the bumper and be visible, just like on a car.
Assuming your golf cart has seat belts, these will need to be worn at all times, whether or not you do so off-road as well. If your golf cart doesn’t have seat belts, they’ll need to be installed.
Checking State Laws
Most of what we’ve listed so far will be true for all LSV golf cart owners, no matter where they live in the United States. However, many states have their own laws about what makes a vehicle street-legal that will need to be strictly adhered to. You’ll need to be a licensed driver in your state. You’ll also need liability insurance on top of registration and licensing. You’ll only be able to operate your golf cart on streets with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less, and you must be at least 16 years of age to do so.
Your golf cart needs to be able to reach a speed of at least 20-25 mph. It also needs a VIN, reflectors, exterior side mirrors, parking brake, and windshield. If any of these things are missing, they’ll need to be added before you can drive your golf cart on the street.
These are some of the bigger requirements for making your golf cart street-legal. If you intend to operate your golf cart in other states, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with their requirements and laws. You’ll probably see some similarities, but understanding the differences can be crucial for avoiding a ticket.
Safe Street Riding
Beyond legalities, there are some other important tips for safe operation. Of course, you’ll always need to follow the rules of the road and posted road signs, and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Don’t lose sight of the fact that driving on the road and driving off-road require different skills, which can change depending on the weather. Always be adaptive and use caution when approaching potentially hazardous road conditions. You should also continue to wear all the proper safety gear. In a golf cart, you’re more exposed than other commuters and protecting yourself and any passengers with you should be your first priority.
Being able to use your golf cart on the road can open up more possibilities for how you use it. Just make sure you’re taking every precaution and upgrading when needed. If you’re not quite as mechanically savvy, you can contact our team at Revel 42 Golf Carts & Powersports to see how we can help you tweak your ride to fit your needs. We welcome all patrons from Raleigh, Wilmington, Clayton, and Cary, North Carolina.