{"id":142,"date":"2018-06-06T11:52:12","date_gmt":"2018-06-06T15:52:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/golfcartgo.com\/?p=142"},"modified":"2022-09-09T23:44:50","modified_gmt":"2022-09-10T03:44:50","slug":"how-to-make-a-golf-cart-street-legal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/golfcartgo.com\/how-to-make-a-golf-cart-street-legal\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Make a Golf Cart Street Legal"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When we visited Key West a couple of years ago, we kept seeing all these golf carts on the road. It seemed odd, so we asked how they were able to drive on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you know you can make your golf cart “street legal”? We didn’t either until we rented one ourselves and found out all about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A golf cart is defined as a motor vehicle designed for operation on a golf course<\/a> or for sporting and recreation, and is not capable of exceeding <\/strong>20 mph. While the operator of a golf cart does not have to be a licensed driver, they must be over 14 years old. How old you have to be to drive a golf cart<\/a> ranges from state to state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Golf carts were never intended to be driven on the roads alongside regular cars. However, you can convert your golf cart into a street legal vehicle by modifying certain parts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind though, you will have to register it at a local DMV, obtain a VIN number, and display a license plate<\/a> to get it street legal. So weigh the pros and cons for doing this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the need for new transportation on the rise, a large number of people are now seeking to convert something as simple as a golf cart into a street legal vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Street legal or road going vehicle refers to any vehicle that is equipped and licensed for use on public roads, or to be \u201croadworthy.\u201d This usually requires specific configurations of safety equipment, lighting, driving, and signaling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Use A Street Legal Golf Cart?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Currently, 47 states allow these types of vehicles to be driven on public roads, although every state has different requirements for the golf carts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are plenty of reasons why it would be great to be able to drive either of these machines on public roads in the states that allow it. If your plan is to make your golf cart roadworthy by yourself, you will have to ensure you\u2019re following the necessary standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You first need to make sure that your golf cart\u2019s top speed is between 20 and 35 miles per hour. This is the primary, most important rule for low-speed vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may need to present the manufacturer\u2019s certificate of origin as a slow speed vehicle. If you cannot go that high with your golf cart, you may need to soup up the motor and the parts of the golf cart that correspond to speed.Your street legal golf cart must also include some necessities that will ensure your cart is street legal:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Golf Cart Light Requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Working lights, head, brake, and tail lights with turn signals are all essentials. You need to make your golf cart be noticeable in traffic and on roads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your vehicle must be equipped with headlights, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, and tail lamps. Just like any other vehicle, it\u2019s important that you are able to signal or turn your lights on, especially in the dark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Install all of the lights accordingly, and test them to make sure that you know how they operate while driving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can get a whole light kit that you can install<\/a> and be street legal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Golf Cart Windshields, Reflectors, and Mirrors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most obvious difference between a normal car and a golf cart is collision protection; or the lack thereof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you set out, you need to be able to see all parts of the road from inside the golf cart. A golf cart must have reflex reflectors and rear view mirrors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This ensures that the driver has a clear and unobstructed view to the rear. Adjust all of the mirrors prior to driving, just as you would in a normal vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Windshields and windshield wipers<\/a> are also a must.  You can get clear or tinted windshields<\/a> to protect you from any dust or objects that might fly up from the other vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other accessories that are necessary on a street legal golf cart:<\/p>\n\n\n\n