What is a Street Legal Golf Cart?
A street legal golf cart is a cart that meets all the legal requirements to be used on the road in the United States. However, the specific laws for street legal golf carts can vary from state to state and even within different towns. Generally, street legal golf carts must have five key features: golf cart lights (headlights & taillights), golf cart mirrors, a windshield, a horn, and seatbelts.
How to Make Your Golf Cart Street Legal
Many of our customers love using their golf carts for more than just a round of golf. But they often worry about getting pulled over and getting a ticket for driving their cart on the street. Don’t worry, we have all the information and items you need to legally drive your cart on your neighborhood streets.
Golf Cart Lights
If your car didn’t have headlights, driving in the evening would be a nightmare! The same goes for your golf cart. Luckily, there are light kits available for almost every year, make, and model of golf cart. These kits are easy to install and will seamlessly blend in with your cart’s design.
While basic light kits with front headlights and rear tail/brake lights are available, they may not be enough to make your cart street legal. Street legal golf cart light kits include headlights, taillights, a horn, and turn signals/indicators. At Garrity Traina, we offer a wide selection of street legal golf cart light kits for Club Car, EZ-GO, and Yamaha golf carts.
Golf Cart Mirrors
Mirrors are essential for driving on the road and are an important requirement for making your golf cart street legal. Golf cart side-view and rear-view mirrors provide increased safety and awareness while driving. Some cities may require only one type of mirror, while others may mandate both. It’s best to check your local laws or install both types to be on the safe side. At Garrity Traina, we offer high-quality golf cart mirrors online to ensure your cart is street legal and safe.
Golf Cart Windshield
A windshield is a necessary addition to make your golf cart street legal. It not only adds functionality but also keeps bugs and wind out of your eyes while driving. We offer both tinted and clear foldable/folding windshields that meet the requirements in most municipalities. Some cities may have more specific regulations, requiring a DOT-approved AS5 windshield. Luckily, we have a wide range of windshield options available, including regular shatter-resistant windshields and DOT-approved AS5 windshields. Installing our windshields is easy, with no drilling or modification required.
Golf Cart Seat Belts
Just like in cars, seat belts are needed in your golf cart to operate legally on the road. It’s essential to ensure the safety of all passengers, including those seated in rear seat kits. At Garrity Traina, we offer high-quality golf cart seat belts for sale.
Slow Moving Vehicle Sign
In some municipalities, especially in rural areas, you may be required to display a “Slow Moving Vehicle” sign while operating your golf cart on roadways. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so if you’re unsure about the regulations in your area, it’s wise to order one. Adding a slow-moving vehicle sign to your golf cart takes only five minutes to install.
With these 5 items installed, you should be all set!
It’s important to note that while these items are crucial for making your golf cart street legal, it’s still highly recommended to check your local laws. Every state, city, village, and town has its own rules for operating golf carts on the road. If you’re unsure, contact your local village office to ensure compliance with local and state laws.
At Garrity Traina, we prioritize your safety and satisfaction. Browse our selection of golf cart accessories and parts to enhance your golf cart experience. Happy Carting!
Written by: Alex Sturwold
Updated: 2/6/2023
Be sure to check out the rest of our Golf Cart Accessories and Golf Cart Parts. Garrity Traina