Street Legal Golf Carts

Whoever said that golf carts are meant to be flaunted only on golf courses? More and more people are opting for these zippy, battery powered vehicles, or rather golf carts on the streets as well. I guess those staying in South Carolina will give a nod of approval to this. There I believe people won't stare with surprise if a golf cart chugs past their car. It has become a routine. So what is that makes this neighborhood vehicle all about and what is making them so popular? Answers coming up!

What are Street Legal Golf Carts?

They are basically golf carts with a better seating capacity. These are also called neighborhood electric vehicles. While their only golf course counterparts seat 2 people, these small vehicles can seat 4 to 6 people. As compared to their slower counterparts, the speed of these vehicles too is faster, around 35 miles per hour. Moreover, these are very ecofriendly as compared to other conventional vehicles. These can be used for a quick ride just around the corner, in resort areas, retirement communities, campgrounds, airports and sometimes even used in shopping malls. But you cannot just get a golf cart and drive it around. There are some regulations too, which are associated with making a golf cart street legal. Every state has different set of laws related to these vehicles. Without fulfilling these regulations, you are not allowed to use these vehicles on road. These regulations are connected with the safety of the passengers as well as other vehicles on the road. Only after carrying out the safety measures you can own a street legal golf cart.

How to Street Legal a Golf Cart?

Getting street legal golf carts can be a slightly tumultuous task, but if you know your rule book well, it will not be a huge problem. The things get further difficult with each state having different set of rules for making golf carts fit for streets. Nevertheless, we will see some basic street legal golf cart rules, which have been made mandatory by all the states.

• The total gross weight of the vehicle should not exceed 2500 lbs.
• The vehicle needs to have the manufacturer's certificate of origin as a low-speed vehicle.
• There should be brakes, windshield (with ASI) and a 17 digit vehicle identification number or VIN (clearly displayed) on the golf cart.
• In the golf cart, it is mandatory to have safety belt and harness for each passenger seat.
• Amongst other things these carts should have headlights, tail lights, brake lights and turn signals.
• These golf carts are not to be operated on high-speed roads, Interstate highways or freeways and are limited to low-speed secondary roadways and neighborhood streets.
• These golf carts should have reflex reflectors, exterior mirrors, and an interior mirror.
• In some states the maximum seating capacity of the vehicle is just four passengers.

These are just the basic requirements for getting your golf carts street legal. These regulations are not to be considered as conclusive. For detailed regulations concerning your state, you will have to check out the Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety regulations website.

If all these pointers and others are followed, driving these carts is a fantastic experience. There are various reasons for that, too! The first and the foremost is that it is ecofriendly and energy efficient. There are no fumes and gases emitted in the air when it is in operation. Moreover, there is no noise pollution too with these vehicles. These are easy to maneuver too and park as well. Plus, if you consider the cost to buy these, it is much less than buying a gas car or truck.

Last, but not the least, the maintenance and servicing of these street legal golf carts is almost a breeze. The maintenance is easy and inexpensive and there are some services which even pick up the vehicle from your home. So you don't even have to wait at the service center. I sign off here! Hope this was useful!