Golf carts have become more than just a vehicle to drive around the golf course. Families take them to the local swimming pool, retirees drive them around their gated communities, and people in small towns even drive them on main roads.
But what is the difference between a street-legal and street-ready golf cart? Keep reading to find out!
What is a Street-Ready Golf Car?
Street-ready golf carts have a maximum speed of 12-19 mph and weigh 800-1100 pounds, which are dependent on things like age, size, weight, and battery life. It is legal to drive golf cars on most roads with a top speed of 25 mph, but this also varies by neighborhood, town, and by state.
In most states age 16+ is permitted to drive a street-ready golf car, meaning you are not required to have a driver’s license.
The modifications that street-ready golf carts must have:
- Headlights and taillights
- Turn signals
- Horn
- Side mirrors or a 5-panel rearview mirror
What is a Street-Legal Golf Car?
To make a golf cart street-legal, it must have all the same features as a street-ready golf cart and more. It is required to have more safety features and fit within the classifications that your state legally requires. Each state requires different things when it comes to modifications. This is because you can drive it on public roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less.
A Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) is a type of street-legal golf cart and is defined as a vehicle with a top speed of 25 mph and may be operated on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. A golf car must be street-legal before being converted to an LSV. An LSV is classified as a motor vehicle.
You must have a drivers license to drive a street-legal golf car/LSV on public roads.
The modifications that street-legal golf carts must have:
- Rear-facing mirrors
- Headlights and taillights
- Turn signals
- Horn
- Seat belts
- Speedometer
- DOT-approved windshield & windshield wiper(s)
- Parking brake
- DOT-approved tires
- VIN (for registration and insurance)
Colorado Golf Car Laws
In Colorado, a driver’s license is not required to drive a street-ready golf cart, as anyone age fourteen and older is permitted to drive. But you are required to have a driver’s license for a street-legal/LSV golf car.
You are allowed to drive street-ready golf carts on roads marked 25 mph or less, but this also varies by neighborhood or town, and you can drive street-legal/LSVs on roads marked 35 mph or less.
You are not allowed to drive a street-ready golf car at night unless your cart has reflectors and a headlamp. You can drive a street-legal golf cart/LSV golf car at nighttime because they have rear backlights and headlamps.
It is forbidden to drive any golf car under the influence of alcohol.
LSVs must have an inspection, be insured, and titled just as any other motor vehicle. This means it also must have license plates so it can be identified.
Where to Buy a Street-Legal and a Street-Ready Golf Car
Here at Colorado Golf & Turf, we carry both street-legal and street-ready golf carts. We are one of the select few dealers across the country to be recognized as a Black & Gold Dealer by Club Car and have been serving families, golf courses and businesses in Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming for 40 years.
Check out street-ready golf cars here.
Check out our street-legal golf cars here.
Our expansive warehouse and service department is unmatched in the state of Colorado. We have more technicians, a larger inventory of parts, and faster response times than any of our local competitors—all to make sure every customer is satisfied every time. Visit our showroom at 11757 S Wadsworth Blvd, Littleton, CO 80125 to get personalized assistance from a trained sales professional.
In Conclusion
Street-ready golf carts are a great option for driving on roads marked 25 mph or less. They are perfect for a nice drive with the family to your local grocery store, the neighborhood pool, or to the closest golf course.
Street-legal golf carts are like street-ready golf carts but are required to have more modifications done so it can drive on roads marked 35 mph or less.
Each state, town and county require slightly different things when it comes to modifications, driving age, and more so be sure to check our local DMV’s website or give them a call.
Colorado Golf & Turf is here to help you with all your golf cart needs – just give us a call at 303-761-3332 or check out our website to learn more.
References:
https://brightev.com/2023/03/28/how-to-make-your-golf-cart-street-legal-2023/
https://www.cartsmd.com/post/what-is-a-street-legal-golf-cart