Electric golf carts are becoming a common sight on the roads, especially in gated communities, resorts, and even urban neighborhoods. With more people using electric golf carts as a practical and eco-friendly transportation option, the question arises: what makes a golf cart road legal? In this article, we’ll explore what makes an electric golf cart street legal, the regulations you need to meet.

What Makes an Electric Golf Cart Street Legal?

While electric golf carts are primarily designed for use on golf courses, their growing popularity for neighborhood transport has prompted many jurisdictions to establish regulations for using them on public roads. To make an electric golf cart road legal, certain safety features must be installed, and the cart must meet specific requirements established by local and state governments.

1. Minimum Speed Requirements

One of the main criteria for a road-legal electric golf cart is its speed capability. Most areas require that electric golf carts be able to travel at a minimum speed of 20 miles per hour (mph) but no higher than 25 mph. This speed is considered safe for most neighborhood roads and allows the golf cart to keep up with regular traffic without posing a danger to other drivers or pedestrians.

2. Lighting and Turn Signals

A street legal electric golf cart must have proper lighting for safety during low-visibility conditions. This includes working headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals. These features ensure that the golf cart can be seen by other vehicles on the road, and that the driver can communicate their intentions clearly when turning or stopping.

3. Windshield and Mirrors

A windshield is often required for road-legal golf carts to protect the driver from wind, debris, and other elements. Additionally, side mirrors and a rearview mirror are typically mandated to ensure that the driver has adequate visibility while on the road. These mirrors help prevent accidents by allowing the driver to check for approaching traffic.

4. Seat Belts

Seat belts are an essential safety feature for road-legal golf carts. Many jurisdictions require that all passengers be securely fastened while the cart is in motion. The installation of seat belts not only makes the cart safer but also helps it meet local road safety standards.

5. Registration and Insurance

Just like traditional vehicles, road-legal electric golf carts often need to be registered with local authorities and display a valid license plate. Depending on the region, you may also be required to show proof of insurance before using the golf cart on public roads. Be sure to check local regulations for specific requirements regarding registration and insurance for your golf cart.

6. Tires and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Road-legal golf carts must also have the proper tires for road use. This means that the tires must be rated for use on pavement and provide sufficient traction for safe driving. Furthermore, some areas may require a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to be assigned to the cart for registration and tracking purposes.

Top 5 Road-Legal Electric Golf Cart Brands in 2025

If you’re looking for a road-legal electric golf cart, several brands are well-known for producing high-quality carts that meet all the necessary safety standards. Below are the top five brands that produce some of the best road-legal electric golf carts in 2025:

1. Tara

Tara is a leading manufacturer of electric golf carts known for its sleek designs, exceptional performance, and eco-friendly technology. The Tara Spirit Pro and Tara Explorer 2+2 are popular models that can be easily customized for road use. With powerful 48V lithium battery systems, these models are equipped with all the necessary features like headlights, turn signals, and seat belts to meet road-legal requirements. Tara’s carts are built to last, offering excellent range and power, making them a top choice for road-legal electric golf carts.

2. EZ-GO

EZ-GO is a well-established name in the golf cart industry, and their Freedom RXV series is designed for road use. This electric cart comes equipped with advanced features like LED headlights, turn signals, brake lights, and a durable frame. The RXV is powered by a 48V electric motor and offers a smooth and quiet ride, making it a popular choice for those looking for a road-legal golf cart.

3. Club Car

Club Car is another leading brand in the golf cart industry, and their Onward series has become a favorite for road use. Club Car’s Onward 2Passion model is a street-legal electric golf cart that includes the necessary features like headlights, tail lights, turn signals, and mirrors. With a 48V lithium battery and powerful motor, the Onward provides excellent performance, speed, and range for neighborhood driving and short commutes.

4. Yamaha

Yamaha is known for producing reliable and high-performing golf carts, and their Drive2 series is perfect for road use. The Drive2 features a robust electric motor, comfortable seating, and advanced safety features such as headlights, turn signals, and brake lights. Yamaha’s emphasis on quality and performance makes their carts an excellent choice for those looking for a road-legal electric golf cart.

5. Star EV

Star EV offers a range of street-legal electric golf carts, including the Star 48V, which comes with everything you need to make your cart road-legal. With a powerful motor, high-quality suspension, and necessary safety features, Star EV carts are designed for smooth performance on both golf courses and public roads. Their stylish designs and customization options make them an attractive choice for those seeking a reliable road-legal golf cart.

Conclusion

With the increasing popularity of electric golf carts as a mode of transportation, having a road-legal electric golf cart is more important than ever. Whether you’re looking for a cart for neighborhood commuting or just for leisure, the key features to look for include a 48V battery, headlights, turn signals, mirrors, seat belts, and a robust motor. Brands like Tara, EZ-GO, Club Car, Yamaha, and Star EV offer some of the best road-legal electric golf carts in 2025. For more information on electric golf carts and street-legal models, consult your local dealer for expert advice and available options.