Here at Golf Cart Garage, one of the most frequently asked questions we get is “What do I need to make a golf cart street legal?” If you are ready to get your golf cart suited up for on-street driving, we’ve got what you need along with some super helpful tips to get you started.
What Makes a Golf Cart Street Legal
- Headlights
- Taillights
- Turn Signals
- Horn
- Windshield
- Side mirrors
- Seat belts
- Low-speed vehicle sign
- Insurance
- Registration
Golf Cart Lights
Installing golf cart lights is one of the key components in making a golf cart street legal, if not the most important. There are so many different lighting options for golf carts out there. Generally, you’ll see “Basic” and “Street Legal” or "Deluxe" options. You’ll of course need to opt for the street legal package that contains the parts listed below:
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Headlights
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Taillights/Brake Lights
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Turn Signals
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Horn
If you’re in need of a Street Legal light kit, we carry street legal light kits for all Club Car, EZ-GO & Yamaha golf carts. You can also purchase these parts individually by clicking Golf Cart Lighting Parts. If you need help picking out the right light kit for your golf cart, see Finding The Right Golf Cart Light Kit for help. If you have any other questions about light kits in general, try out our Lights FAQ.
Golf Cart Windshields for Visibility
Because you’ll be driving on the street along with full-size vehicles, you’ll want to opt for a durable, shatter resistant windshield that will provide a buffer between you and anything that may get kicked up (stones, dust, etc.) by a passing car, truck or SUV. A golf cart windshield generally comes in clear and tinted options:
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Clear Shatter Resistant Acrylic Windshield
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Tinted Shatter Resistant Acrylic Windshield
Golf Cart Mirrors
Once you’ve selected a street legal light kit with the proper lighting/indicators and a windshield, the next thing you’ll need is mirrors. You'll want to make sure you have clear view of your surroundings while driving on the street. The most popular and required mirrors for on-street driving are:
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Rear View Mirror
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Driver/Passenger-Side Mirrors
We have several other options for golf cart mirrors that can be installed on all golf carts!
Golf Cart Safety
Safety first! Once you’ve got all of the necessary lights, mirrors and windshields, you’ll need just a few more things and you’ll be ready to hit the road!
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Seat Belts For ALL Drivers And Passengers: This is a given. You definitely need to make sure that everyone is buckled up! Check out Golf Cart Seat Belts.
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Speedometer: Sometimes those beautiful, sunny days get us itchin’ to go…. Go a little too fast sometimes! It’s so important to always obey the posted speed limits, in addition to all of the rules of the road. It's much easier to do with a Speedometer
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Slow Moving Vehicle Sign: Many local ordinances require you to to have a “Slow Moving Vehicle” sign while out on the road. While it’s not ALWAYS required, we always recommend it.
Local Golf Cart Laws
CHECK YOUR LOCAL LAWS. The laws on this topic vary not only from state to state, but also by municipality/city. For example, in some cities in Florida, Georgia, Texas and California there are entire communities that drive their golf carts on the street. ALWAYS check with your local municipality to make sure it’s okay to drive a golf cart on the street. Even with the proper lighting/indicators and accessories, the laws and rules are constantly changing, so the Cardinal Rule is to always CHECK FIRST before driving your golf cart on the street. Better to be safe than sorry!
Once you’re equipped with all of the parts and pieces listed above, you'll be ready to roll!
Last Updated: October 20, 2020