We've all heard the term "street legal" when it comes to golf carts, yet there is still much confusion about what it actually means. Being informed of your options puts you in the best position to find exactly what you need for the best price possible.
GOLF CART: Golf carts are defined in section 320.01(22), Florida Statutes, as “a motor vehicle that is designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes and that is not capable of exceeding speeds of 20 MPH.” Golf carts may be operated on roadways that are designated for golf carts with a posted speed limit of 30 MPH or less. Golf carts are not titled or registered and are not required to be insured. A person must be 14 years or older to operate a golf cart. STREET LEGAL CART: A street legal cart is defined the same as a golf cart but with the addition of necessary safety equipment such as lights - headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, mirrors - side & center, seat belts for each designated seat, windshields, and safety reflectors. Street legal carts still may only be operated on roadways that are designated for golf carts with a posted speed limit of 30 MPH or less. LSV: An LSV or "Low Speed Vehicle" is defined as a vehicle with a top speed greater than 20 MPH, but not greater than 25 MPH. A golf cart must be made "street legal" before it can be converted to an LSV. Prior to titling and registering a converted golf cart, the vehicle must be inspected and assigned a VIN at a Motorist Services Regional Office. LSVs must be registered, titled and insured with personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL) insurance. Any person operating an LSV must have a valid driver's license. LSVs may only be operated on streets where the posted speed limit is 35 MPH or less, but his does not prohibit a low-speed vehicle from crossing a road or street at an intersection where the road or street has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour.
Many in the golf cart industry use the terms street legal and LSV interchangeably which can lead to confusion. All LSVs are street legal, but not all street legal carts are LSVs. The main difference between a street legal cart and an LSV is that an LSV has a VIN number and is no longer
considered a golf cart but a motor vehicle. We consider street legal carts, as defined
above, to be "street ready." When we mention street legal, we are talking about an LSV.
You can find many golf cart dealers selling new street legal LSVs, but the significantly higher costs can be a deterrent. The truth is you don't need to buy a brand new street legal cart. Any golf cart can be made street legal and issued a VIN number, no matter the make or the age of the cart. Pricing varies depending on what equipment is already installed on the cart; the closer it is to street legal the less you would be charged for Street Legalization service.
Give us a call at 833-CARTSMD for a customized quote or for more info.
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