WHAT MAKES IT STREET LEGAL?

What makes a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) and Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) street legal? Before you go out on the road, you must be in compliance with Florida’s laws and regulations about LSV’s and NEV’s. Street legal golf carts fall under the LSV/NEV category, making them susceptible to the law. Defined by Florida Statute 320.01(42) as “any four-wheeled electric vehicles whose top speed is greater than 20 miles per hour but not greater than 25 miles per hour”, this includes Low speed vehicles such as neighborhood electric vehicles (NEV). As with motor vehicles, low speed vehicles are subject to a license tax, which is the same as that prescribed in Florida Statute s. 320.08- for non-electrically powered vehicles.

Requirements for Street Legal golf carts in Florida include:

• Head Lamps/Stop Lamps
• Turn Signal Lamps
• Tail Lamps
• Reflex Reflectors
• Parking Brakes
• Rearview Mirrors
• Windshields
• Seat Belts
• Vehicle Identification numbers

The 2013 Florida Statues, Chapter 316 Title XXIII on Motor Vehicles has the following to say on Low Speed Vehicles:

The operation of a low-speed vehicle as defined in s. 320.01 or a mini truck as defined in s. 320.01 on any road is authorized with the following restrictions:

(1) A low-speed vehicle or mini truck may be operated only on streets where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. This does not prohibit a low-speed vehicle or mini truck 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.

(2) A low-speed vehicle must be equipped with headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, taillamps, reflex reflectors, parking brakes, rearview mirrors, windshields, seat belts, and vehicle identification numbers.

(3) A low-speed vehicle or mini truck must be registered and insured in accordance with s. 320.02 and titled pursuant to chapter 319.

(4) Any person operating a low-speed vehicle or mini truck must have in his or her possession a valid driver license.

(5) A county or municipality may prohibit the operation of low-speed vehicles or mini trucks on any road under its jurisdiction if the governing body of the county or municipality determines that such prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.

(6) The Department of Transportation may prohibit the operation of low-speed vehicles or mini trucks on any road under its jurisdiction if it determines that such prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.

Street Legal golf carts can be a great addition to the family for quick, efficient travel. Before you drive, make sure your in compliance with the law so you can enjoy a carefree, GREEN ride!