Street Legal Golf Carts
Only a few years ago golf carts were a common site on the course but nowhere else. Today street legal golf carts also called Neighborhood Electric Vehicles have grown increasingly in popularity.
Neighborhood Electric Vehicles or NEV's are growing at a rate that far exceed the manufacturer's expectations. They have become very popular in resort areas, retirement communities, campgrounds, and golf course communities. The main difference between a regular golf cart and a NEV is that they usually seat four, are a little safer, and go a little faster.
The original golf cart was actually a NEV and handicapped carts were used on golf courses. The golf cart market sprouted off electric vehicles that were used for other reasons. Now the market is back to where it began with NEV's filling a growing niche market.
Most of the state have laws relating to vehicles that are slow moving and electric which includes those that are classified as NEV's. Most of these laws relate to electrically powered equipment so if you have a gas engine you will need to check with your local governing bodies.
All states require the following for street legal golf carts:
1. The slow moving vehicle must not be capable of traveling in speeds that are more than thirty five miles per hour [35 mph]
2. Maximum seating capacity your cart or NEV is four people
3. Your cart must not weight more then two thousand and two hundred pounds
4. Your cart must come equipped with a headlight, front turn lamps, rear turn lamps, tail lamps, and stop lamps.
5. Must come equipped with reflex reflectors, exterior mirrors, and an interior mirror.
6. Must come with brakes, a windshield, and a vehicle identification number or VIN.
7. Each seat must have an approved seat belt
8. Must have the manufacturer's certificate of origin as a low speed vehicle.
2. Maximum seating capacity your cart or NEV is four people
3. Your cart must not weight more then two thousand and two hundred pounds
4. Your cart must come equipped with a headlight, front turn lamps, rear turn lamps, tail lamps, and stop lamps.
5. Must come equipped with reflex reflectors, exterior mirrors, and an interior mirror.
6. Must come with brakes, a windshield, and a vehicle identification number or VIN.
7. Each seat must have an approved seat belt
8. Must have the manufacturer's certificate of origin as a low speed vehicle.
These are just the basic law requirements. Do not use this list to decide what is legal and what is not in your province or state. Instead check with local law officials or DMV to make sure you will be legal.
Your street legal cart can have great graphics just like your golf cart and you can use it on the street or on the course. There are some fabulous graphics kits available online for great prices so be sure to check it out.
Picture this. Your NEV with those fun flames from the 1960s, or how about a matching decal to your RV? If you are using it to romp around your retirement community you might think of something that's a little fun. Whatever your idea of cool graphics you will be able to find it online.
Street legal golf carts are a great investment that will provide you with hours of affordable transportation and they are environmentally friendly. Remember they aren't just for golfers anymore! Use them at the campground, the lake, in your retirement community, or anywhere else you want. So what are you waiting for?