Virginia’s Restrictions on Golf Cart Operation
If you’re a Virginia resident and a fan of all things golf cart, you may think that golf carts are a nuisance – or worse – and illegal to operate on public roads. Not so in Virginia, where legislation passed in 2017 enables cities and counties to permit the use of golf carts on city and county highways for the purpose of "transporting persons." At the state level, there are certain requirements that your local government must abide by in order to enact this legislation. According to Virginia state law (Code of Virginia § 46.2-1500), for localities to allow operation of motorized golf carts on public streets, they must at least be equipped with headlights, turn signals, and brake lights. As well, the golf carts must be inspected and registered, as well as carry liability insurance for accident compensation. To drive a golf cart on public roads, operators must possess a valid driver’s license. In Virginia, "motorized golf carts" are defined as "any four-wheeled motor vehicle, designed and manufactured exclusively for use on a golf course for sporting purposes." Localities are unable to permit "motorized golf carts" on public roadways. However, localities can permit vehicles that meet the definition of "low-speed vehicles" according to Virginia state law (Code of Virginia § 46.2-100). In essence , low-speed vehicles are electric-powered motor vehicles that are manufactured specifically for the purpose of enhancing off-road golf cart performance. Virginia state law does prohibit exceptions regarding low-speed vehicles from the requirements that golf carts must meet in order to operate legally on public roadways, including the requirement that they are equipped with headlights, turn signals, and brake lights. Generally, localities in Virginia are restricted from permitting the operation of golf carts on public roadways, and before allowing them, they must reach out to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles for approval. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles has specified by written policy that localities must allow golf carts where they’ve passed a local ordinance or resolution allowing their use on city or county highways to operate under certain conditions. If you’re thinking about getting a golf cart, make sure to explore the laws and regulations in your locality. Some counties or cities may have very strict laws surrounding golf cart operation, making it a hard sell. Other cities and counties may be more lenient, allowing you the freedom to drive your golf cart where and when you please (within limits). In general, if you are operating a golf cart, you should be mindful and follow the road rules just as if you were driving a motor vehicle and remain in the right-hand lane, and if necessary, utilize the left-hand lane for passing only.
Local Rules and Exceptions
Given Virginia’s permissive approach to street legality, it’s not surprising that local ordinances allow individual cities and counties to impose their own, sometimes unique, restrictions on the use of golf carts and similar vehicles. These regulations can take two general forms: In addition to these ordinances, some localities have special permissions or other rules that allow limited use of golf carts on roads not otherwise permitted. Richmond, for example, permits the operation of low speed vehicles within ½ mile of a local "business district" and grants certain exceptions to this operation when low speed vehicles cannot be used on a public highway because the 35 mph speed limit is too high. In particular, low speed vehicles may be operated on streets connecting off-system roads on which low speed vehicles are approved to operate and may cross over bridges and intersections in which the speed limit exceeds 35 mph. Knowing how a locality has restricted the operation of low speed vehicles can help those seeking to understand the scope of street legality for golf carts in Virginia.
Safety Standards and Modifications
One of the hurdles that must be overcome in order to make your golf cart street legal is the requisite safety equipment. These requirements are also considered in the state inspection process for the cart/NEV. In Virginia, golf carts are classified as "epas." Even if you’re looking to make a cart street legal so that it’s classified as such under Virginia law, there is no way to register the vehicle as an epas until it meets certain minimum requirements. Those include safety features not necessarily found on all golf carts. One requirement is seat belts. State law requires that each occupant of a golf cart on a roadway in Virginia must be secured via a properly functioning seat belt. Depending upon the number of passengers your golf cart will accommodate, you may end up need a minimum of four seat belts if you’re looking to have a small but useful cart. You’ll also need to have proper lighting. The law states that any golf cart/NEV being operated during certain times must have its lights on. To that end, you must have:
As with regular motor cars and trucks, other basic safety requirements also apply. These can include having windshield wipers, a working horn, and functional side mirrors. However, one thing that does not appear to be required is a rearview mirror. This is likely due to the fact that the majority of golf carts do not have a rear view mirror. More importantly, any modifications made to a vehicle must be in accordance with federal requirements, which state, among other things, that: It is important to note that increasing the weight of your cart through modifications is probably not going to work in your favor if you ever end up in litigation over an accident involving your golf cart. On the plus side, however, the weight of a cart can sometimes help in securing a lower insurance premium.
Driver’s License and Age Requirements
Another question that often comes up when talking about whether golf carts can legally operate on Virginia roads is if a driver’s license is needed to operate a golf cart or other low-speed vehicle. The code does not explicitly answer that question, but it does say that state law concerning licensing of Virginia drivers applies to those who operate low-speed vehicles. What that means is that while the code does not allow localities to require operators of golf carts to have driver’s licenses, the State code does. A person operating a LSV must hold a valid Virginia driver’s license. As a practical matter, the county or town chief of police or sheriff may give an exemption for those who are in the process of applying for a license , but have not had an opportunity to take the test for whatever reason.
Are there any age restrictions? One question that tends to generate a good deal of discussion is whether or not a driver’s license is required to operate a golf cart or other LSV. Depending upon how one reads the Virginia code, one could conclude that a driver’s license is not required. But in practice most localities can impose that requirement. And is there an age limit? Generally the law says that persons under the age of 16 may not operate the vehicle. However, localities can issue an exemption for persons under the age of 16 to operate the vehicle under a variety of circumstances.
Why Street-Legal Golf Carts are Beneficial
Benefits of Street-Legal Golf Carts in Virginia
The benefits of using a street-legal golf cart are plentiful and can often exceed those of driving a regular vehicle. For one thing, you can save money by avoiding the high costs of purchasing and insuring a full-size car or truck. In this sense, the convenience factor is immense as your street-legal golf cart can be registered at a fraction of the cost of registering a full-size vehicle. Plus, the registration process is much simpler, as you will need to pay for the registration fee and then follow the requirements to insure the car.
But that’s not all. Street-legal golf carts are more eco-friendly and can, depending on the model, even be completely electric. With their small engines and lower fuel consumption, they are easy on your wallet while still helping to improve the environment. Some street-legal golf carts even run on solar energy, requiring little-to-no fuel at all and emitting zero emissions. This makes them an ideal choice for those living in areas that prioritize protecting the environment.
In short, opting for a street-legal golf cart can not only save you money, but also promote a cleaner environment.
How to Ensure Your Golf Cart is Street Legal
To ensure that golf cart owners in Virginia remain in compliance with the law, it is important to maintain a general knowledge of when and where golf carts are permitted to operate while following any local ordinances that may apply. Golf carts should be used only on roads designated with a speed limit of 25 miles per hour or lower. Even on those roads, there are usually certain local ordinances that must be followed, such as not driving on limited access highways and not driving at night. Additionally, some localities in Virginia have not permitted the use of golf carts on public roads, so golfers should avoid using their golf carts in those areas. Localities can designate alternative routes for golf carts to take that do not interfere with traffic flow.
It is important for golf cart owners to keep their cart in proper working order. If a golf cart malfunctions on a public roadway , the owner could be left with a costly maintenance bill and a citation. Golf carts that rely on gasoline should be closely monitored for signs of fuel blockage or other engine problems. Drivers of electric golf carts should regularly check their batteries for proper function. All golf carts should be maintained for brakes, windshield wipers (for inclement weather), and turn signal lights. Any part that needs to be replaced should be addressed quickly.
Golf cart owners should regularly consult the Virginia General Assembly’s website to keep updated about any changes to golf cart laws. It is also important for golfers to monitor laws passed at the local levels that may impact the use of golf carts. If issues arise regarding the operation of a golf cart, the owner should consider speaking with local law enforcement officers or officials in the locality’s government office.