How To Make A Golf Cart Street Legal In Georgia

How To Make A Golf Cart Street Legal In Georgia
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How To Make A Golf Cart Street Legal In Georgia

Making a golf cart street legal in Georgia means turning it into a Low Speed Vehicle, or LSV. Can you drive a golf cart on public roads in Georgia? Yes, but only if it meets specific rules. These rules make sure the vehicle is safe for road use. Who is in charge of these rules? The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and local laws set the exact steps. This guide will show you how to get your golf cart ready for Georgia roads.

Georgia Golf Cart Street Legal Requirements: What You Need To Know

What are the Georgia golf cart street legal requirements? To drive your golf cart on public roads in Georgia, it cannot be just any golf cart. It must become a “Low Speed Vehicle” or “LSV.” This is a special type of vehicle. The state has clear rules for what an LSV is. These rules are put in place for your safety and the safety of others on the road.

An LSV must go faster than 20 miles per hour (mph). But it cannot go faster than 25 mph. This speed limit is key. If your golf cart goes too slow, it is not safe for roads. If it goes too fast, it is not an LSV. It would then be seen as a car, which has many more rules.

You also need to make sure your golf cart has many safety parts. These parts are like those on a car. They help you drive safely. They help others see you. They also help you stop. All these parts must work well. Without them, your golf cart cannot be street legal.

Georgia law also says where you can drive an LSV. You can drive it on most public roads. But the road must have a speed limit of 35 mph or less. You cannot drive an LSV on roads with higher speed limits. This is because LSVs are slower than other cars. It would be unsafe on fast roads. Some local cities or towns might have their own extra rules too. Always check with your local city hall. They can tell you about any extra rules in your area.

For your golf cart to become an LSV, it needs:
* A special title from the state.
* A license plate.
* Insurance.
* It must pass a safety check.

These steps make sure your golf cart is ready for the road. They also make sure you follow all the rules. Skipping any step can lead to trouble. You could get a ticket. Or your vehicle might not be legal to drive. Follow all the steps carefully.

Key Differences: Golf Carts Vs. Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs)

What makes a golf cart different from a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) in Georgia? It is important to know the difference. Many people use the words “golf cart” and “LSV” as if they mean the same thing. But they do not. A golf cart is built for golf courses. It is not made for public roads. An LSV is a type of golf cart that has been changed. It has special parts added to it. These parts make it safe for roads.

Think of it this way: all LSVs start as golf carts. But not all golf carts can become LSVs. An LSV must meet a certain speed range. It must go between 20 mph and 25 mph. A regular golf cart usually goes slower than 20 mph. Many golf carts also lack the safety features needed for roads.

Here is a simple look at how they are different:

Feature	Golf Cart	Low Speed Vehicle (LSV)
Main Use	Golf courses, private communities	Public roads (speed limit 35 mph or less)
Speed	Usually less than 20 mph	20-25 mph
Legal Status	Not street legal	Street legal
Safety Parts	Basic (some have headlights)	Many safety parts (lights, seatbelts, mirrors)
Title & Tag	No	Yes, needs state title and license plate
Insurance	Not always required (depends on use)	Yes, always required for road use
Driver’s License	Not always required (depends on age/place)	Yes, always needs a valid driver’s license
Inspection	No	Yes, usually needs a safety check

The biggest change is the legal status. A golf cart is not meant for roads. It is a slow vehicle for private land. An LSV is a modified golf cart. It is built to be safe enough to share roads with cars. It has passed specific safety checks. It has a license plate. It is insured. This makes it a legal vehicle for certain public roads.

Do not try to drive a regular golf cart on public roads. It is against the law. You could get a ticket. It is also very unsafe. Other drivers might not see you. Or you might not be able to stop fast enough. Always make sure your vehicle is a true LSV before you drive it on the street. This means it has all the right parts. It also means you have done all the paperwork.

Getting Your Golf Cart Ready: Required Equipment For Street Legal Golf Cart Georgia

What is the required equipment for street legal golf cart Georgia? To make your golf cart an LSV, you must add many safety parts. These parts are not just suggestions. They are a must-have by Georgia law. Each part helps keep you and others safe on the road. Do not cut corners here. All these parts must work properly.

Here is a list of the key safety parts you need:

Headlights: You need at least two headlights. They must be on the front of the cart. They need to light up the road in front of you. This helps you see at night. It also helps other drivers see you.
Taillights: You need at least two taillights. These go on the back of the cart. They must be red. They stay on when the cart is running. They help drivers behind you see your cart.
Brake Lights: You need at least two brake lights. These also go on the back. They must be red. They light up when you press the brake pedal. This tells drivers behind you that you are slowing down or stopping.
Turn Signals: You need turn signals on both the front and back of your cart. They must be amber (yellow-orange). They flash when you want to turn. This tells other drivers which way you plan to go.
Side Reflectors: You need reflectors on the sides of your golf cart. These help your cart be seen from the side, especially at night.
Horn: Your golf cart must have a working horn. It must be loud enough to be heard by others. You use it to warn other drivers or walkers of your presence.
Rearview Mirrors: You need at least one rearview mirror. It must be on the driver’s side. Or you can have one inside mirror. Many people add a side mirror on both sides for better viewing. These mirrors help you see what is behind you.
Windshield: Your golf cart needs a windshield. It must be made of safety glass or a similar clear material. It must not be too dark. It keeps bugs and small rocks from hitting you. It also helps you see clearly.
Seatbelts: Every seat in your golf cart must have a seatbelt. These must be approved for use in vehicles. Everyone riding in the cart must wear a seatbelt. They keep you safe in case of a sudden stop or crash.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): Your golf cart must have a VIN. This is a unique number for your vehicle. It is like a car’s fingerprint. If your golf cart does not have a VIN, you will need to get one assigned by the state. This is part of the titling process.
Parking Brake: Your golf cart must have a working parking brake. This brake keeps the cart still when parked. It stops it from rolling away.
Speedometer: Your golf cart must have a speedometer. This shows how fast you are going. It helps you stay within the speed limits.
Tires: The tires on your golf cart must be safe for road use. They must be in good shape. They must have enough tread.
License Plate Light: You need a light that shines on your rear license plate. This makes sure your plate can be seen at night.

Make sure to test all these parts. They must work correctly. If even one part is missing or broken, your golf cart will not pass inspection. It will not be street legal. You can buy kits that have many of these parts. Or you can buy them one by one. Check them often to make sure they are still working well. Safety comes first.

Physical Changes: Golf Cart Modifications For Street Legality Georgia

What golf cart modifications for street legality Georgia do you need to do? Making your golf cart street legal involves more than just adding parts. Sometimes, you need to change the cart itself. These changes make sure the cart can meet the speed and safety rules. Many golf carts are not built for road speeds. They need power changes. They also need other parts to be safe for roads.

Here are common physical changes or upgrades you might need:

Speed Upgrade: Most golf carts go slower than 20 mph. To be an LSV, it needs to go between 20 mph and 25 mph.
- Electric Carts: For electric carts, you might need a new motor controller. You might also need a bigger motor. Or you can change the gears. Sometimes, you just need to adjust the speed settings. This might need a special tool or computer program.
- Gas Carts: For gas carts, you might need to adjust the engine. You can change the carburetor or the governor. This makes the engine run faster.
Heavy-Duty Suspension: When you add more parts, the cart gets heavier. Also, road driving is rougher than golf course driving. You might need stronger shocks and springs. This helps the cart ride smooth. It also helps it handle turns safely.
Brake Upgrades: Regular golf cart brakes are made for slow speeds. For road use, you need stronger brakes. You might need to upgrade to disc brakes. Or you might need larger brake pads. This helps you stop quickly and safely.
Tire and Wheel Changes: Golf course tires are not for roads. They do not have enough grip. You need DOT-approved tires. DOT means Department of Transportation. These tires are made for road use. They have a good grip. They also can handle higher speeds. You might also need different wheels.
Wiring Changes: Adding lights, turn signals, and a horn needs more power. You might need to upgrade your cart’s wiring system. You might also need a bigger battery. Or you could add an extra battery. This makes sure all the new parts get enough power.
Chassis Check: Look at the cart’s frame. Is it strong enough? Does it have any rust or cracks? If your cart is old, you might need to fix or make the frame stronger. This is very important for safety.
Seatbelt Mounts: If your cart does not have places for seatbelts, you need to add them. These mounts must be strong. They must hold the seatbelts safely.
Roof Strength: Some golf carts have very light roofs. If you plan to add a lot of things to the roof, or if it is very old, you might need to make it stronger.

You can buy kits that help with these changes. Or you can take your cart to a shop. A shop that works on golf carts can help you. They know what parts you need. They can also do the work safely. Doing it right the first time saves you time and money. It also makes sure your cart is truly safe for the road.

The Paperwork: Georgia Golf Cart Titling And Registration

How do you handle Georgia golf cart titling and registration? Once your golf cart has all the right parts, you need to make it legal on paper. This means getting a title and a license plate. These are the same kinds of papers cars need. The Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) is in charge of titles. The Department of Driver Services (DDS) handles tags.

Here are the steps for titling and registration:

Get a Bill of Sale: When you buy a golf cart, get a bill of sale. This paper shows you own the cart. It must have the cart’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). If your golf cart does not have a VIN, you will need to apply for one. The DDS or DOR can help with this. They might send someone to check your cart. They will give it a new VIN if it does not have one. This is a very important step.
Gather Your Papers: You will need a few things when you go to the DDS or county tag office:
- The bill of sale.
- Proof of Georgia residency (like a utility bill with your name and address).
- Your valid Georgia driver’s license.
- Proof of insurance for the LSV.
- Completed MV-1 Tag and Title Application form. You can get this form online or at the DDS office.
- A form showing your golf cart meets LSV safety rules. Some places might need a special form from a golf cart dealer or mechanic. This form says your cart has all the required safety parts.
Apply for a Title: Go to your local county tag office. This is where you get a title for your LSV. The title proves you own the vehicle. You will pay a fee for the title. The clerk will check all your papers. They will make sure your cart meets all the rules to be an LSV.
Apply for Registration and License Plate: At the same county tag office, you will also apply for your license plate (tag). This is the plate that goes on the back of your LSV. It shows your cart is registered to drive on public roads. You will pay yearly fees for registration. The plate helps police identify your vehicle. It is a sign that your cart is legal.
Get an LSV Affidavit (if needed): Some counties may ask for an LSV Affidavit. This is a paper you sign. It says your vehicle meets all the LSV rules. It says it goes between 20-25 mph. It says it has all the safety parts. You may need to have this form signed by a mechanic or dealer.

Here is a simple table of what you need:

Document/Item	Purpose	Where to Get/Do
Bill of Sale	Proof of ownership	From seller when you buy cart
VIN Assignment (if none)	Unique identifier for the cart	Apply at DDS/DOR if your cart lacks one
MV-1 Application Form	Official form for tag and title	DDS website or county tag office
Proof of Georgia Residency	Shows you live in Georgia	Utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement
Georgia Driver’s License	Proof you can legally drive	Your valid license
LSV Safety Certification	Proof cart meets safety equipment rules	From a mechanic or dealer, or self-attested form
Proof of Insurance	Shows you have required insurance	From your insurance company
Fees	For title and registration	Pay at county tag office

Make sure all your papers are ready. Call your local county tag office before you go. They can tell you exactly what you need. This saves you time and trips. After these steps, your LSV will have a title and a license plate. It will be officially ready for Georgia roads.

Keeping It Legal: Georgia Golf Cart Insurance Regulations

What are the Georgia golf cart insurance regulations? Once your golf cart is an LSV and ready for the road, you must get insurance. This is not an option. It is a must-have by Georgia law. Just like a car, an LSV needs insurance to be driven on public roads. This insurance protects you. It also protects other people if there is an accident.

What kind of insurance do you need? You need liability insurance. This is the basic type of insurance. It covers damages or injuries you might cause to other people or their property. It does not cover damage to your own golf cart.

Georgia law sets minimum amounts for this liability coverage:

$25,000 for bodily injury to one person: This means if you hurt one person in an accident, your insurance will pay up to $25,000 for their medical bills or other costs.
$50,000 for bodily injury to two or more people: If you hurt more than one person in an accident, your insurance will pay up to $50,000 in total for their medical bills.
$25,000 for property damage: If you damage someone else’s car, fence, or other property, your insurance will pay up to $25,000 to fix it.

These are just the minimum amounts. Many people choose to buy more coverage. More coverage gives you more protection. If an accident causes more damage than your insurance covers, you might have to pay the rest yourself. For example, if you cause $30,000 in damage to someone’s car, and you only have $25,000 in property damage coverage, you would have to pay the extra $5,000.

How to get insurance for your LSV:

Contact Your Auto Insurance Company: Start with the company that insures your car. Many auto insurance companies also offer policies for LSVs or golf carts. Ask them about adding your LSV.
Ask for LSV-Specific Coverage: Make sure you tell them your golf cart is now an LSV. It will be driven on public roads. This is important. A regular golf cart policy might not cover street use.
Compare Quotes: Get quotes from a few different insurance companies. Prices can be different. Look for the best price for the coverage you need.
Get Proof of Insurance: Once you buy a policy, your insurance company will give you a proof of insurance card. You must carry this card with you when you drive your LSV. You will also need it when you apply for your license plate.

Important points about insurance:

Continuous Coverage: You must keep your LSV insurance active all the time. If your insurance runs out, your registration could be cancelled. You could also get a ticket.
No Driving Without Insurance: Never drive your LSV on public roads without valid insurance. It is against the law. It is also very risky.
Full Coverage Options: You can also choose to add full coverage. This might include collision coverage (for damage to your LSV if you hit something) and comprehensive coverage (for damage from things like theft, fire, or weather). This is not required but can be a good idea.

Having the right insurance is a key part of making your golf cart street legal. It protects your money. It also makes sure you are a lawful driver. Do not skip this step.

Driving Rules: Operating Street Legal Golf Cart Georgia Rules

What are the operating street legal golf cart Georgia rules? Even after your golf cart becomes an LSV and has a license plate, there are rules for driving it. You cannot just drive it anywhere. These rules are for safety. They help LSVs share the road with other vehicles.

Here are the main rules for operating your street legal golf cart (LSV) in Georgia:

Where You Can Drive:
- You can drive an LSV on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less.
- You cannot drive an LSV on roads with a speed limit higher than 35 mph. This means no highways or fast main roads.
- Some local towns or cities might have their own extra rules. They might set lower speed limits for LSVs on some roads. Or they might ban them from certain areas. Always check local laws.
- You can cross a road with a speed limit over 35 mph if it is safe to do so. You must cross at an intersection.
Who Can Drive:
- The driver must have a valid Georgia driver’s license. This is very important. A learner’s permit is not enough. You must have a full license.
- The driver must be at least 16 years old. This is the same age for getting a car license in Georgia.
Follow All Traffic Laws:
- You must follow all the same traffic laws as cars. This includes stopping at stop signs. It includes obeying traffic lights. It means using turn signals.
- You must follow the speed limit. Remember, your LSV cannot go over 25 mph. So even if the road limit is 35 mph, you must not go faster than 25 mph.
- You must use your headlights at night. You must also use them when it is raining or foggy.
Seatbelts Are a Must:
- Everyone in the LSV must wear a seatbelt. This is a law in Georgia for all vehicles with seatbelts. Make sure everyone buckles up.
Child Safety Seats:
- Children riding in an LSV must follow Georgia’s child safety seat laws. These are the same rules as for cars. Very young children need a car seat. Older children need a booster seat.
No Impaired Driving:
- Never drive an LSV while drunk or on drugs. This is illegal and very dangerous. It is the same as driving a car while impaired.
No Reckless Driving:
- Drive safely. Do not drive too fast. Do not make sharp turns. Do not drive in a way that puts others at risk.
Passing and Lane Use:
- LSVs are slower. Be mindful of other traffic. If you are holding up traffic, pull over when safe to let faster vehicles pass.
- LSVs usually need to drive in the rightmost lane. Or as close to the right side of the road as safe.
Maintenance:
- Keep your LSV in good working order. All lights, brakes, and other safety parts must work well. Check them often.

Driving an LSV is a big freedom. It lets you get around easily in many communities. But with that freedom comes big responsibility. Always drive safely. Always follow the rules. This helps keep you safe. It helps keep everyone else on the road safe too.

The Inspection: Georgia LSV Inspection Process

What is the Georgia LSV inspection process? After you have made all the changes to your golf cart, you need to prove it is safe. This means it might need an inspection. Georgia state law says an LSV must meet federal safety rules. It also says it must meet state rules. The inspection makes sure your golf cart has all the needed safety parts. It also checks that these parts work right.

The exact way this inspection is done can be a bit different depending on your county.

Here is a general idea of how the Georgia LSV inspection process works:

Who Does the Inspection?
- In many cases, the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) or a local law enforcement agency (like your county sheriff’s office) can do the inspection.
- Sometimes, they might ask for a certified mechanic or a golf cart dealer to fill out a special form. This form states that your vehicle meets all the LSV safety rules.
- Important: Call your local county tag office or sheriff’s office first. Ask them who does the LSV inspection. They will tell you the exact process in your area.
What Gets Inspected?
- The inspector will check for all the required safety equipment. This includes:
  - Headlights: Do they work? Are they bright enough?
  - Taillights: Do they work? Are they red?
  - Brake Lights: Do they light up when you brake?
  - Turn Signals: Do they flash front and back?
  - Horn: Is it loud and clear?
  - Rearview Mirrors: Do you have at least one? Can you see well?
  - Windshield: Is it clear and free of cracks?
  - Seatbelts: Does every seat have a working seatbelt?
  - Tires: Are they DOT-approved? Do they have good tread?
  - Brakes: Do they stop the cart well? Is the parking brake working?
  - Speed: Does the cart go between 20 mph and 25 mph? They might use a radar gun to check this.
  - VIN: Does the cart have a clear VIN?
  - License Plate Light: Does it light up the rear plate?
- They will also look at the general condition of the cart. Is it safe to drive? Are there any obvious dangers?
What Happens After Inspection?
- If your golf cart passes, the inspector will sign a form. This form states that your cart meets all the LSV rules. This signed form is vital. You will need it for titling and registration.
- If your golf cart does not pass, the inspector will tell you why. They will point out what needs fixing. You must fix these things. Then, you will need to get the cart inspected again.
Before You Go:
- Make sure all your parts are working. Test them all before you go to the inspection.
- Clean your golf cart. A clean cart shows you care for it.
- Bring all your papers. This includes your bill of sale and any VIN papers.

This inspection is a critical step. It ensures your safety and the safety of others. It also makes sure you are following Georgia law. Do not skip or rush this process. A successful inspection means you are one step closer to legal street driving.

Finishing Touches: Golf Cart License Plate Georgia Requirements

What are the golf cart license plate Georgia requirements? Once your golf cart is an LSV, titled, insured, and inspected, the last big step is getting its license plate. This is often called a “tag.” The license plate makes your LSV clearly visible as a legal road vehicle. It tells others that your cart is registered with the state.

Here is what you need to know about golf cart license plate Georgia requirements:

Where to Get It: You get your LSV license plate at your local county tag office. This is the same place where you apply for your vehicle title.
What You Need to Bring: When you go to get your license plate, make sure you have all these papers:
- Your valid Georgia driver’s license.
- The signed title application or proof of ownership (like the bill of sale).
- Proof of Georgia residency.
- Proof of current LSV insurance. This must meet Georgia’s minimum requirements.
- The LSV inspection form. This is the paper signed by the inspector. It shows your cart meets all safety rules.
- Payment for the registration fees. These fees are usually paid yearly.
- The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for your LSV.
- Any other forms your county tag office asks for. It is a good idea to call them first. They can tell you exactly what to bring.
The Plate Itself:
- Your LSV will get a standard Georgia license plate. It will look like a car license plate.
- It must be attached to the rear of your LSV.
- It must be clearly visible. It cannot be covered up.
- You need a working license plate light. This light must shine on the plate at night. This makes sure your plate can always be seen.
Displaying the Plate:
- Make sure the plate is securely fastened. It should not swing or fall off.
- It should be clean. Keep dirt and mud off the plate so the numbers are always easy to read.
Renewing Your Tag:
- Just like a car, your LSV license plate needs to be renewed each year.
- The county tag office will send you a notice when it is time to renew.
- You will need to pay the renewal fees. You will also need to show proof of current insurance.
- Make sure you renew on time. Driving with an expired tag can lead to tickets.

Getting your license plate is the final step in the paperwork process. It is the visible sign that your golf cart has been fully made into a street legal LSV. Once that plate is on, you can drive your LSV on approved Georgia roads. Drive safely and enjoy your newly legal ride!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I drive my street legal golf cart on any road in Georgia?
A: No. You can only drive your street legal golf cart (LSV) on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. You cannot drive it on roads with higher speed limits like highways.

Q: Do I need a driver’s license to drive an LSV in Georgia?
A: Yes. Anyone driving an LSV on public roads in Georgia must have a valid Georgia driver’s license. You cannot use a learner’s permit.

Q: What is the maximum speed for a street legal golf cart in Georgia?
A: A street legal golf cart, or LSV, must be able to go between 20 mph and 25 mph. It cannot go faster than 25 mph to be an LSV.

Q: Do I need insurance for my street legal golf cart?
A: Yes. You must have liability insurance for your LSV. This is required by Georgia law for all vehicles driven on public roads.

Q: Where do I get a title and license plate for my LSV?
A: You get both the title and the license plate (tag) at your local county tag office in Georgia. You will need certain papers, like proof of ownership and insurance.

Q: What if my golf cart does not have a VIN?
A: If your golf cart does not have a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), you will need to apply to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) or Department of Revenue (DOR) to get one assigned before you can title and register it.

Q: Do I need to wear a seatbelt in a street legal golf cart?
A: Yes. All people in a street legal golf cart (LSV) must wear seatbelts. This is a law in Georgia.