If you own a golf cart in Arizona, there are circumstances when you can operate it on public roads. However, you must follow state laws to make your golf cart street-legal. You must also abide by all road rules that apply to you, as well as be vigilant to prevent motor vehicle accidents. You are much less protected from injury when riding in a golf cart compared to a standard motor vehicle.
How to Make Your Golf Cart Street Legal in Arizona
Golf carts are used for much more than transporting players and golf clubs on golf courses in Arizona. Around 40,000 people use them as a regular mode of transportation in Arizona – leading to the state enacting specific standards just for these vehicles. Your golf cart must have the following equipment to be driven on public roads:
- Headlights
- Taillights
- Working brakes
- Brake lights
- Horn
State law exempts golf carts from the standard windshield requirement. These requirements are relatively simple, especially compared to the state’s laws for other types of vehicles. However, owners and operators must make sure their golf carts meet all of the requirements to make them street-legal.
Arizona Golf Cart Laws
Once you have the proper equipment, you are ready to take your golf cart onto public roads. It is important to understand all of the rules and regulations that apply to you as a golf cart operator in Arizona. Like the operation of standard motor vehicles, golf cart operation requires you to adhere to specific laws to keep yourself and others safe. If you wish to drive your golf cart on public roads in Arizona, keep the following rules in mind:
- You do not have to obtain a driver’s license to operate a golf cart on private property.
- On public property, a valid driver’s license is needed.
- You must register your golf cart as a low-speed vehicle with the Motor Vehicle Department.
- Your golf cart must carry no more than four passengers.
- Your golf cart cannot travel at a speed of more than 25 miles per hour.
- You can only drive on roads with posted speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less.
- It is prohibited to drive a golf cart on sidewalks in Arizona.
- Except in certain communities, it is illegal to drive a golf cart on the side of the road.
- Operating a golf cart recklessly or under the influence of drugs or alcohol is prohibited.
- Golf cart drivers must adhere to all the same traffic laws and road rules as other drivers.
- You must stop at stop lights and stop signs and yield the right-of-way when necessary.
In addition, you must have at least the minimum required amount of liability insurance to drive a golf cart on public roads. These requirements are the same as for ordinary motor vehicle drivers: $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, $50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident, and $15,000 in property damage liability coverage. If you cause a car accident in a golf cart, this insurance will pay for the other person’s damages.
Golf Cart Safety Tips
Golf carts may not be able to drive very fast, but they can still be involved in serious and deadly traffic accidents. If you get hit by a car in a golf cart, you could suffer life-changing injuries without the other driver getting hurt at all. Keep yourself safe by always operating your golf cart with care and prudence.
Maintain the speed limit on any given road and be prepared to stop to avoid a collision at a moment’s notice. Always obey traffic laws, including coming to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights. Wear your seat belt and make sure your golf cart is always properly maintained. If you get injured in a golf cart accident in Arizona, contact an attorney for a free case evaluation.