Are Golf Carts Street Legal in Arizona?

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.

What are the requirements for a street-legal golf cart in Arizona?

A street-legal golf cart in Arizona may need to meet several specific requirements. According to state law, these requirements are in place to ensure safety and compliance on public roads. Here’s what a golf cart must generally have to be considered street-legal:

• Speed Limit Compliance: Your golf cart cannot travel more than 25 miles per hour, and you can only drive it on roads with posted speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less.
• Necessary Equipment: In Arizona, golf carts must have working brakes, headlights, taillights, and a horn. Rearview mirrors are also required to enhance visibility.
• Windshield: Windshields are not required, as golf carts are an exception to Arizona’s usual windshield law.
• Prohibited Areas: Driving a golf cart on sidewalks and on the side of the road is prohibited, except in certain communities.

These requirements ensure that golf carts operate safely within designated areas, helping drivers avoid potential legal issues.

Do golf carts need license plates in Arizona?

Yes, in many cases, they may need a license plate if driving on public roads. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) requires street-legal golf carts to be registered and to display a valid license plate, much like other low-speed vehicles. Registering the golf cart ensures that it complies with Arizona law and can be identified by authorities if necessary.

Most carts have maximum speeds of 25 miles per hour or less, which fits within the low-speed vehicle classification. Licensing and registration confirm that the vehicle meets Arizona’s road safety standards and is allowed on public streets.

Unregistered golf carts may be limited to private property use, such as golf courses and residential properties. Driving an unlicensed golf cart on public roads can result in penalties, as Arizona traffic laws that apply to automobiles also apply to golf carts.

What does it cost to license a golf cart in Arizona?

The cost to license a golf cart may vary, depending on factors such as local fees and the vehicle’s classification. Licensing a golf cart involves an initial registration fee, ranging from $20 to $40, with lower annual renewal fees.

This process assures that street-legal golf carts meet Arizona’s standards for safety and registration. This also provides official recognition, which can be necessary if the golf cart is involved in an accident or needs to be tracked for legal purposes. Failure to register a golf cart for public road use may result in fines and penalties.

Do I need insurance on a golf cart in Arizona?

Yes, in many cases, insurance is required for any golf cart driven on public roads. State law mandates that street-legal golf carts carry liability insurance to cover damages or injuries caused in an incident. This insurance protects both the driver and others on the road by providing financial coverage for potential damages.

Many insurance providers offer policies tailored specifically for golf carts or low-speed vehicles, making meeting Arizona’s legal requirements easier. Failure to insure a street-legal golf cart can lead to penalties and expose the driver to financial risks if a tragedy occurs.

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.

Where can you drive a golf cart in AZ?

You may drive a golf cart on public roads with 35 miles per hour or less speed limits. This small transport use is generally permitted, especially on residential streets and private property, where these vehicles are commonly used for short-distance travel. However, there are specific restrictions to be aware of:

• Speed and Road Type: Arizona law restricts golf carts to roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or lower.
• Prohibited Areas: It is illegal to drive a golf cart on sidewalks. While some neighborhoods may allow golf carts in designated lanes, public sidewalks, and high-speed roads are typically off-limits.
• Neighborhood and Community Roads: Many Arizona retirement communities and gated neighborhoods have their own rules for golf cart use, making it easier to use golf carts within these communities.

Always verify local regulations, as some municipalities may have additional restrictions on where golf carts are allowed.

Can you drive a golf cart around the neighborhood?

You may be allowed to drive a golf cart in many Arizona neighborhoods, especially if the speed limit is 35 miles per hour or lower. State law allows golf cart use on lower-speed residential roads, making them convenient for short-distance travel within communities.

Despite this, each neighborhood may have unique restrictions on golf cart usage, mainly if it is a gated community or retirement area with its own regulations. Checking with homeowners’ associations or local rules can help verify compliance when driving this vehicle in the neighborhood.

Can a golf cart fit on a sidewalk?

No, driving a golf cart on sidewalks is illegal. Arizona law designates sidewalks for pedestrian use, and motorized vehicles, including golf carts, are prohibited. Even if a golf cart might physically fit in this area, driving one there is unsafe for pedestrians and against state regulations.

Instead, golf carts should be limited to roads where they are legally permitted, such as residential streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less. Ignoring this law may lead to fines and penalties, particularly if an incident occurs involving a pedestrian or other sidewalk user.

Do golf carts need seat belts in Arizona?

Certain low-speed vehicles may require seat belts, but not all golf carts do. Standard golf carts typically do not require seat belts if they are used on private property, such as golf courses. On the other hand, seat belts are recommended for added safety when golf carts are modified to meet street-legal standards.

For Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) or street-legal golf carts, Arizona traffic laws that apply to automobiles may also apply, including requirements for seat belts and rear-view mirrors. Installing this protection method can significantly reduce the risk of injury in case of an accident, making it a wise choice for safety-conscious drivers, even if not legally mandated in every scenario.

Do I need a cover for my golf cart?

This benefit is not legally required, but it may be highly beneficial for protecting your golf cart in the state’s climate. Arizona’s sun, dust, and occasional monsoon rains can wear down the exterior and interior of a golf cart. A cover can help protect against UV damage, reduce dust buildup, and prevent weather-related wear.

In addition to weather protection, a cover may offer some security benefits by making the golf cart less visible and less accessible to potential thieves. For outdoor storage, a cover can extend the vehicle’s lifespan, helping it maintain its appearance and functionality over time.

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.

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