Golf Cart Laws by State: What Every Traveling Golfer Should Know

Whether you’re teeing it up in Florida, soaking up the sun in Arizona, or heading to your favorite coastal course in South Carolina, one thing’s for sure: golf carts aren’t just staying on the course anymore.

From gated communities to beach towns, more golfers are turning to their carts for quick errands, neighborhood cruising, or just getting to the 19th hole in style. But here’s the kicker. Golf cart laws change wildly from state to state. And what’s totally fine in one golf-friendly zip code might get you fined (or worse) in another.

Before you load up the cart for your next golf trip or snowbird getaway, here’s what you need to know.

There’s No Universal Golf Cart Law in the U.S.

It might feel like golf carts are everywhere these days, and that’s mostly true, but don’t let the laid-back vibe fool you. Every state (and often every city) has its own set of rules about who can drive, where you can go, and whether your golf cart needs to be street-legal.

Things like:

• Minimum driving age
• Whether you need a license or registration
• Speed limits and road restrictions
• If carts are legal at night (often they’re not without upgrades)
• Local rules from HOAs or resort communities

That’s why the same cart could be fine for your retirement community in Florida… but illegal to drive in a California beach town.

Golf Cart Laws in 5 Top Golf States

Here’s a quick look at how golf cart rules change depending on where you’re headed. We’ve focused on states where golf is more than just a weekend hobby.

1. Florida 

• Carts are allowed on roads with speed limits of 30 mph or less.
• Drivers must be at least 14 years old, even without a license.
• Carts don’t need to be registered or insured, unless modified into a low-speed vehicle (LSV).
• Night driving? Only if the cart has headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and reflectors.

In places like The Villages or Naples, golf carts are everywhere on roads, in tunnels, and even in cart lanes. But it’s still easy to cross into restricted areas without knowing it. Stay alert, especially near public intersections.

According to this Florida golf carts law guide from Steinger, Greene & Feiner, updated rules, including new age and ID requirements, are catching many Florida residents by surprise. With golf carts now mixing more frequently with cars on public roads, it’s more important than ever to know what’s legal before you drive.

2. Arizona

• Carts are street-legal in many communities but must stay under 25 mph.
• Drivers need a valid license, and carts must be titled and registered.
• Some cities allow use on certain roads; others are stricter.

In retirement hubs like Sun City or Scottsdale-area communities, golf carts are a favorite for getting around, but many roads that seem “quiet” still require a licensed driver. And yes, you can get a ticket.

3. South Carolina

• Golf carts must be registered and insured.
• Use is limited to within 4 miles of your home, golf course, or store.
• Drivers must be at least 16 and carry a driver’s license.

Beach towns like Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach are car-friendly, but locals know that tourists often cross the 4-mile limit without realizing it. And enforcement picks up during peak season.

4. California 

• Golf carts can be legal on public roads, but only in cities or counties that allow it.
• Many areas require specific safety features: seat belts, mirrors, reflectors, etc.
• Carts can be classified as Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) or LSVs, depending on their upgrades.

Some master-planned communities (like in Palm Springs or Laguna Woods) are set up for golf cart life, while others won’t allow them beyond the course. Check twice before crossing into city streets.

5. Texas 

• Carts can drive on roads posted 35 mph or lower, but only during daylight unless equipped with lights.
• Some towns (like Galveston or Port Aransas) embrace golf carts. Others have local bans or tight restrictions.
• Check both city rules and HOA guidelines — they may be stricter than the state.

Texas is a mixed bag: what’s totally fine in South Padre might be illegal in Dallas suburbs. Some HOAs even impose fines for driving on certain paths. When in doubt, ask a local or check city websites.

Can You Get a DUI or Ticket on a Golf Cart?

Short answer? Yes, and it happens more than you think.

In many states, golf carts are legally considered motor vehicles when used on public roads. That means if you’re driving one under the influence, even just through your community after a few beers, you can be charged with a DUI, just like in a car. Some states don’t even require the cart to be on a public road for DUI laws to apply.

In fact, there have been real cases of golfers facing license suspension, hefty fines, and even jail time, all from operating a golf cart under the influence.

It’s not just alcohol, either. Prescription drugs or marijuana can also lead to a DUI if they impair your ability to drive.

What About Tickets?

Speeding, reckless driving, and ignoring road signs can all result in traffic tickets when you’re in a golf cart. Police departments in golf-heavy areas, especially in Florida, South Carolina, and California) regularly patrol for improper cart use, especially in tourist-heavy seasons.

You could be fined for:

• Driving where carts aren’t allowed (like main roads or sidewalks)
• Letting an underage or unlicensed person drive
• Operating without proper lights or reflectors after dark
• Riding with too many passengers
• Unsafe or distracted driving (yes, texting while driving applies here, too)

Some towns even allow officers to impound your cart for certain violations, and yes, you’ll have to pay to get it back.

If You Crash, Are You Covered?

Here’s where it gets expensive. Many cart owners don’t realize their insurance may not apply if they’re off their private property, especially if their cart isn’t street-legal.

• Homeowners insurance might cover certain incidents, but usually only on your own property.
• Auto insurance typically doesn’t apply at all, unless you’ve insured your golf cart separately.
• If you injure someone, damage property, or cause an accident, you could be held personally liable.

Travel Checklist: Before You Bring Your Cart

Planning to travel with your golf cart or rent one while you’re away? A little prep can go a long way in avoiding fines, frustration, or even liability. Here’s how to stay on the safe side before hitting the road (or the path):

• Check state DMV laws or city ordinancesEvery state, and sometimes every town, has its own rules. Look up golf cart laws for your destination to know where you’re allowed to drive and what’s required.
• Ask resorts or golf communities about local rulesEven if the state says it’s okay, private resorts, gated communities, and HOAs often have their own do’s and don’ts. A quick call ahead can save you a lot of confusion.
• Make sure you’re insured for off-course drivingMany people assume their auto or homeowners policy covers carts. But if you’re driving on public roads, or outside of your own property, that coverage might not apply. Double-check before you go.
• Upgrade your cart (mirrors, lights, signals) if night driving is allowedSome states allow nighttime golf cart driving, but only if your cart has the right safety equipment. Adding reflectors or LED lights can also help protect you in low-light conditions.
• Don’t assume one state’s law covers you in anotherJust because your cart is street-legal at home doesn’t mean it’s legal everywhere. States treat carts differently, and what works in Florida might be illegal in California.

Final Thoughts

Golf carts are part of the lifestyle, especially in golf-forward states like Florida, Texas, and Arizona. But they still come with real-world rules, and they’re treated more like vehicles than toys in most places.

Whether you’re visiting a golf resort, staying in a planned community, or just exploring the streets beyond the course, take a few minutes to learn the rules. It could save you a ticket or a legal headache down the road.

And if you or someone you know has been injured in a golf cart-related incident, you may have legal options.