LSV Laws by State 2025 — Complete 50-State Guide

Whether you're in Scottsdale, The Villages, or Peachtree City, the rules for street-legal golf carts and LSVs vary dramatically. This guide consolidates the key statutes for all 50 states so you know exactly what's required in your jurisdiction before you buy.

Important disclaimer: State laws change. Always verify current statutes with your state DMV or motor vehicle office before purchase and registration.

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How LSV Laws Work (The Federal Foundation)

The federal government defines LSVs through FMVSS 500 (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard). Any vehicle marketed as an LSV must meet these minimum standards:

• Maximum speed: 25 mph (governed)
• Headlamps (front): Required
• Tail lamps: Required
• Stop lamps: Required
• Turn signals: Required (front and rear)
• Reflex reflectors: Required
• Parking brake: Required
• Windshield: Required (meets ANSI Z26.1 standard)
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): Required (17-digit, factory-stamped)
• Seatbelts: Required

States then layer their own registration requirements, road restrictions, and operator requirements on top of this federal base.

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Top Sun Belt States — Detailed Rules

Florida

Governing statute: Florida Statute 316.212
Road restriction: Posted roads up to 35 mph (designated by local authority)
Driver's license: Required
Registration: Golf carts: county permit in some areas. True LSVs: full DHSMV registration
Insurance: Required for LSVs operated on public roads
Key note: Florida has two separate frameworks — "golf cart" operation on designated roads (community/local) and "LSV" operation (FMVSS-compliant, titled, registered). The Villages, Sun City Center, and similar communities operate under golf cart exemptions that allow non-LSV carts on internal roads.

→ Full detail: Florida LSV Laws — Complete 2025 Guide

Arizona

Governing statute: ARS § 28-101; ARS § 28-964
Road restriction: Posted roads up to 35 mph
Driver's license: Required
Registration: Full MVD registration and title
Insurance: Required
Key note: Sun City, Sun City West, and similar Maricopa County communities have extensive golf cart networks. LSVs can travel on most roads in these communities. Major highways and arterials are excluded.

→ Full detail: Arizona LSV Laws — Complete 2025 Guide

Texas

Governing statute: Texas Transportation Code § 551.301
Road restriction: Roads with speed limit of 35 mph or less (varies by county)
Driver's license: Required
Registration: Full TxDOT registration and title
Insurance: Required
Key note: Texas is county-by-county in implementation. Some counties are very permissive; others strictly limit cart use. Check your specific county's ordinances.

→ Full detail: Texas LSV Laws — Complete 2025 Guide

South Carolina

Governing statute: SC Code § 56-2-2600
Road restriction: Roads up to 35 mph
Driver's license: Required (unless in a designated golf cart community where special exemptions exist)
Registration: Full SCDOT registration for LSVs
Insurance: Required
Key note: Peachtree City model communities have extensive cart path systems. Horry County (Myrtle Beach area) has permissive local ordinances.

Georgia

Governing statute: O.C.G.A. § 40-6-330
Road restriction: Roads designated by local ordinance (typically ≤ 35 mph)
Driver's license: Required
Registration: Full Georgia DDS registration for LSVs
Insurance: Required
Key note: Many Savannah, Tybee Island, and metro Atlanta communities have local golf cart ordinances. Check with your county.

California

Governing statute: California Vehicle Code § 385.5 (NEV/LSV)
Road restriction: NEVs limited to roads with speed limit of 35 mph or less. Some local exceptions up to 45 mph.
Driver's license: Required
Registration: Full DMV registration
Insurance: Required
Key note: California is the most regulated state. NEVs (not all golf carts) can be registered. Palm Springs, Catalina Island, and some coastal communities have active cart cultures.

North Carolina

Governing statute: NCGS § 20-4.01; GS 20-41
Road restriction: Roads up to 35 mph
Driver's license: Required
Registration: Full NCDOT registration
Insurance: Required

Tennessee

Governing statute: TCA § 55-8-175
Road restriction: Roads up to 35 mph designated by municipality
Driver's license: Required
Registration: Full TN registration
Insurance: Required

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All 50 States — Quick Reference Table

"Limited" = state has restrictions beyond standard LSV definition; verify locally. Data current as of March 2025.

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→ Find LSV dealers in your state: LSV Dealers Near Me
→ Registration process: How to Register Your Golf Cart as an LSV
→ Pillar guide: Street-Legal Golf Cart Complete Guide