Street Legal Golf Carts in Hawaii

Are golf carts street legal in Hawaii?

Street-legal (LSV) status

Recognized

Allowed on roads up to

35 mph

Driver's license

Required

Registration

Required

Insurance

Required

Hawaii recognizes Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (four-wheeled electric, GVWR under 3,000 lbs, meeting FMVSS 571.500) as its street-legal low-speed category; ordinary gas golf carts cannot be registered. Under HRS 291C-134, an NEV may not exceed 25 mph and may not be driven on a highway posted above 35 mph (crossing is allowed), and NEVs must be registered (through the county), insured, and operated by a licensed driver. HRS 291C-134 itself addresses only speed/restrictions and does not state a minimum age; verify with the Hawaii DMV (county motor vehicle registration / Hawaii DOT).

This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice — golf-cart and LSV rules change and vary by city and county. Confirm the current requirements with the Hawaii DMV before you buy or drive. What makes a golf cart street legal.

Sources: HRS 291C-134 Neighborhood electric vehicles; speed; restrictions (capitol.hawaii.gov) · Reviewed August 2026