Street Legal Golf Carts in New Jersey

Are golf carts street legal in New Jersey?

Street-legal (LSV) status

Recognized

Allowed on roads up to

25 mph

Driver's license

Required

Registration

Required

Insurance

Required

New Jersey recognizes low-speed vehicles under N.J.S.A. 39:4-31.1, which may generally be operated on public roads with a posted speed of 25 mph or less (authorities may permit up to 35 mph in limited circumstances). Per N.J.S.A. 39:4-31.3, LSVs must be registered, display a license plate, and be insured under R.S.39:3-4, and the operator must hold a valid driver's license; ordinary golf carts that do not meet the LSV standard are not street legal. Verify current requirements with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission before relying on this.

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 New Jersey DMV before you buy or drive. What makes a golf cart street legal.

Sources: N.J.S.A. 39:4-31.1 - Operation of low-speed vehicle on public roads· N.J.S.A. 39:4-31.3 - License, registration, insurance · Reviewed August 2026