Street Legal Golf Carts in Washington

Are golf carts street legal in Washington?

Street-legal (LSV) status

Recognized

Allowed on roads up to

35 mph

Driver's license

Required

Registration

Required

Insurance

Required

Washington's federal low-speed-vehicle equivalent is the neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV); under RCW 46.61.725 an NEV may be operated on highways with a speed limit of 35 mph or less (45 mph or less in qualifying island counties), with limited crossing rules. The statute requires a valid Washington driver's license, current vehicle registration with displayed license plates (chapter 46.16A RCW), and a motor vehicle liability insurance policy (chapter 46.30 RCW). Standard golf carts have no road access outside a locally created golf-cart zone on 25-mph-or-less streets; verify with the Washington Department of Licensing.

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

Sources: RCW 46.61.725 Neighborhood electric vehicles (WA Legislature)· RCW 46.61.723 Medium-speed electric vehicles (WA Legislature) · Reviewed August 2026