The short answer: It depends — driving on private property is usually fine without a license, but once you take that golf cart onto public roads, the rules change. Licensing requirements vary widely between states and provinces.
Golf carts are no longer just for golfers. They’re now common in retirement communities, resorts, beaches, and even small towns. But whether you can legally drive one — and if you need a license — depends on where you live and how you plan to use it.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about golf cart laws in California, Florida, Ontario (Canada), and Illinois. We’ll also cover Golf Courses, rules, street-legal requirements, age restrictions, and insurance tips to help you stay safe and compliant.
Quick Summary
Here’s a fast breakdown before we dive into state-specific laws:
When you don’t need a license:
- Driving a golf cart on private property or within a golf course
- Using carts owned by resorts or clubs with private roads
- Operating under adult supervision (for minors, depending on local rules)
When you usually need a license:
- Driving on public streets or crossings
- Operating a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) or Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV)
- When your golf cart exceeds 20–25 mph
Local ordinances can change the rules — always check your city or county regulations before driving.
Core Legal Concepts — What You Need to Know
Before exploring each region’s laws, it’s important to understand the basic legal terms that define golf cart usage.
Golf Cart
A golf cart is a small vehicle designed primarily for transporting golfers and their equipment around a course. Most have a top speed under 20 mph and are not intended for public roads.
Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) / Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV)
An LSV or NEV looks like a golf cart but is designed for public road use. It must meet certain federal safety standards — including seat belts, headlights, turn signals, mirrors, and a windshield — and can reach speeds between 20–25 mph. These vehicles must be registered and insured, and drivers must have a valid driver’s license.
Street-Legal
A golf cart or LSV that meets all required safety features (lights, mirrors, signals, seat belts, etc.) and is approved by your DMV for use on specific low-speed roads.
Private Property vs. Public Roadway
- Private property: No driver’s license is needed, since you’re not on a public road.
- Public roadway: Usually requires a licensed driver, insurance, and possibly registration.
According to GolfCarts.com, the key rule is simple: if you share the road with other vehicles, you must follow vehicle laws.
Do you know how old to drive a golf cart in Canada?
Do You Need a Driver’s License to Drive a Golf Cart on a Golf Course?
Generally, no, you do not need a driver’s license to drive a golf cart on a golf course.
Golf courses are private properties, and carts are considered part of the recreational experience. However, the management sets its own safety and age policies. For example:
- Many courses require drivers to be at least 14–16 years old.
- Some clubs may ask for a valid ID or membership.
- If staff use golf carts commercially (e.g., carrying equipment or supplies), the employer might have its own insurance and training requirements.
It’s always best to check with the specific course before letting minors or guests drive.
So, while you don’t need a state-issued driver’s license, common-sense safety rules still apply — keep speed low, stay on paths, and avoid driving under the influence.
State Spotlights — Golf Cart Rules and License Requirements
California — Do You Need a License to Drive a Golf Cart in California?
In California, golf carts and LSVs are treated differently under the California Vehicle Code.
- Private property use: No license is needed.
- Public roads: A driver’s license is required if you’re operating on streets.
- Golf carts must stay within one mile of a golf course and are only allowed on roads with speed limits under 25 mph (California Vehicle Code §§21115 & 21716).
Practical Checklist
- Road speed limit: 25–35 mph or less
- Cart registered as LSV or NEV (if applicable)
- Has lights, seatbelts, reflectors, mirrors, and windshield
- Driver holds a valid California driver’s license
- Always check city ordinances, as rules vary locally
Florida — Do You Need a License to Drive a Golf Cart in Florida?
Florida offers flexibility but enforces age and licensing limits.
- Adults (18+): No license required for standard golf carts on designated roads.
- Teens (under 18): Must hold at least a learner’s permit to drive on public roads.
- Golf carts can be driven on roads with posted speed limits under 30 mph — and only where local ordinances allow.
If your cart exceeds 20 mph, it’s considered a Low-Speed Vehicle, requiring registration, insurance, and a driver’s license.
Practical Checklist
- Minimum age: 14 years or older
- Roads: Under 30 mph with local approval
- Required equipment: brakes, headlights, tail lights, turn signals, windshield
- LSVs: must be titled, registered, insured, and operated by a licensed driver
Ontario (Canada) — Do You Need a License to Drive a Golf Cart in Ontario?
In Ontario, golf cart use on public roads is regulated under pilot programs for low-speed vehicles.
- Drivers must hold a valid Class G driver’s license.
- Golf carts must meet pilot program safety standards, including headlights, mirrors, and seat belts.
- Operation is limited to specific municipalities participating in the pilot.
Using a golf cart on private property (like a golf course or gated community) does not require a license.
Practical Checklist
- Valid G driver’s license
- Pilot-approved area (confirm local bylaw participation)
- Cart equipped with lights, belts, signals, mirrors
- Follow 25–35 km/h road speed limits
- Must have insurance if driven on public roads
Source: Government of Ontario
Illinois — Do You Need a License to Drive a Golf Cart in Illinois?
Illinois law is clear: you need a valid driver’s license to drive a golf cart or LSV on public streets.
- Golf carts must meet 625 ILCS 5/11-1426.2 safety standards.
- Each city or village decides whether to allow golf carts on local roads.
- Carts must have headlights, taillights, reflectors, seat belts, and a slow-moving vehicle emblem.
- Insurance and registration may also be required.
Driving on private land (e.g., farms, gated properties) doesn’t require a license.
Practical Checklist
- Valid driver’s license required
- Local ordinance must permit golf carts
- Insurance & safety gear required
- Use daytime only unless properly equipped with lights
Source: Illinois General Assembly
Other States — Rules Vary
Golf cart laws differ dramatically across the U.S.
Some states (like Texas and Georgia) are golf-cart-friendly, while others restrict their use to private land only. Always check your state DMV or municipal website for updates.
According to Thompson Law Injury Lawyers, many small towns allow golf carts on low-speed roads — but only when registered and driven by a licensed adult.
When a Driver’s License Is Definitely Required
A driver’s license is almost always required when:
- Driving on public roads shared with regular traffic
- Operating a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) or Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV)
- Crossing major streets or highways
- Carrying passengers or driving at night
- Using a modified cart that exceeds 20 mph
If unsure, assume you need a license — especially if your golf cart looks and behaves like a small car.
Safety, Insurance, and Liability Tips
Driving a golf cart may seem simple, but accidents and liabilities still occur.
If you drive without a required license, your insurance may not cover damages.
Tips for Safe and Legal Operation
- Always carry insurance proof if required
- Add lights, mirrors, and seatbelts for night or road use
- Never overload or speed (most carts aren’t designed for impact protection)
- Obey local laws — fines and vehicle impounds can occur
- Keep your cart maintained and battery charged
The Sun has reported several local crackdowns on unlicensed cart drivers — especially in tourist areas and resort towns.
How to Make Your Golf Cart Street-Legal?
If you plan to drive beyond private property, follow these steps:
- Add required equipment: headlights, taillights, mirrors, seatbelts, windshield, horn, reflectors, and turn signals.
- Register and title your cart: Check your DMV’s website for registration forms (as LSV or NEV).
- Obtain insurance: Liability and collision coverage are often mandatory for street-legal carts.
- Check speed capability: Ensure your cart meets the LSV limit (20–25 mph).
- Inspection: Some states require a DMV or police inspection before granting registration.
How to Find Local Rules Quickly
Not sure what your town allows?
Try these quick searches:
- “[Your city] + golf cart ordinance”
- “[Your state] + golf cart DMV rules”
- “golf cart road use laws in [city/state]”
Or call your local police department or DMV office for a direct answer. Rules can vary even between neighborhoods.
Conclusion
In short, you don’t need a license to drive a golf cart on private property or within most golf courses.
However, the moment you drive on public roads, most states — including California, Florida, Ontario, and Illinois — require a valid driver’s license and a street-legal cart.
Private property: no license
Public roads: license + registration + insurance
Always double-check local ordinances before you ride — it could save you from fines or insurance issues.
FAQs
Do you need a license to drive a golf cart on private property?
No. On private property, golf carts are exempt from licensing requirements.
Do you need a license to drive a golf cart in California?
Yes, if driven on public roads. No license needed on private land.
Is it legal to drive a golf cart on the road in California?
Only if your cart meets safety standards, is registered, and the road’s speed limit is 25 mph or less.
Do you need a license to drive a golf cart in Florida?
Adults (18+) do not need a license on designated roads, but minors (under 18) need at least a learner’s permit.
Do you need a license to drive a golf cart in Ontario?
Yes, a valid Class G driver’s license is required for public road use under the pilot program.
Do you need a driver’s license to drive a golf cart on a golf course?
No — golf courses are private property and have their own internal policies.
What equipment makes a golf cart street-legal?
Seatbelts, headlights, mirrors, windshield, turn signals, and reflectors.
At what age can you drive a golf cart on the road?
Typically 14–16 years old, depending on local laws.