Is It Street Legal? Golf Car Rules for the Road: Oklahoma

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Golf cars aren’t just for golf anymore; they are for spending time with family, visiting neighbors, and driving to the corner store or restaurant. They help you get from the church’s parking lot to the front door and from your front door to the mailbox. You drive your kids or grandkids to the pool or the lake with all their floaties and snacks (then to the house and back when they forgot something). Golf cars are awesome. They are so awesome that we have spent the last 40+ years selling, servicing, and renting them.

Since the pandemic, the rise of golf car usage outside the golf course has skyrocketed. There are neighborhoods and communities in our region being designed with golf cars in mind.

Also notice we say golf cars, not golf carts. You push a cart but ride in a car. This is a fundamental distinction that literally no one cares about.

With this surge in golf car usage comes questions of rules, regulations, and safety. But first, let’s start with some definitions.

Please don’t be shocked when I tell you the government has placed regulations on golf cars and other small vehicles. Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, any four-wheeled vehicle that is incapable of exceeding 20 miles per hour is deemed a golf car and is only subject to state and local requirements for safety equipment. They are not required by federal law to have insurance or be registered because they are not viewed as vehicles. Golf cars cannot travel on state or federal highways.

Any four-wheeled vehicle manufactured to go up to but not exceed 25 miles per hour is deemed a low-speed vehicle (LSV), and per federal regulation, must be equipped with specific safety equipment. Headlights, taillights, turn signals, reflex reflectors, brake lights, parking brakes, rearview mirrors, DOT windshield, seatbelts, and rollover protection are required, just like for your coworker’s ’81 Honda (how dare you). LSV’s come with a vehicle identification number (VIN) and must be registered like a car. Recently, a sound requirement was added, stating that electric LSV’s must have alert sounds while driving in order to reduce collisions with pedestrians.

For any sound engineer reading this, electric LSV's are required by law to have:

“One of thirteen one-third octave bands having nominal center frequencies ranging from 315 to 5000Hz. These are Bands 25 through 37 as defined in Table A1, Mid-band Frequencies for One-Third-Octave-Band and Octave-Band Filters in the Audio Range, of ANSI S1.11–2004: “Specification for Octave-Band and Fractional-Octave-Band Analog and Digital Filters” (incorporated by reference, see § 571.5). “Band sum means the combination of Sound Pressure Levels (SPLs) from selected bands that produce an SPL representing the sound in all of these bands. Band sum is calculated with the following equation:
where SPLi is the sound pressure level in each selected band.”

In short, that means when you drive a Club Car or Garia LSV, it sounds like you’re in the Halo 3 lobby waiting for team deathmatch to start while you’re snacking on wavy Lays and French onion dip, so that’s something.

Now that definitions are over, let’s dive into what the State of Oklahoma and some of our wonderful cities have to say about golf cars and LSV’s.

STATE OF OKLAHOMA RULES

GOLF CARS

The State of Oklahoma Section 11-116 says that golf cars (they say golf carts, grr) may not be operated on any state highway except to cross in a county or municipality that has adopted an ordinance governing golf car usage. Again, if you have a golf car (four-wheel vehicle that cannot exceed 20mph), you cannot drive it on a state highway.

The state gives municipalities the freedom to pass resolutions or ordinances allowing the use of golf cars on city streets and can add whatever safety regulations they deem fit. Golf cars are not subject to state registration as they do not come with VIN’s (they have serial numbers).

In Oklahoma, you may only operate a golf car during daylight hours. If a county or unincorporated territory adopts a golf car ordinance, they must erect a sign on the roads where golf cars can operate, cautioning motorists of the possibility of golf car traffic.

Like most states, you must be 16 years old to drive a golf car. However, Oklahoma also includes a unique caveat to that rule: a kid between the ages of 12-16 years old may take a golf car safety education course or pass a proctored equivalency exam. They must keep a copy of the original certificate of completion with them while driving a golf car. #themoreyouknow

The question every golf car dealer gets asked is, “What do I need to make my golf car street legal?” That’s a loaded question. Per the State of Oklahoma, a golf car can only be made street legal if it is turned into an LSV, able to go up to 25mph, with all the safety features that the NTHSA requires. If you live in a city, it is up to your individual city ordinance, which you’ll find out more about below.

Club Car manufactures the Precedent, Villager, Tempo, and Onward to go 19mph or less to stay within the golf car regulations.

LSV’s

The State of Oklahoma treats LSV’s like a normal car or truck which means it must be titled and insured. However, you do not need to get them inspected, so that’s something. LSV’s can operate on state and federal highways as long as the posted speed limit is not greater than 35mph. Again, this means that you can drive an LSV on any state highway if the speed limit is 35mph or less.

LSV’s can only be operated by someone with a valid driver’s license and can be ticketed the same as if someone was driving a car without a license. Of course, driving while under the influence is still illegal.

Club Car manufactures the CRU and some Villager models plus the Garia Via as LSV’s, so they come straight from the factory with all the required safety features.

[SHAMELESS MARKETING PLUG] Clear Creek Golf Car has locations in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, OK, as well as locations across Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas. We have a huge selection of golf cars and LSV’s plus all the parts and accessories you need to make your golf car meet each municipality’s regulations. Our service department can install them for you and we offer pickup and delivery practically anywhere. Remember, for anything golf car, the choice is clear!

CITY RULES

Let’s dive into the fun part and look at the city ordinances that are currently on the books for Oklahoma. This is not an exhaustive list, so if you know of a city that has an ordinance for golf cars and/or LSV’s, send them our way.

Most of the cities listed have ordinances specifically for golf cars, meaning if you have an LSV and there is not an ordinance that specifically limits LSV’s, you need to follow the state and federal regulations. However, please don’t quote this blog if the police pull you over for driving an LSV through town…

Legal Disclaimer

Keep in mind this is a blog and not legal advice, so please contact your city or county officials to confirm their golf car and LSV ordinances. Blogs should always be treated as, “Oh, what interesting information that I should corroborate before I base all my life decisions on it.”

BLANCHARD

In 2021, the City of Blanchard established Section 18-307 to allow golf cars and ATV's access to city streets.

Owners must obtain a permit from the city; the fee is $25.
Must have proof of liability insurance.
Must be 16 years of age and older, with a valid driver’s license.
Cannot exceed 25 miles per hour.
Golf cars must have at least one clear headlamp attached to the front and one red taillight attached to the rear.
May not operate during the hours of 10pm-7am.
Operation is permitted upon the ditch bottom or outside bank of county or state highways which are configured within the corporate limits.

BROKEN BOW

Broken Bow enacted an ordinance that only allows physically disabled persons to operate golf cars on city streets. The writers of Broken Bow’s golf car ordinance earned their pay. Section 50-77 has multiple definitions backed up by links to other ordinances. #Respect. This is but a taste of their ordinance.

Any person operating a golf car upon a city street must be physically disabled and at least 16 years of age.
May operate on streets with speed limits no greater than 35 miles per hour.
No golf car may be operated at a speed greater than 20 miles per hour.
Golf cars must be operated to the extreme right of the roadway and must yield to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
May only be operated between sunrise and sunset.
Golf car must have a slow moving vehicle triangle.
Golf cars must be equipped with two lighted lamps, one on each side of the front of the golf car, visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of at least 200 feet in front of such golf car and two red lamps on the rear, one on each side, exhibiting a red light visible under like conditions from a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of such golf car.

CUSHING

The City of Cushing allows golf cars on city streets except for Linwood, Little, Highland, Kings Highway, Broadway east of Little, and Main. Find more details here.

Operators must have valid driver’s license and proof of liability insurance.
Golf cars must have daytime running lights, rear brake lights, turn signals, rearview mirror, locking brake, seat belts, horn, and manufacturer’s serial plate number.
Must be inspected by the police department to receive a certification sticker, which will be attached to the driver’s side of the golf car.
Golf cars can only be operated 30 minutes after sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset.

EL RENO

The City of El Reno takes a deep dive into the specific vehicles that are ok (golf cars, utility vehicles, mini trucks) and the types of vehicles that are not ok (ATV’s, trailbikes, mini bikes). Section 343-73 even invokes the authority of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, so you know they mean business.

Golf cars must be operated by a person 16 years of age or older who possesses a valid operators license.
May be operated during daylight hours only. Daylight hours are determined to be ½ hour after sunrise and ½ hour before sunset as listed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Must have a slow-moving vehicle emblem affixed to the rear of the golf car.
Golf cars must have seatbelts for each occupant.
Passengers under the age of 6 years old are restricted from riding in a golf car unless the operator is 21 years of age or older.
Golf cars may only operate on city streets with speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less.
Golf cars cannot be driven at speeds greater than 25 miles per hour.
Golf cars must be registered with the Police Department, purchase a permit, and carry liability insurance. The permit is good for 12 months.

EUFAULA

Eufaula enacted Section 15-659 to regulate golf cars on city streets. Eufaula stuck closely to the State of Oklahoma’s rules, only coloring outside the lines by adding the caveat that golf cars with lights can drive when it’s dark.

Golf cars may operate on authorized city streets during daylight hours only unless they have DOT approved headlights and taillights.
Operator must have driver’s license.
Must have proof of insurance.

GROVE

The City of Grove enacted Section 15-217 to give golf car owners guidance on where and how golf cars can be used on city streets. They even provide an official golf car map, which is incredible.

Golf cars may operate on designated city streets, alleys, and trails.
Golf cars cannot exceed 20 miles per hour.
Golf cars may only be operated during daylight hours.
Golf cars may not pass another vehicle being operated in the same direction of traffic or engage in a speed contest or race.

GUTHRIE

Ordinance No. 3339 allows golf cars to be used on Guthrie city streets.

Permits are issued by the police department and must be displayed on the left rear of the golf car. Permits must be renewed annually by January 1. The permit fee is $100.
Golf car operators must be 16 years of age or older and possess a valid driver’s license.
Seatbelts must be worn by all passengers.
No passenger under 13 years old is allowed to ride on a golf car unless the driver is 21 years or older.
Golf cars cannot be driven faster than 25 miles per hour.
Golf cars cannot operate on roads with a speed limit greater than 35 miles per hour.
Headlights must be illuminated at all times while operating the golf car.
Proof of liability insurance must be carried on the golf car at all times.

HOBART

The City of Hobart passed Section 75.28 in 2021 to allow golf cars on city streets.

Golf cars may only operate on city streets with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less and only during daylight hours.
Operator must have a valid driver’s license and carry proof of insurance.
Must have brake lights, turn signals, rearview mirror, seat belts, horn, windshield or goggles, and a manufacturer’s serial number plate.
Permits must be purchased for $10 after proof of compliance and inspection by the city.

HOLDENVILLE

The City of Holdenville created Section 76.25 to govern the use of golf cars on city streets.

Golf cars may only be operated during daylight hours and on authorized streets only.
Operator must be 16 years old or older with a valid driver’s license.
Operator must carry proof of liability insurance.
No seating modifications permitted including lift kits or passenger seating modifications. Only the number of passengers suggested by the manufacturer are allowed.
Golf cars must have reflectors on the back and a flag 8’ tall.
Permits are $10/day or $30/annually for county residents or $60/annually for non-county residents.

LAWTON & LAKE LAWTONKA & LAKE ELLSWORTH

The Lawton lake area provides for land recreational vehicles including golf cars to be used with limitations. Check out Article 19-6-606 for the details.

Golf cars may operate on city streets where the speed limit is 25 miles per hour or less and on non-paved areas surrounding the lakes that are designated for overnight camping and day use. Golf cars are prohibited in the primitive camping area except on the roadway serving the area.
Must obtain permit which includes issuance of three-inch ID number. The ID number must be displayed on the left and right side of the golf car and must be a color that contrasts with the color of the golf car.
The operator must be 14 years of age or older.
Must yield right of way to all pedestrians and human powered devices.
Golf cars may not be modified to go faster than manufacturer’s maximum speed.
Must have at least two headlights and one taillight which are visible to vehicular traffic.

MEDICINE PARK

The Town of Medicine Park created Section 44-9 to allow golf cars on city streets in 2020.

Operators must have a valid driver’s license and carry proof of liability insurance.
Unless suitably equipped for nighttime driving, golf cars may only operate during daytime hours.
Cannot travel on city streets with speed limits greater than 25 miles per hour.
Must register the golf car with the city clerk for a one-time fee within one week of acquisition. A copy of the registration must be kept in the golf car.
A decal will be provided and placed on the rear driver’s side of the golf car.

MIAMI

The City of Miami has ordinance on the books for Low Speed Vehicles but calls them golf cars. Confusing? We know. Sections 23-470 through 23-474 speaks in-depth on the rules and regulations. For more info on the difference between an actual golf car and a LSV, check out our definitions above. Again, for the purposes of Miami’s ordinance, they require a LSV but call it a golf car. Even though this is needlessly confusing, the bonus is they do not require you to register it other than to get a permit through the city.

Golf cars must have a permit issued by the city; the permit is $25. Golf cars will be registered with the Police department, where they will receive a decal to be placed on the top driver’s side windshield.
Permits must be renewed yearly on or before January 1.
Golf car owners must carry proof of insurance for the golf car.
Golf cars may operate on streets with speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less.
Operator of a golf car must be 14 years of age with a motorcycle endorsement or 16 years of age or older with a valid driver license.
Driver and each passenger must wear a seatbelt.
No passenger under the age of 13 is allowed to ride on a golf car unless the driver is 21 years of age or older.
Headlights must be on while operating on city streets.

OKEMAH

Okemah’s city council passed Section 6-10 in 2018 allowing for the use of golf cars on city streets and Okemah Lake roadways.

Must sign indemnification agreement to indemnify the city from any damages or injuries that result in the use of a golf car.
The golf car must be inspected by the police department and must have insurance coverage.
Operators must purchase a permit from the city clerk for $25. The permit must be renewed January 1 of each year and be displayed on the golf car.
Golf cars may only be operated during daylight hours only.
Drivers must be 16 years or older and have a valid driver license.
The golf car and driver must have a combined height of 4 feet. Any driver and vehicle less than 4 feet tall must have a 7’ safety pole with orange flag to be easily seen.

PIEDMONT

Piedmont’s Ordinance 15-1505 allows for the use of golf cars on city streets. We could only find the information on a Facebook post from the Piedmont Police Department, so it’s a little sparse on concrete information.

Golf cars may operate on city streets with speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less.
Golf cars may only operate during daytime hours.

STATE PARKS

A handful of state parks allow golf cars with the proper permit and permission from the park manager. The permits may come with a fee.

Golf cars may only be operated within the boundary of the designated state park during daylight hours.
Operator must possess a valid driver’s license.
May only operate on roadways with posted speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less.
Parks that allow golf cars include Cherokee Landing, Foss, Great Plains, Greenleaf, Lake Texoma, McGee Creek, and Sequoyah Bay. For information about parks not listed, contact the park directly.

WATONGA

The City of Watonga allows for golf cars under Section 15-1501. The city also allows side-by-sides and ATV’s, and only requires permits explicitly for side-by-sides.

Golf cars may be operated on city streets with a speed limit of 30 miles per hour or less or on streets located within the boundaries of a state park operated by the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.
Golf cars may only operate during daylight hours unless equipped with highway lighting equipment.
Operator must have a valid driver’s license.
Golf cars may not exceed 30 miles per hour.

WAUKOMIS

The Town of Waukomis allows golf cars on streets with several restrictions. Visit the website to fill out the permit application.

Must obtain a permit, which is valid January 1-December 31. The cost is $30.
May only operate during daylight hours. The permit must be placed on the bottom left driver’s side window.
Golf cars are allowed only on streets with speed limits of 25 miles per hour or less.
All drivers must have a valid driver’s license.
Golf cars must have a slow-moving triangle and a 6’ orange safety flag.
If the golf car comes with factory-installed seat belts, they are required to be used.
Golf cars may not exceed 25 miles per hour.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of municipal codes in Oklahoma for golf cars, but we’d like it to become one. If you know of any other cities with golf car or LSV ordinances, send them to trey@clearcreekgolfcar.com so we can keep this post updated. If your city is considering adding a golf car or LSV ordinance, have them reach out to us to answer any questions or refer them to this blog to see what other cities are doing.

ALSO CHECK OUT – Golf car ordinances for Missouri.

COMING SOON – Golf car ordinances for Arkansas and Kansas.

SOURCES

Enjoy some light reading.

http://www.oklegislature.gov/cf_pdf/2011-12%20INT/sb/sb1356%20int.pdf

https://golfcartresource.com/oklahoma-golf-cart-low-speed-vehicle-laws/

https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/eufaulaok/latest/eufaula_ok/0-0-0-6446

PSA_LakesGolfCarts.pdf (lawtonok.gov)

https://ecode360.com/14795219

https://www.okemahnewsleader.com/2018/11/14/golf-carts-and-all-terrain-vehicles-now-legal-on-city-streets/

https://library.municode.com/ok/miami/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH23TR_ARTXIIGOCAARRVEUTVE_S23-473PE

https://www.travelok.com/state-parks/faqs