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

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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 forget 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 Missouri and some of our wonderful municipalities have to say about golf cars and LSV’s.

STATE OF MISSOURI RULES

GOLF CARS

The State of Missouri Section 304.034 says that golf cars (they say golf carts, grr) may not be operated on any state or federal highway but can cross a state or federal highway if the highway’s posted speed limit is not greater than 45 miles per hour. 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 necessary. Some of these cities have taken that to heart and added some super specific regulations (we’re looking at you, Lamar).

Golf cars are not subject to state registration as they do not come with VIN’s (they have serial numbers).

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 Missouri, a golf car can only be made street legal if it is turned into an LSV which means being 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 we’ll discuss below.

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

LSV’s

The State of Missouri treats LSV’s like a normal car or truck and 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 you can drive an LSV on any state highway if the speed limit is 35mph or less.

Both golf cars and 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.

Remember, any golf car that is upgraded to go faster than 20mph will legally be counted as an LSV and must meet all the State’s listed requirements.

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.

CITY RULES

Let’s dive into the fun part and look at the city ordinances that are currently on the books for central and southwest Missouri. 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.”

** Clear Creek Golf Car has locations in Ozark, Lamar, Osage Beach, and West Plains, MO; Rogers and Little Rock, AR; and Oklahoma City and Tulsa, OK. 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! #shamelessplug

CAMDENTON

The City of Camdenton, similar to Versailles, does not allow golf cars on their streets, but allows LSV’s, but calls them golf carts. It has a very telenovela feel to it. However, Camdenton one-ups Versailles by requiring the operator to wear a helmet (no mention of passengers wearing helmets) and setting the speed limit to 20mph (instead of the federally regulated 25mph).

A golf cart which may be operated on the streets, roads and alleyways of the City shall be classified as a low-speed vehicle (LSV).
All golf carts classified as low-speed vehicles shall be manufactured in compliance with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standards for low-speed vehicles. Golf carts operated on City streets shall conform to safety standards as outlined in 49 CFR 571.500c.
The golf cart shall be currently registered and licensed pursuant to City ordinances.
Any individual operating a golf cart shall have a valid operator's or chauffeur's license, but is not required to pass an examination for the operation of a motorcycle.
The golf cart shall be properly insured and such proof of insurance shall specifically list the vehicle as referenced by the serial number and year of model.
Any individual operating a golf cart shall be at least eighteen (18) years old.
Any individual operating a golf cart shall wear a securely fastened safety helmet on his or her head.
Any individual operating a golf cart shall wear a properly fastened seat belt.
The golf cart shall be operated at a speed of less than twenty (20) miles per hour pursuant to Section 304.034, RSMo.
The golf cart shall have a bicycle safety flag, which extends not less than seven (7) feet above the ground, attached to the rear of the vehicle; the flag shall be day-glow colored and shall be triangular shaped, with an area not less than thirty (30) square inches.
No individual operating a golf cart shall operate the golf cart between the hours of official sunset and sunrise, unless the golf cart is properly equipped with headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals.
No individual operating a golf cart shall operate the golf cart on any Federal, State or County highways, except to cross.
No individual operating a golf cart shall cross any Federal or State highway at an intersection where the highway being crossed has a posted speed limit of more than forty-five (45) miles per hour.

CARL JUNCTION

Carl Junction allows golf cars on city streets with few restrictions.

The individual operating the golf cart shall be at least sixteen (16) years of age and have a valid operator's or chauffeur's license; Ord. No. 21-30, 8-3-2021
The individual operating the golf cart on streets shall maintain financial responsibility for operation of such golf cart in accordance with Section 390.140 of this Code as if said golf cart was a motor vehicle registered in this State.
No person shall operate a golf cart on streets under the jurisdiction of the City of Carl Junction between the hours of official sunset and sunrise unless the golf cart is properly equipped with headlights, taillights and brake lights.
No person shall operate a golf cart on any Federal, State or County highways except to cross.
No person shall operate a golf cart to cross any Federal or State highway at an intersection where the highway being crossed has a posted speed limit of more than forty-five (45) miles per hour.

ELDON

The City of Eldon allows golf cars on their streets but refers to them as Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROHV’s). State statutes differentiates golf cars from ROHV’s, so if operating in the city limits of Eldon, you have to go by the city’s interpretation.

All listed ROHVs will be required to adhere to all applicable traffic laws issued by the City of Eldon, within the City limits of Eldon.
All listed RHOVs are required to display a City of Eldon permit. This permit allows access to all streets, roads and highways within the City limits of Eldon. All ROHVs must have the valid City permit clearly affixed in a visible location on the ROHV.
Passengers in excess of the maximum number of designed seating for the ROHV will result in a summons for violation of this Chapter, or revocation of permit could occur.
Any individual operating an ROHV shall have a valid operator's or chauffeur's license, but is not required to pass an examination for the operation of a motorcycle.
Any individual operating an ROHV shall be at least sixteen (16) years of age.
An ROHV must have a fully functional roll-over protection bar and seat belts for operator and all passengers if provided when manufactured;
Seat belts must always be worn when the vehicle is being operated on public roadways if provided when manufactured.
Above the ground or slow-moving vehicle signage must be attached to the rear of the vehicle. A flag shall be day-glow colored and shall be triangular shaped, with an area not less than thirty (30) square inches.
All ROHVs will be required to have headlights, taillights, and brake lights, a roll cage and seat belts to operate after dark. Seat belt use shall be required at all times. No ATVs such as four-wheelers with an open top may be used on any City street at any time.
Any individual operating a golf cart with a passenger under the age of seven (7) years must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
A golf cart may only be utilized during daylight hours which will be thirty (30) minutes after sunrise and thirty (30) minutes before sunset. No golf cart may be used during nighttime hours.
The City Collector shall hereby be designated as the City official with the authority to issue special use permits for utility vehicles and golf carts on a form prescribed and approved by the City Collector and City administration within the City and a $15.00 fee shall be collected by the official upon issuance of the permit. No permit shall be issued until the fee is paid. Within five (5) days after the receipt of said fees, the official shall deliver the fee collected to the City Treasurer who shall deposit the fees in the general fund of the City. A $35.00 inspection fee will also be charged for a total of fifty dollars ($50.00) per ROHV.
No person shall operate an ROHV or golf cart until and unless it has been registered with the City Collector, and to register a person must also provide proof of financial responsibility covering the operation of any ROHV or golf cart on public roads in an amount at least equal to the minimum limits of insurance coverage amounts set forth by the Missouri Revised Statutes as they may be amended from time to time.
The permit is only valid for the operation of an ROHV or golf cart within the City limits of the City of Eldon, Missouri.

KIMBERLING CITY

Kimberling City, sitting on beautiful Table Rock Lake near Branson, passed Ordinance 340.110 allowing the use of golf cars, side-by-sides, ATV’s and other recreational vehicles on city streets.

All must register with the City each calendar year or at change of ownership at a cost of $15 dollars and attach permit sticker to rear of vehicle where it is visible.
All must be insured and such proof of insurance shall specifically list the vehicle by serial number and year of model.
Any individual operating these vehicles must be at least fifteen years old and have a valid state issued permit or driver’s license and obey all rules and regulations of said permit or driver’s license.
All shall have a flag not less than 30 square inch in size and extend no less than 7’ feet above the ground and be day glow colored.
Any vehicle, except golf cart, that has no roll bar or roll cage must wear helmet on his or her head.
All must wear seat belts if vehicle is equipped with them.
All must operate at a speed of no more than 20 miles per hour.
Operate during daylight hours only unless equipped with headlights, taillights, and turn signals.
No person shall authorize or knowingly permit any above vehicle or golf cart owned or under his or her control to be operated on streets who is not authorized.
No operating any of the above on James River Rd or State Highway 13 except to cross at intersection.

The City of Kimberling City makes sure to include a note that any violation of the ordinance may result in a fine up to $300 and/or fifteen days in jail, so make sure to contact them with any questions.

LAKE OZARK

Lake Ozark’s Board of Aldermen passed their ordinance in 2019 to allow golf cars on certain city streets. They specifically exclude side-by-sides and ATV’s.

Golf carts can only be operated on city streets posted with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. Carts may not be operated on Bagnell Dam Blvd. (except during special events, Welsh Road from W Road to Bluebird Road; Lighthouse Road from W. Road to Mockingbird Road and Lakeland Road.)
Golf carts cannot be operated on a state highway except to cross at an intersection where the speed limit is less than 45 miles per hour.
Golf carts cannot be operated at more than 20 miles per hour.
Golf carts cannot have a combination of drive and passenger(s) than is rated by the manufacturer.
Drivers of golf carts must have a valid driver’s license from the state of residence.
Golf carts must follow all other pertinent ordinances and state traffic laws.
Golf carts operated on public streets are required to have a seat belt or approved safety harness for any passengers under 12 years of age.
Golf carts must be operated with headlights and taillights from one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunset. All such vehicles must be equipped with headlights and taillights.
Golf carts must display a fluorescent flag or slow-moving vehicle safety triangle, and a rearview mirror that allows the driver to see vehicles directly behind or to either side.
Before a golf cart is operated on a public road, the owner must have the golf cart inspected by the Lake Ozark Police Department and pay a one-time $30 registration fee and display the registration permit on the cart.

LAMAR

The City of Lamar has ordinance 46-171 for golf car usage. You must have the police department inspect the golf car and take the inspection slip to the city clerk.

Not operate at speeds greater than 20 miles per hour.
Operate in the far right-hand lane of traffic, and if the roadway is sufficient, operate to the extreme right.
Only operate between sunrise and sunset.
Not cross state or federal highway unless it intersects with a municipal street.
Not cross highway with speed limit greater than 45 miles per hour.
Must have a slow-moving triangle and a 7' tall bicycle flag attached to the rear.
Must have at least one working headlight and not less than two working taillights which show red to the rear at a distance of 200 feet and which shall be lit while the golf car is in operation.
Must have at least one rear view mirror.
Must have a working horn.
If equipped with a bed, the bed may only be allowed to transport goods.
Operators must carry insurance coverage with a minimum of $25,000 for bodily injury or death to one person, $50,000 for injury or death to two people, and $10,000 for injury or destruction of property. Proof of insurance must be carried on the golf car.

You also can't use it to tow a trailer, which is a unique ordinance. Permits must be renewed annually on or before January 1 and the cost is $6. Permits are free for veterans, residents 55 and older, and disabled people.

NIXA

In 2018, the Nixa City Council passed an ordinance allowing the use of golf cars on city streets. Ordinance 20-400 gives these regulations for golf car usage:

Golf carts may be operated on city streets where the speed limit does not exceed 25 mph.
Operators may cross excluded streets, but otherwise may not operate on any excluded street.
Golf cart may not be operated on any state highway.
All operators must have a valid state operator's license. (section 20-221)
All operators must have a valid City of Nixa permit attached to the rear of the golf cart. (section 20-401)
All operators and passengers shall be seated while the golf cart is in motion.
All operators and passengers shall be restrained by seat belts or child safety seats.
All golf carts must be operated in a safe and responsible manner.
All golf carts may be operated during daytime hours only.
Golf carts may not be operated at speeds in excess of 20 mph.
All golf carts must be insured and proof of insurance must be available upon request. To obtain a permit, you must provide your insurance company and policy number.

Nixa’s golf car permit fee is $15.00 per calendar year, meaning if you buy the permit in December, you’ll have to buy the next year’s permit in January. To get more information and purchase your permit, visit the link below.

https://www.nixa.com/golf-cart-permit/

OSAGE BEACH

Osage Beach Board of Alderman passed Municipal Code Chapter 390 to allow golf cars and utility vehicles to operate on certain city streets.

Must have headlamps and taillights when operating between sunset and sunrise.
Must have reflex reflectors: one red on each side as far to the rear as practicable, and one red on the rear
Must have an exterior mirror mounted on the driver's side of the vehicle or an interior mirror.
Must have a parking brake
Must have a horn or alert sound mechanism
Must have a bicycle safety flag, which extends not less than seven feet above the ground, attached to the rear of the vehicle. The bicycle safety flag shall be triangular in shape with an area of not less than thirty square inches and shall be dayglow in color.
Do not operate any golf cart on any roadway with a speed limit posted above 30 mph.
Do not operate the golf cart on any federal, state or county highways, except to cross.
No golf cart shall cross any federal, state highway, or city street at an intersection where the highway being crossed has a posted speed limit of more than 45 miles per hour.
Golf carts are prohibited on the following City streets:
1. Nichols Road between Osage Beach Parkway and Dude Ranch Road. Passover Road between Osage Beach Parkway and Parkwood Circle. Bluff Drive between Osage Beach Parkway and Sunset Drive.

REPUBLIC

In 2024, the City of Republic created ordinance 340.125 for golf cars and utility vehicles on city streets.

The golf car cannot exceed 20 miles per hour.
Driver must be 16 years of age or older and have a valid driver's license.
If the golf car does not have turn signals, the driver must use proper hand signals to indicate upcoming turns or changes in direction of travel.
If being operated after daylight hours, the golf car must have two properly functioning headlights and at least one properly functioning taillight and brake light.
If the golf car is equipped with original manufaturer-installed seat belts, occupants must use them while in motion.
The driver must abide by all traffic regulations that apply to vehicular traffic on authorized streets and parking areas of the City.
Restricted streets include Elm Street, Main Avenue, Hines Street, Lynn Avenue, Miller Road, Boston Lane, Bailey Street, Hampton Avenue, West Avenue, O'Neal Road, Kansas Avenue, Oakwood Avenue (from U.S. Highway 60 to Kentwood), and Illinois Avenue.

Permits are issued annually by the police department at the cost of $15 cash per golf car. They don't make change.

VERSAILLES

The City of Versailles does not allow golf cars to be operated on their streets but do allow LSV’s with various stipulations. To make it more confusing, the city ordinance calls them golf carts after specifically saying they have to be LSV’s. Clearly the authors of the ordinance do not have a deep and abiding love for the subtleties of small four-wheeled vehicle classification.

A golf cart which may be operated on the streets, roads and alleyways of the City shall be classified as a low-speed vehicle.
All golf carts classified as low-speed vehicles shall be manufactured in compliance with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standards for low-speed vehicles. Golf carts operated on City streets shall conform to safety standards as outlined in 49 CFR 571.500c.
The golf cart shall be currently registered and licensed pursuant to City ordinances.
Any individual operating a golf cart shall have a valid operator's or chauffeur's license, but is not required to pass an examination for the operation of a motorcycle and any individual who is handicapped and who has a handicapped parking permit issued by the State of Missouri displayed on the golf cart during its operation on City streets.
Any individual operating a golf cart shall be at least eighteen (18) years old.
The golf cart shall be operated at a speed of equal to or less than the City's posted speed limit.
If the golf cart is not equipped with turn signals, the operator must use hand signals when executing turns.
No person shall operate a golf cart on City streets during any period when his or her operator's license is suspended or revoked because of an alcohol-related offense.
Prior to operating a golf cart on the City streets, roads or alleyways of the City, except to travel to the point of inspection, a golf cart must be inspected by a member of the City Police Department.
The inspection shall be conducted to insure that the golf cart meets all State, Federal and City regulations and safety requirements to include an inspection of the brakes and other requirements established by the Chief of Police.
Upon passing the inspection requirements and the payment of a one-time fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00), the City shall issue a City license sticker to be affixed to the left front exterior panel of the golf cart. In the event an operator trades for a different golf cart, the City shall issue a new sticker to be affixed to the new golf cart after the new golf cart has been inspected as aforesaid.
No individual operating a golf cart shall operate the golf cart between the hours of official sunset and sunrise, unless the golf cart is properly equipped with headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals.
No individual operating a golf cart shall operate the golf cart on any Federal, State or County highways, except to cross.
No golf cart shall cross any Federal or State highway at an intersection where the highway being crossed has a posted speed limit of more than forty-five (45) miles per hour.

WARSAW

The City of Warsaw does not allow golf cars (no mention of LSV’s) on their streets, although they make exceptions.

No person shall operate a golf cart upon the streets of the City except as follows:
Golf carts used with prior permission of the Board of Aldermen for civic public events, parades or other processions within a limited area for the transporting of:
1. Individuals responsible for or carrying out the organizational details of the event; Objects procured by the public; Governmental personnel within the respective duties during the event; Individuals with disabilities.

WEST PLAINS

According to a KY3 news story from 2016, West Plains abides by the State of Missouri regulation for golf cars and LSV’s; the only ordinance they added says that people driving golf cars must have a valid driver’s license.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of municipal codes in the Ozarks 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, feel free to have them reach out to us to answer questions they may have or refer them to this blog to see what other cities are doing.

ALSO CHECK OUT – Golf car ordinances for Oklahoma.

COMING SOON – Golf car ordinances for Arkansas and Kansas.

SOURCES

Enjoy some light reading.

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

https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=304.034&bid=16212&hl=golf+cart%u2044

https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=304.029&bid=16207&hl=low-speed+vehicle%u2044

https://one.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/rulings/lsv/lsv.html

https://www.nhtsa.gov/interpretations/zozloski1635

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-V/part-571/subpart-B/section-571.141

https://www.nixa.com/golf-cart-permit/

https://ecode360.com/30693809