Can You Drive A Golf Cart On The Road In Maryland?
In Maryland, golf carts can be driven on public roads only if modified to meet street-legal Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) standards per state law. They must have headlights, seat belts, mirrors, and a maximum speed of 25 mph. Usage is restricted to roads with speed limits ≤30 mph, and regulations vary by county—for example, Worcester County permits beach-area carts, while Montgomery County bans road use entirely. Registration as an LSV with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) is mandatory.
What Are Maryland’s Golf Cart Laws by County?
What defines a street-legal golf cart in Maryland?
A street-legal golf cart in Maryland must comply with LSV specifications under Maryland Transportation Code § 11-136. This includes functional headlights, taillights, turn signals, rearview mirrors, seat belts, a windshield, and a speed capability of 20–25 mph. The cart must also have a 17-character VIN and pass a state safety inspection.
To qualify as an LSV, golf carts need mechanical upgrades beyond factory specs. For instance, adding a speed governor ensures the cart doesn’t exceed 25 mph, while DOT-approved tires improve road traction. Pro Tip: Install LED lights instead of incandescent ones—they’re brighter and draw less power from the battery. Did you know carts used in retirement communities often skip full LSV conversions? That’s because private roads don’t require state compliance. However, if you’re crossing public intersections, strict adherence is non-negotiable. For example, in Ocean City, police routinely check carts for working turn signals before allowing beachfront road access.
Requirement | Golf Cart | Maryland LSV |
---|---|---|
Max Speed | 15 mph | 25 mph |
Seat Belts | Optional | Mandatory |
Registration | Not Required | Required |
Which roads permit golf cart usage in Maryland?
Golf carts converted to LSVs can only operate on roads with speed limits ≤30 mph, unless crossing higher-speed roads at designated intersections. Local exceptions exist—for example, in Somerset County, carts are banned from state highways but allowed on neighborhood streets. Coastal zones like Assateague Island have separate rules for beach access routes.
Maryland’s road permissions hinge on jurisdictional policies. While state law sets the 30 mph baseline, counties can impose stricter limits. Take Howard County: carts are restricted to daylight hours and prohibited within 1 mile of schools. Practically speaking, always check local ordinances before driving. Pro Tip: Use Maryland’s MVA online portal to verify approved roads using your LSV’s license plate number. A common mistake? Assuming rural areas are more lenient—but Garrett County tickets unauthorized cart use on county roads aggressively. For instance, a Deep Creek Lake resident faced a $500 fine for driving an unregistered cart on a 35 mph road last summer.
How do you register a golf cart as an LSV in Maryland?
Registration requires a title application, proof of insurance, and a passed safety inspection from an MVA-authorized garage. Fees total $135 initially, plus annual renewals of $52. Non-titled carts must first apply for a bonded title via the Maryland State Police.
The process starts by visiting a Maryland MVA office with your cart’s Bill of Sale and Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO). If the cart lacks a VIN—common in older models—you’ll need a VIN inspection by the police. Pro Tip: Schedule inspections early; wait times exceed two weeks in busy areas like Baltimore. Transitioning from a standard cart to an LSV also demands updating your insurance policy—a 2023 State Farm quote showed a 60% premium hike post-conversion. For example, a converted Club Car in Annapolis costs $280/year for liability coverage versus $100 for unmodified carts.
Do You Need a Driver’s License to Drive a Golf Cart in Michigan?
Are there age or license requirements for drivers?
Drivers must hold a valid Maryland driver’s license—learners permits are insufficient. No minimum age exists, but under-18 drivers need parental supervision. Rental companies often impose stricter rules, like requiring renters to be 21+ with a clean driving record.
Maryland enforces these rules to align LSVs with standard vehicle regulations. Imagine letting a 14-year-old drive a cart on a road shared with cars—it’s a liability nightmare. Police can issue citations for unlicensed operation under TR § 16-101, with fines up to $500. Pro Tip: Carry your physical license; digital copies aren’t accepted during traffic stops. For example, a St. Michaels rental agency revoked a tourist’s cart access after he presented only a passport, lacking a Maryland-issued license.
State | Minimum Age | License Required? |
---|---|---|
Maryland | 16 | Yes |
Florida | 14 | No (supervised) |
Texas | 15 | Yes |
What safety equipment is mandatory?
Maryland mandates headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, mirrors, windshield, and seat belts. Carts must also have a horn, reflective warning triangle, and parking brake. Aftermarket kits like the Street Legal Golf Cart Bundle ($399) cover all essentials except installation labor.
Beyond basic gear, consider retroreflective tape on the sides for nighttime visibility—it’s not required but reduces collision risks. Pro Tip: Test brake light functionality monthly; corroded connectors are a common failure point. Did you know some owners add backup cameras? While optional, they’re invaluable given LSVs’ limited rear visibility. For instance, a Frederick County driver avoided a pedestrian collision by using a $50 wireless camera from Amazon.
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FAQs
No—Maryland prohibits golf cart and LSV use on sidewalks, bike paths, or pedestrian zones. Violations incur fines up to $150.
Does Maryland require insurance for golf carts?
Yes, if registered as an LSV. Minimum liability coverage is $30,000 for injury/death per person and $15,000 for property damage.