Nevada Golf Cart Laws

Are Golf Carts Street Legal in Nevada?

Golf carts are street legal in Nevada only on streets approved by the local government, and a permit may be required in Clark County. You don’t need a permit if driving in daylight on approved access routes with a slow-moving vehicle emblem.

Nevada’s Legal Definition of a Golf Cart (NRS 482.044)

Nevada’s golf cart rules can be found in the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 482 (NRS 482.044). The official name of the chapter is: Motor Vehicles and Trailers: Licensing, Registration, Sales, and Leases.

In these rules, a golf cart is defined as:

“Golf cart” means a motor vehicle which:

• Has no fewer than three wheels in contact with the ground; and

• Is designed to carry golf equipment and no more than four persons, including the driver.

It’s also important to note that:

• This kind of vehicle doesn’t need to be used on a golf course to qualify as a golf cart.
• The state’s definition of golf cart varies from federal classifications.

Golf Cart vs. Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV): Key Legal Differences

Under Nevada law and federal regulation, there’s an important legal difference between a golf cart and a low-speed vehicle (LSV).

While they might be similar in appearance, different rules apply to them. These rules can be the difference in registration, safety equipment, insurance, and where they can be driven.

A low-speed vehicle is defined under 49 CFR §571.3 as a four-wheeled motor vehicle with a top speed of more than 20 mph but not more than 25 mph, and it must meet federal safety standards under 49 CFR §571.500. Nevada’s Rules of the Road under NRS Chapter 484B also apply to low-speed vehicles and golf carts when operated on public streets.

For reference, you can see what a low-speed vehicle looks like by visiting the GEM cars website.

In Nevada, you can only drive a golf cart on streets that have been officially approved by local governments, like those included in Las Vegas’s Schedule 28-I. (You can check out this map of golf cart streets in Las Vegas.) LSVs in contrast can be driven on public roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

Check out the table below that highlights some of the legal differences:

Table Disclaimer: This table provides general legal information under Nevada law and does not constitute as legal advice. Consult an attorney for case-specific guidance. Driving rules may vary by city or county.

For more information, the Nevada DMV also has a page dedicated to Golf Carts and Low Speed vehicles.

When a Golf Cart Becomes a Motor Vehicle Under Federal Law

If a Golf Cart is modified to be able to exceed 20 mph, it will be automatically reclassified as a low-speed vehicle.

This reclassification would then require mandatory features to be added to the vehicle. (Jump to Equipment Required section of table above)

Vehicle owners may face fines or registration denial if their modified cart doesn’t comply.

Where Can You Legally Drive a Golf Cart in Nevada?

Let’s review where a golf cart can be legally driven in Nevada.

Clark County and Local Street Approval (NRS 482.398 & Schedule 28-I)

In Nevada, you can drive golf carts on public streets in residential areas only if the county or local city has specifically approved those streets for golf cart use.

If the driver holds a valid license, no permit is needed to drive a golf cart in daylight on an approved route between home and a golf course. The cart must also display a slow-moving vehicle emblem. A DMV permit and additional equipment are required for driving on other streets.

You are only allowed to drive a golf cart on a public road without a permit if ALL of these are true:

• You’re only driving between your home and a golf course.
• You have a valid drivers license.
• You’re driving during daylight.
• Your golf cart has a slow-moving vehicle sign on it.
• You’re only driving between your home and a golf course on an approved access route.

Note: Not all golf cart approved streets are approved access routes. An “approved access route” is a special route between a home and a golf course, approved by the city or county for permit-free, daytime use. Approved access routes under NRS 482.398 are specifically designated for permit-free daytime travel between a home and a golf course. These may not be listed on public maps or be the same as golf cart approved streets (for example, those listed in Schedule 28-I for Las Vegas).

If you want to determine if you are allowed to drive your golf cart on a particular street, you can contact your City Office or City Traffic Engineer.

Las Vegas Code 11.41.010 – Permitted Routes

Las Vegas Code 11.41.010, “Golf Carts,” uses Schedule 28-I to list the streets where golf carts are legally allowed to be driven.

The allowed routes mainly cover streets that connect neighborhoods with golf courses.

Las Vegas Code 11.41.020 – Illegal Routes & Exceptions

Las Vegas Code 11.41.020 allows golf carts only on streets shown in Schedule 28-I. Driving on other streets isn’t allowed, except when crossing at an approved golf cart intersection.

Driving a golf cart outside of allowed areas may result in penalties.

Permit & Registration Rules

In Nevada, only counties with a population of 700,000 or more may issue DMV permits allowing golf carts to operate on designated streets.

Important: Only Clark County has over 700,000 residents. At this time, no other counties in Nevada are authorized to issue golf cart permits under state law. 

A permit is a sticker or paper from the DMV that lets you drive your golf cart on certain streets.

But here’s the deal:

• You can only drive a golf cart on streets that your local government says are okay for golf carts.
• If you’re just using the golf cart during the daytime to go between your house and a golf course on an approved path, you don’t need a permit.
• But if you want to drive your golf cart on any other approved street, you do need a permit.
• It is a violation of Nevada law to operate a golf cart on non-approved streets, even if you have a permit.

If you need a golf cart permit in Clark County, here’s what you must do:

• Get your golf cart checked at a DMV VIN Inspection Station
• Provide proof of insurance
• Ensure the golf cart has the required equipment (headlights, tail lamps, stop lamps, reflectors, mirrors, brakes, and a slow-moving vehicle emblem)
• Pay a $10 annual permit fee (permit expires on December 31)

Required Equipment for Street-Use Golf Carts

Now let’s review the required equipment for golf carts driven on public streets.

In Nevada, a golf cart must meet special equipment requirements only if a DMV permit is issued for use on approved public roads. DMV-issued permits are only available in Clark County (Las Vegas area).

In Clark County, a permitted golf cart must have:

• Headlights
• Tail lights
• Stop lamps
• Reflectors
• A mirror
• Brakes
• A slow-moving vehicle emblem

Each item must meet normal motor vehicle safety standards (NRS 482.398).

Outside Clark County, permits are not available under state law, so these permit-based equipment rules do not apply. You do still need the slow-moving vehicle emblem though.

Insurance and Driver Requirements for Street-Use Golf Carts in Nevada

To legally operate a permitted golf cart on public roads in Nevada, you must meet both insurance and driver licensing requirements.

Insurance Minimums

Starting July 1, 2018, Nevada’s minimum motor vehicle liability insurance coverage increased to: 

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person 
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident 
• $20,000 for property damage.

Class C License Requirement for Public Road Operation

Anyone operating a permitted golf cart or low-speed vehicle on a public road in Nevada must hold a valid Class C or higher driver’s license.

DUI and Drug Laws for Golf Carts

Under Nevada law, driving under the influence (DUI) laws apply to golf carts when operated on public roads or any area accessible to the public.

DUI Laws Apply to Golf Carts (NRS 484C.110)

It is illegal to operate a golf cart while under the influence of alcohol or drugs on a public road or premises accessible to the public. A driver is considered over the legal limit with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or if impaired by drugs.

Golf Course DUI? Yes, If the Public Has Access to the Premises

DUI laws apply even on private golf courses if the public has access, such as through membership, guests, or events. Any premises “to which the public has access” is covered under the statute.

Injured in a Golf Cart Incident?

If you’ve been injured in a golf cart-related accident, you may have legal options. Contact Winder Law firm today for a free consultation or check out our page on Golf Cart Accidents.