Scottsdale Golf Cart Laws (2026)
Scottsdale, Arizona golf cart laws: Permitted (25 mph max, age 16+). Where to drive, LSV rules, and local ordinances.
Key Facts
Overview
Scottsdale allows golf carts on public roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less under Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-777. The city also has designated "Golf Cart Zones" in downtown and Old Town for commercial cart operations. Golf cart communities like McCormick Ranch, Gainey Ranch, DC Ranch, Grayhawk, and Troon North all have low-speed residential streets where cart use is common. Carts must be registered as Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) with ADOT, carry liability insurance, and meet federal safety equipment standards for on-road use.
Scottsdale Local Rules
How Scottsdale rules differ from Arizona state law
- Golf carts may only operate on roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less
- Carts must be registered as Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) with ADOT Motor Vehicle Division
- Arizona's mandatory minimum liability insurance required: $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury, $15,000 property damage (25/50/15)
- A valid Arizona driver's license is required (same as for a car)
- Carts must meet federal LSV safety standards including seat belts, headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, horn, rearview mirror, and rear reflectors
- Golf carts are prohibited in bike lanes and on sidewalks
- Downtown Golf Cart Zones in Old Town require commercial operators to complete a city Transportation Cart Orientation
- Major arterials like Scottsdale Road (45-55 mph), Shea Boulevard, Camelback Road, and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard are off-limits
- Carts used exclusively on private property or golf courses do not require registration or insurance
Where to Drive in Scottsdale
- Old Town / Downtown Scottsdale - designated Golf Cart Zone for commercial and private use on side streets
- McCormick Ranch - master-planned community with 25+ miles of paths and two 18-hole courses
- Gainey Ranch - gated community with three 9-hole courses; residents use carts to access Estate Club
- DC Ranch - 33+ miles of trails and paths; carts popular for accessing Market Street
- Grayhawk - two public courses (Talon and Raptor); community roads are cart-friendly
- Troon North - Monument and Pinnacle courses; cart use on community paths
- Prohibited: Scottsdale Road (45-55 mph), Shea Boulevard, Camelback Road, Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, Pima Road, Princess Drive
Street-Legal Equipment
Common equipment needed to make your golf cart street-legal in Arizona. Requirements vary by locality—check your local regulations.
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Tips for Driving in Scottsdale
- Most practical cart use in Scottsdale is within residential communities and resort areas where road speeds are 35 mph or below
- Major arterials like Scottsdale Road are posted well above 35 mph and are completely off-limits to carts
- If you're renting a golf cart for an Old Town tour, confirm the operator has completed the city's Transportation Cart Orientation
- Private communities (DC Ranch, Gainey Ranch, McCormick Ranch) may have their own cart rules on top of city/state law
- Carts not driven on public roads don't need ADOT registration or state-mandated insurance
- Adjacent Paradise Valley has a stricter 25 mph threshold, so check local rules if crossing municipal boundaries
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about golf cart laws in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Are golf carts street legal in Scottsdale?
Yes, but only on roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less. Carts must be registered as Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) with ADOT, carry liability insurance (25/50/15 minimum), and the driver must have a valid Arizona driver's license.
Do you need a license to drive a golf cart in Scottsdale?
Yes. A valid Arizona driver's license is required to operate a golf cart on any public road. The minimum age is 16.
Do you need insurance for a golf cart in Scottsdale?
Yes, if you drive on public roads. Arizona's mandatory minimum auto liability applies: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident bodily injury and $15,000 property damage. Carts used only on private property or golf courses do not need insurance.
Where can you drive a golf cart in Scottsdale?
On any public road with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. This includes residential streets in communities like McCormick Ranch, DC Ranch, and Gainey Ranch, plus side streets in Old Town/Downtown. Major arterials like Scottsdale Road, Shea Boulevard, and Camelback Road are off-limits.
What equipment does a golf cart need to be street legal in Scottsdale?
For on-road use, carts need headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, a horn, rearview mirror, rear reflectors, seat belts, and a valid license plate from ADOT registration. A windshield is recommended but not explicitly required for LSVs in Arizona.
Can you drive a golf cart at night in Scottsdale?
Yes, provided all required lighting is operational. Arizona law requires lighted lamps between sunset and sunrise. Headlights must be visible from a reasonable distance and tail lamps must emit red light visible from at least 500 feet.
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