Arkansas Golf Cart Laws (2025)
Where and how golf carts are street-legal in Arkansas, including 25 mph speed limits, varies by ordinance (often 16 w/ license), and golf cart classification.
Key Facts
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Arkansas Golf Cart Law Map
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Overview
Arkansas law does not allow golf carts on state highways or city streets by default, but it grants cities and towns the power to authorize golf carts locally. In other words, whether golf carts are street legal in Arkansas depends on the city. Under Arkansas Code § 14-54-1410, any municipality can pass an ordinance allowing golf carts to be driven on city streets under specified conditions. Typically, such ordinances limit golf cart use to low-speed local streets and often only during daylight. Even when a city ordinance permits it, golf carts are generally not allowed on federal or state highways (or any road with a high speed limit) except to cross at designated intersections. Arkansas does have a definition for low-speed vehicles (which are treated like regular vehicles and must be registered), but the common scenario here is local-option golf cart use. So, within a city that has passed an enabling ordinance, golf carts can be street-legal according to that ordinance’s rules. Outside such areas, driving a golf cart on public roads in Arkansas is illegal.
County & Local Rules
- City Ordinances: Many Arkansas cities have taken advantage of §14-54-1410 to allow golf carts on certain streets. For example, the City of Bentonville permits golf carts on city streets with speed limits of 25 mph or less, provided the carts have a safety flag and the driver is licensed. Hot Springs Village (a large gated community) also allows carts on its private roads. On the other hand, cities like Little Rock and Fayetteville do not generally allow golf carts on public streets (no ordinance in place), so carts remain illegal there.
- Restrictions in Ordinances: Common local rules include requiring the cart to display a bright orange safety triangle or flag, equipping the cart with headlights and taillights (if operated after dark, though some places restrict to daylight only), and sometimes requiring a city permit/decal on the cart. Ordinances also often limit cart operation to licensed drivers (typically 16+). For instance, a town might say “licensed drivers 16 or older may operate golf carts on residential streets from sunrise to sunset, with a city permit.”
- Enforcement: If you’re in a town that hasn’t passed an ordinance, the assumption is golf carts are not street legal there. Local police in non-ordinance areas will stop golf carts on public roads. Conversely, in towns that allow them, you must strictly follow the ordinance conditions - e.g., stay on approved streets, don’t exceed any posted cart speed limits, and carry proof of any required permit or insurance as mandated by the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about golf cart laws and regulations in Arkansas.
Are golf carts street legal in Arkansas?
Only if your city says they are. Arkansas state law itself does not directly allow golf carts on public streets, but it lets municipalities authorize them by local ordinance. So in a city or town that passed a golf cart ordinance, they can be street legal under the conditions of that ordinance. If you’re outside such an area, then no – golf carts are not street legal on public roads in Arkansas by default. It really comes down to local law.
Do you need a driver's license to drive a golf cart in Arkansas?
If required by local ordinance, yes (and most do require it). State law leaves rules like this to the cities, and nearly all towns that legalize golf carts insist that only licensed drivers (at least 16 years old) operate them on the road. This is for safety and liability reasons. So while Arkansas state law doesn’t explicitly say “license required” for golf carts, any city ordinance allowing carts will almost certainly mandate a driver’s license. Always check your local ordinance, but assume you do need a license.
Do you need insurance for a street legal golf cart in Arkansas?
Arkansas state law doesn’t specifically mandate insurance for golf carts, but if your city requires a permit to drive one on the streets, the city might require you to have liability insurance. Many Arkansas municipalities do require golf cart owners to carry insurance and even show proof of it when obtaining a local permit or decal. Even if not explicitly required, it’s highly recommended to have insurance – if you’re in an accident on a public road, you’ll want that coverage. Check your city’s ordinance: it may list insurance as a requirement for on-road golf carts.
Are seat belts required in golf carts in Arkansas?
This will depend on local regulations. Arkansas does not have a statewide requirement for seat belts on golf carts (since they’re not standard equipment on carts), but some city ordinances might require seat belts if the golf cart has them installed or if they classify the cart as a low-speed vehicle. Generally, most city rules focus on basic safety equipment like lights, reflectors, and maybe a horn. Seat belts are less commonly mandated on golf carts in local ordinances here. However, if you have retrofitted seat belts on your cart, it’s certainly recommended to wear them. Always follow whatever equipment rules your city ordinance outlines.
How fast can a street legal golf cart go in Arkansas?
Most ordinances in Arkansas don’t allow golf carts to go particularly fast – typically the cart’s top speed will be around 20–25 mph. Golf carts are usually designed with a max speed of about 15-20 mph. To be considered a low-speed vehicle (LSV) under federal rules, it can’t exceed 25 mph. Cities generally restrict golf carts to streets with low speed limits (often 25 or 30 mph streets). So practically, a street-legal golf cart in Arkansas will be driven at 20 mph or so. Going much faster would likely reclassify the vehicle or violate local law. In short: keep it under 25 mph, and usually on roads posted 35 mph or below (many cities specify 25 mph roads for cart use).
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in Arkansas?
That depends on the city’s ordinance, but almost all require the driver to be a licensed driver, which in Arkansas means 16 years or older. Some communities might allow a permitted 14- or 15-year-old with supervision, but that would be unusual. The vast majority say 16 with a driver’s license. If a town doesn’t specify, a good rule of thumb is you must have a license, which implies at least 16. So effectively, the minimum age in practice is 16 in most places that allow it.
How to register a golf cart in Arkansas?
Arkansas does not have a state registration for golf carts the way it does for cars or LSVs. Instead, if your city allows golf carts on streets, you’ll likely have to register the cart with the city or obtain a local permit. For example, a city may require you to bring your cart to the local police department or city hall for an inspection, show proof of insurance, and then you get a permit sticker to put on your cart. There is no license plate for a golf cart (unless it’s an LSV, which would be titled through the state DMV). So, check with your city administration: you’ll follow their procedure (often an annual permit or one-time fee) to “register” your golf cart for local street use.
What are the requirements for a street legal golf cart in Arkansas?
Requirements are set at the local level, but common ones include: the golf cart must have operational headlights and taillights (especially if allowed at dusk), a reflective slow-moving vehicle triangle or flag, and often a horn or warning bell. The cart typically must be capable of safe braking and steering. Cities often require a safety inspection by a designated official and issue a permit decal for the cart. The driver must be licensed, and sometimes the city will require proof of insurance. Also, usage might be limited to daylight hours and only on streets below a certain speed limit (e.g., “allowed on streets 25 mph or less, and only cross higher speed roads at intersections”). Each city’s ordinance will spell out the exact equipment and rules, so you should refer to local regulations. In all cases, you cannot drive on state or federal highways, and you must obey all normal traffic laws while driving the cart.
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