Arkansas Golf Cart Laws (2026)

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.

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.

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.

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.

Arkansas state law does not set one statewide numeric speed limit for locally authorized golf carts. The local ordinance controls the permitted streets and any operating speed or vehicle-speed cap. Many ordinances keep carts on low-speed streets and typical golf carts operate around 15-20 mph, but you should use the specific city code rather than assuming a statewide 25 mph rule.

That depends on the city’s ordinance. Arkansas state law authorizes municipal golf cart ordinances but does not create one statewide driver age or license rule for ordinary golf carts. Many cities require a licensed driver, but the correct minimum age is whatever the local ordinance says for that community.

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.

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.