Hawaii Golf Cart Laws (2025)
Where and how golf carts are street-legal in Hawaii, including 25 mph speed limits, 16 with driver’s license, and neighborhood electric vehicle (nev) classification.
Key Facts
Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV)
Hawaii Golf Cart Law Map
Embed This State Map
Copy the snippet below to display the interactive Hawaii golf cart laws map on your site. It resizes to fill its container automatically.
Overview
Hawaii only allows neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) – which are essentially street-legal golf carts that meet federal Low-Speed Vehicle standards – on public roads. Gasoline-powered or unmodified golf carts cannot be registered or driven on streets. NEVs in Hawaii may travel up to 25 mph and are restricted to roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or below. They must carry a notice of their operational restrictions and be equipped with required safety features (headlights, turn signals, mirrors, seat belts, etc.). The driver must hold a valid driver’s license (minimum age 16) to operate an NEV on public highways. In short, a golf cart must be upgraded to NEV status (electric, <3,000 lbs, federally compliant) to be street-legal in Hawaii; standard golf carts are not street legal here.
County & Local Rules
- No County Variances: Hawaii’s NEV law is statewide. There are no city-specific golf cart ordinances because any street use must involve a vehicle meeting the NEV definition.
- Resort Usage: In resort areas (like Ko Olina on Oahu or certain Big Island resorts), you may see golf carts on paths or crossing roads, but these are typically private property or specially permitted situations. Public road use remains limited to NEVs with license plates.
- Enforcement: Hawaii requires NEVs to be registered just like any car (with an “NEV” designation). Police will ticket unregistered golf carts on roads, and gasoline carts cannot be registered at all (the DMV won’t issue plates since they can’t meet NEV safety standards).
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about golf cart laws and regulations in Hawaii.
Are golf carts street legal in Hawaii?
Only if the golf cart qualifies as a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV). Hawaii law prohibits regular golf carts on public roads. An NEV – which is a type of low-speed vehicle with a top speed of 25 mph and required safety equipment – is street legal on roads 35 mph or under. Standard golf carts (especially gas-powered ones) are not street legal in Hawaii.
Do you need a Hawaii driver's license to drive a golf cart on the street?
Yes. Operating an NEV (street-legal golf cart) in Hawaii requires a valid driver’s license, just like driving a car. The minimum age is 16 with a license. (Hawaii’s driving age is 16 for a full license.) Unlicensed drivers cannot drive a golf cart on public roads.
Do you need insurance for a street legal golf cart in Hawaii?
If your golf cart is registered as an NEV for street use, it must be insured just like any other motor vehicle. Hawaii’s mandatory auto insurance laws apply to NEVs. Standard golf carts (not street legal) are usually not insurable for road use because they can’t be registered.
How fast can a street legal golf cart go in Hawaii?
By law, Neighborhood Electric Vehicles in Hawaii can travel up to 25 mph. They’re limited to that top speed for safety. Also, they’re only allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less, so you’ll be driving them at relatively low speeds in neighborhoods.
Can I drive a gas-powered golf cart on Hawaii roads if it’s slow?
No – Hawaii does not allow gas golf carts on public roads. The only way a golf cart-like vehicle is legal is if it’s an electric NEV that meets all safety standards. Gasoline golf carts cannot be registered (they can’t get the required 17-digit VIN), so they cannot be made street legal in Hawaii.
How do I register a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle in Hawaii?
You must register an NEV with the Hawaii DMV just like a car. You’ll need to provide the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin or title, and ensure the vehicle meets NEV safety standards (windshield, seat belts, etc.). Once registered, it will have a license plate. Remember, only electric vehicles that meet federal LSV specs (49 CFR 571.500) can be registered – typical golf carts usually do not qualify.
Stay Updated with Golf Cart News
Get the latest updates on golf cart services, tips, and exclusive offers delivered to your inbox.