Idaho Golf Cart Laws (2025)
Where and how golf carts are street-legal in Idaho, including 25 mph speed limits, 16 with driver’s license, and low-speed vehicle (lsv) classification.
Key Facts
Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV)
Idaho Golf Cart Law Map
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Overview
Idaho law allows two categories of small vehicles on public roads. First, Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) (electric vehicles that go 20–25 mph and meet federal safety standards) are legal statewide on roads with speed limits up to 35 mph. These LSVs must be registered, insured, and driven by a licensed driver. Second, golf carts (typically max 20 mph and lacking some safety features) are not generally street-legal unless a city or county passes a local ordinance to allow them on specific low-speed roads. Even with local permission, unmodified golf carts cannot exceed 20 mph and usually aren’t required to be registered with the DMV (Idaho law exempts golf carts with top speed <20 mph from state registration). All operators must be licensed drivers (16 or older). Essentially, an Idaho city can let you drive a golf cart around town on 35 mph or lower streets, but without that local ordinance you would need to stick to a fully street-legal LSV.
County & Local Rules
Boise & Major Cities: Most larger Idaho cities do not* allow regular golf carts on public streets. Instead, you’ll find LSVs (often referred to as NEVs) being used, which require registration and plates.
- Smaller Towns: Many smaller Idaho towns and resort communities have local ordinances for golf carts. These typically limit carts to city streets with speed limits of 25 mph or 35 mph, require a safety flag or slow-moving vehicle emblem, and often require the cart to be driven only during daylight. For example, the City of Meridian notes that golf carts must obey all traffic laws and only cross higher-speed roads at designated crossings.
- Local Registration: Some municipalities may require a golf cart to be inspected and issued a local permit (but it’s not a state DMV registration). Always check city code – operating a cart without a required local permit could result in a citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about golf cart laws and regulations in Idaho.
Can I drive a golf cart on the street in Idaho?
Only in certain situations. If it’s a fully equipped Low-Speed Vehicle (with lights, seat belts, etc., and goes 20–25 mph), yes – you can drive it on roads ≤35 mph anywhere in Idaho. If it’s a regular golf cart (top speed <20 mph), it’s only allowed where a city or county has specifically OK’d golf carts on local roads. Without local permission, driving a golf cart on public streets is illegal.
Do golf carts need to be registered in Idaho?
Standard golf carts that top out under 20 mph do not require Idaho DMV registration (and in fact the DMV won’t register them). However, a true low-speed vehicle (20–25 mph) does need to be titled and registered as a motor vehicle. Also, if your city allows golf carts, you might need to get a local permit or sticker from the city.
What are Idaho’s equipment requirements for street-legal golf carts?
For an LSV in Idaho, it must have all the required federal safety equipment: headlights, brake lights, turn signals, reflectors, mirrors, windshield, seat belts, and a VIN. A plain golf cart (if allowed locally) should at least have basic safety features like lights and reflectors if driven after dark (and many cities mandate a fluorescent safety flag on the cart). Always check local ordinance – they may set specific equipment rules for golf carts.
Can I drive a golf cart in Idaho without a driver’s license?
No. Idaho requires anyone operating a motor vehicle on public roads – including golf carts and LSVs – to have a valid driver’s license. State law specifically says LSVs can be driven only by licensed drivers. And any city ordinance allowing golf carts will also insist on the driver being licensed.
What is the difference between a low-speed vehicle and a golf cart in Idaho?
In Idaho law, an NEV/LSV is a four-wheeled vehicle that goes >20 mph but ≤25 mph and meets federal safety standards – these must be registered and are treated like cars (allowed on ≤35 mph roads). A golf cart is usually incapable of >20 mph and often lacks some safety features. Idaho doesn’t require golf carts (under 20 mph) to be registered and generally prohibits them on public roads unless a local government allows it. Also, LSVs are typically electric and have a VIN, whereas a golf cart might be gas or electric and often has no VIN.
Are there any special insurance requirements for golf carts in Idaho?
If it’s a registered LSV, yes – you need liability insurance just as you would for a car. If it’s an unregistered golf cart being driven under a local ordinance, Idaho state law doesn’t mandate insurance, but many insurance companies offer golf cart policies and some cities might require you to carry insurance to get a local permit. It’s a good idea to insure any cart you drive on public roads, even if not explicitly required.
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