Minnesota Golf Cart Laws (2025)

Not by default. Minnesota state law does not generally allow golf carts on public roads. However, local governments can pass ordinances to let motorized golf carts operate on designated roadways under a permit system. In towns that have done this, a permitted golf cart can be street legal on specific low-speed streets during permitted times (typically daylight hours). Without a local permit ordinance, you cannot drive a golf cart on public streets in Minnesota.

Yes. Practically all local ordinances in Minnesota require a golf cart operator to have a valid driver’s license (usually 16 or older). State law implies that any person operating under a permit must be legally licensed. For example, a typical city ordinance will say you must be a licensed driver (some even set a minimum age of 18) to get a golf cart permit.

Minnesota’s state statute for local-authorized golf carts (Sec. 169.045) doesn’t explicitly mention insurance. However, many municipalities do require proof of liability insurance to issue a golf cart permit. It’s advisable to carry insurance regardless. If the golf cart is modified and registered as a motor vehicle (as a homemade LSV, for example), then insurance would be mandatory like any other vehicle.

Not typically for a standard golf cart operating under a local permit – state law even exempts permitted golf carts from most vehicle equipment requirements except a slow-moving emblem and any equipment the local ordinance demands. Because golf carts aren’t required to meet federal vehicle safety standards in this context, seat belts are usually not mandated. That said, if a local ordinance or permit condition requires certain safety features (mirrors, lights, etc.), operators must comply. Generally seat belts are not installed on traditional golf carts, but if one were converted to an LSV, it would need seat belts to meet LSV standards.

There’s no specific numeric speed limit for golf carts in the state law, but practically they are slow-moving vehicles. Most local ordinances cap golf cart speed around 20 mph or simply require they not impede traffic. They’re only allowed on streets with low posted speed limits (often 30 mph or less) and must yield to other vehicles. So expect a street-legal golf cart in Minnesota to travel around 15–20 mph at most. Faster operation would likely require the vehicle to be registered as a different class (like an LSV) and not just a permitted golf cart.

Local rules vary, but generally at least 16 years old with a driver’s license. Many Minnesota cities require permit applicants to be a licensed driver, often 18 or older. The state statute itself doesn’t set a specific age, deferring to the local ordinance. As a rule of thumb, you must be old enough to hold a valid Minnesota driver’s license.

Minnesota doesn’t register golf carts as motor vehicles for road use. Instead, if your city allows golf carts on streets, you obtain a local permit from the city. That usually involves filling out an application, providing proof of driver’s license (and sometimes insurance or a doctor’s note of capability), and paying a small fee. The cart may need a slow-moving vehicle emblem and any required equipment per the local ordinance. You don’t get a state license plate for a golf cart. Only if you extensively modify the cart to meet all vehicle requirements and classify it as an LSV (with VIN, lights, etc.) would you go through state registration – but then it’s no longer just a golf cart.

They are set by local ordinance. Generally, to get a golf cart street-legal under a permit, it must have a slow-moving vehicle emblem and possibly a flag or lights as required by the city. The operator must have a valid driver’s license and often must obtain a city permit which might require a safety check. Operation is limited to certain streets (usually 35 mph or less) and only from sunrise to sunset unless the cart has headlights/taillights. The golf cart should be in good working order (brakes, steering) and insured if the local rules mandate it. Always check the specific requirements your city or county has enacted, since state law leaves the details to local governments.