Mississippi Golf Cart Laws (2025)

Only if you’re in a municipality that has passed a local ordinance permitting it. Mississippi’s state law does not blanket-authorize golf carts on every road – it gives cities the discretion to allow them on city streets via ordinance. If your town has adopted such an ordinance, then yes, a golf cart can be street legal there under the local rules. Absent that local approval, golf carts are not street legal on public roads in Mississippi.

Yes. Mississippi’s law requires any person driving a golf cart or low-speed vehicle on public roads under the ordinance to have a valid driver’s license (or at least a temporary permit) on them. Simply put, you must be a licensed driver (minimum age 16) to operate a golf cart on the street.

Yes. The law specifies that a golf cart or LSV operated on public roads under a municipal ordinance must have proof of financial responsibility (liability insurance) just like a car. Additionally, when you register the golf cart with the city, you have to show proof of insurance. Driving without insurance would violate both the ordinance and state motor vehicle liability laws.

Mississippi’s statutes themselves don’t explicitly mandate seat belts for golf carts. However, if the vehicle qualifies as a low-speed vehicle (>20 mph and up to 25 mph), then it must meet federal LSV safety standards which include seat belts. For a typical golf cart (limited to 20 mph) operating under a local ordinance, the local authorities may set equipment requirements. Many municipal ordinances require basic safety features like headlights, taillights, reflectors, and mirrors. Seat belts may not be required on a true golf cart unless it’s been modified to LSV specifications.

By definition in Mississippi, a golf cart is a vehicle that cannot exceed 20 mph, whereas a low-speed vehicle can go over 20 but not more than 25 mph. So a street-legal golf cart in Mississippi will top out around 20 mph (if it goes faster, it’s considered an LSV and must meet higher standards). Also, even with local permission, you can only drive these vehicles on roads with relatively low speed limits (and never on highways), so their operation is kept slow.

At least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license. The law demands a licensed driver for operation on public roads, and in Mississippi a regular driver’s license is available starting at 16. There’s no special provision allowing younger teens or unlicensed people to drive golf carts on roads – it’s treated similarly to driving a car in terms of licensing.

If your city allows golf carts on its roads, you must register the golf cart with the city (not with the state DMV). Mississippi’s law says the vehicle must be registered with the city and display a decal issued by the local tax collector. To do this, you typically go to your city hall or county tax office with proof of ownership, your driver’s license, and proof of insurance, and pay the local registration fee (the law allows a “reasonable fee” to cover administrative costs). Once you receive the decal, it must be affixed to the golf cart. This city registration doesn’t expire under state law (it remains valid as long as you own the cart), though some municipalities might require updates. Note: If a golf cart is upgraded to meet LSV standards, you would go through the regular DMV to title and tag it as a motor vehicle, but standard golf carts are only registered locally.

First, your municipality must permit golf carts by ordinance and you must obtain the city’s permit/decal. The cart must be insured and you (the driver) must have a valid driver’s license. When operating, you can only drive on approved streets (generally those where bicycles may ride, and never on roads over maybe 35 mph or any state highways). The ordinance can set equipment requirements – typically, a slow-moving vehicle emblem or flashing light might be required for visibility, and possibly headlights or taillights for safety. In practice, many Mississippi towns require the cart to have basic safety equipment: good brakes, rearview mirror, reflector or flag, etc., to ensure it can be seen. If it’s classified as a low-speed vehicle (going 21–25 mph), it additionally would need to have automotive safety equipment like headlamps, turn signals, windshields, seat belts, and a 17-digit VIN. Always check the specific local ordinance for details, since requirements can vary from town to town.