Nebraska Golf Cart Laws (2025)

Only in very limited situations. Nebraska law allows golf carts on public roads only if a local government says so, and primarily next to golf courses or on certain low-speed streets. Specifically, a city/village can let golf carts run on roads adjacent to a golf course, or more broadly on streets with ≤35 mph limits via ordinance. If that happens, it’s typically daylight-only and within city limits. Outside of that, golf carts are not street legal. In short, unless your town has an ordinance, you cannot drive a golf cart on public streets in Nebraska.

Yes. Nebraska explicitly requires that any person operating a golf cart under these provisions hold a valid Class O operator’s license (a standard driver’s license). So you must be a licensed driver – no exceptions for younger teens. Additionally, the owner must have liability insurance on the golf cart and be able to prove it if asked by law enforcement.

Yes, if it’s being driven on public streets. Nebraska law mandates liability insurance coverage for any golf cart operated on the road under these ordinances. When you register the golf cart with the city (if required) or if an officer stops you, you need to show proof of insurance just like you would for a car. Essentially, the state treats it like a motor vehicle in terms of insurance responsibility when on the road.

No, Nebraska does not require seat belts on golf carts. Golf carts are exempt from many vehicle equipment standards due to their special category. The law focuses on operational limits (time of day, road type) and driver/license/insurance requirements, but it does not add new equipment mandates beyond perhaps a safety flag or slow-moving emblem if locally required. Most golf carts don’t have seat belts installed, and the state law does not demand retrofitting them for road use.

Nebraska’s rules effectively cap golf cart speed at 20 mph. By definition, the local ordinance scenario is for “golf car vehicles,” which are typical golf carts designed not to exceed about 20 mph. Furthermore, they’re restricted to streets with 35 mph or lower limits. If a cart goes faster than 20–25 mph, it would likely be considered a different category of vehicle (like a low-speed vehicle or mini-truck) and need to meet those regulations instead. So practical top speed: ~20 mph.

At least 16 years old, since you need a Class O driver’s license. There’s no special younger-driver provision. So essentially the driving age is the same as for a car – 16 (or 17, if you consider that’s when a full license is usually obtained). But definitely, a 14- or 15-year-old without a license cannot drive a golf cart on public roads.

Nebraska does not require state registration (DMV license plates) for golf carts used under these provisions. Instead, the law requires local registration: the city or village that allows golf carts will typically issue a permit or decal. For example, you might apply at the city office, provide proof of ownership, insurance, and your driver’s license, and then receive a permit decal to affix to the cart. The state law also requires the city to provide a map of approved roads when you register (although that detail was from Mississippi’s similar process; Nebraska’s law is that the city sets where you can drive). So, check with your local city hall for their permit process. You won’t get a Nebraska title or plate for a golf cart – the permission is local. Also note: you must keep proof of insurance and your license with you when driving the cart.

If allowed by local ordinance, the requirements are: (1) The golf cart can only operate during daylight (sunrise to sunset). (2) It must stay on streets posted 35 mph or below – and usually only within the municipal limits or near a golf course. (3) The driver must be 16+ with a valid driver’s license and carry that license while driving. (4) The owner/driver must have liability insurance on the cart and carry proof of it. (5) The cart can’t be driven faster than 20 mph (that’s inherent to it being a “golf cart”). (6) Typically, the cart should display a slow-moving vehicle emblem or flag if driving on public roads (many local ordinances require this for visibility). And (7) you may need to get a local permit or decal from the city and pay any permit fee. Golf carts are also generally expected to have standard safety features working (good brakes, for instance). They don’t need full car equipment like windshield, turn signals, etc., but if it’s dark early or cloudy, having headlights and taillights is smart though not strictly mandated because you’re not supposed to drive them at night. Always comply with any specific rules your city includes in its ordinance.