New Jersey Golf Cart Laws (2025)

Only if they qualify as Low-Speed Vehicles. In New Jersey, a typical golf cart is not street legal unless it’s upgraded to meet LSV requirements (top speed >20 mph, safety equipment, etc.). LSVs are street-legal and treated like motor vehicles, but must be registered with the MVC and are generally limited to roads with 25 mph speed limits.

Yes. NJ law requires a valid driver’s license to operate an LSV on public roads. In fact, any operation of a motor vehicle (including LSVs) on public streets in NJ requires the driver to be licensed. Unlicensed operation of a golf cart on public roads is not permitted.

Yes. An LSV must be insured just like any other vehicle. NJ MVC stipulates that LSVs must carry auto insurance coverage and be titled and registered. Operating an LSV without insurance would violate NJ’s motor vehicle financial responsibility laws.

Yes, for an LSV they are. New Jersey adopts federal safety standards for LSVs, which include having seat belts at each seating position. The MVC specifically lists a seat belt assembly as required equipment for LSVs. So any street-legal LSV (golf cart) in NJ must be equipped with seat belts.

New Jersey limits Low-Speed Vehicles to 25 mph by definition. They are built to travel no more than 25 mph on level ground. LSVs cannot be driven on any road with a speed limit over 25 mph (except in special cases up to 35 mph if specifically permitted).

At least 16 years old and in possession of a valid NJ driver’s license. There’s no special golf cart permit – they fall under motor vehicle rules. NJ’s driver licensing age (17 for a basic license, 16 for a permit/probationary license with restrictions) means practically a 16-year-old with the appropriate license can drive an LSV.

To register an LSV in NJ, you must title it through NJ MVC like any car. You’ll need the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (or existing title), proof of insurance, and then you can apply for title and registration. The MVC will issue a special LSV license plate. Note that a standard golf cart (not meeting LSV specs) cannot be registered. It must be converted or manufactured as an LSV (electric, VIN present, meets safety features) to qualify.

It must meet NJ’s definition of a Low-Speed Vehicle. That includes: attainable speed >20 mph but ≤25 mph, electric motor only (no gas carts allowed for LSV classification), and compliance with federal LSV safety standards (headlamps, turn signals, tail/brake lights, reflectors, mirrors, windshield, parking brake, seat belts, and a VIN). Additionally, it must be registered, insured, and have an LSV license plate. Municipalities may also require a slow-moving vehicle decal stating “25 mph Vehicle” on the back.