New Mexico Golf Cart Laws (2025)

Only if they meet the definition of a Neighborhood Electric Car (a type of LSV). A typical golf cart (gas-powered or unmodified electric) is not street legal on public roads. However, if the golf cart is electric and equipped to be an NEC – meaning it can go 20–25 mph and has all required safety equipment – then it can be registered and driven on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

Yes, on public roads. New Mexico requires the driver of an NEC/LSV to have a valid driver’s license. In fact, the NEC provisions explicitly say it may be driven by an individual with a valid driver’s license on qualifying streets. (On private property, no license is legally required, but on public streets it is.)

Yes. An NEC must be registered as a motor vehicle, so it falls under the same insurance requirements as any other vehicle. New Mexico mandates liability insurance for registered vehicles. Additionally, when titling an NEC, you must show proof of insurance at registration.

If it’s being operated as an NEC/LSV, yes. New Mexico adopts the federal LSV standards (49 CFR 571.500) which require seat belts for each seating position. The state’s equipment list for NECs includes seat belts, headlights, turn signals, tail/brake lights, mirrors, a windshield, parking brake, speedometer, odometer, and a VIN. So a golf cart converted to street legal must have seat belts.

New Mexico’s Neighborhood Electric Cars are limited to 25 mph by design. They must be able to go more than 20 mph but less than 25 mph on level ground. That’s their top speed. They’re only allowed on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less, and cannot legally go faster than 25 mph.

At least 15 with a driver’s license (New Mexico offers a provisional license at 15). The law requires a valid driver’s license, so a licensed 15-year-old (with a provisional or learner license, if properly supervised per NM’s graduated licensing rules) could operate an NEC. Practically, unsupervised operation would require a provisional or full license, which is usually 15½ or 16.

Only an NEC/LSV can be registered. To register one, you need to obtain a title (Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin must indicate it’s a “Neighborhood Electric Car”). The vehicle must pass a VIN inspection and meet all equipment requirements. You then submit a title and registration application (Form MVD-10002), pay the registration fees, and provide proof of insurance. The MVD will issue a license plate just like for a regular car. Standard golf carts without NEC designation cannot be registered in NM.

It must be an electric vehicle with four wheels, capable of 20–25 mph, and meet federal LSV safety standards. New Mexico specifically requires: headlights, tail lights, stop lights, front and rear turn signals, reflex reflectors, a parking brake, an interior and exterior mirror, a windshield, a speedometer and odometer, seat belts, a horn, and a VIN tag (basically all equipment in 49 CFR 571.500) for the vehicle to qualify. It must then be titled, insured, and registered as a Neighborhood Electric Car with the MVD.