Pinehurst Golf Cart Laws (2026)

Pinehurst is one of the most famous golf destinations in the world, home to Pinehurst Resort and its nine courses, including the legendary No. 2 course that has hosted multiple U.S. Opens. The Village of Pinehurst passed Ordinance § 71.17 to allow golf carts on public streets, and the registration process is straightforward: pay a one-time $20 fee at Village Hall, get a sticker for the front and rear of your cart, and receive a map showing approved crossings and restricted roads. The two major restrictions are NC-211 and US 15-501, which carts cannot travel along but can cross at signalized intersections.

• Golf carts may operate on village streets with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less
• Golf carts may NOT operate on or alongside NC-211 or US 15-501 within the corporate limits
• Golf carts may only cross NC-211 and US 15-501 at signalized intersections
• A one-time $20 registration fee is required at Village Hall (395 Magnolia Road)
• Registration stickers must be displayed on both the front and rear of the cart
• Carts must have the basic equipment supplied by the manufacturer, including a vehicle identification or serial number
• Rearview or side view mirrors are required
• Lights are required if operating before sunrise or after sunset
• A valid driver's license is required under North Carolina law
• Golf carts may NOT be used as a taxicab, bus, or for commercial carrying of passengers or hauling of freight
• Golf carts must display a current, valid village-issued sticker to operate on or alongside village streets

• Village streets - most residential streets within the Village of Pinehurst are approved for golf cart use
• NC-211 (Midland Road) - prohibited; carts may only cross at signalized intersections
• US 15-501 - prohibited; carts may only cross at signalized intersections
• Pinehurst Resort - nine golf courses with dedicated cart paths; the resort is the center of the community
• Village of Pinehurst commercial area - shops and restaurants accessible by cart on village streets
• Approved crossing map provided at registration showing every allowed intersection for NC-211 and US 15-501

• Register your cart at Village Hall (395 Magnolia Road). You will receive your sticker, a copy of the ordinance, and a map of approved crossings. The $20 fee is one-time, not annual
• The sticker must go on both the front and rear of your cart. Operating without a visible sticker can result in a citation
• NC-211 and US 15-501 are the two main roads you need to plan around. Study the crossing map so you know which signalized intersections to use
• If you plan to drive before sunrise or after sunset, your cart must have working lights. This is a common issue during winter months when days are shorter
• Commercial use of golf carts is prohibited. You cannot use your cart as a taxi or to haul freight on village streets
• Pinehurst Resort cart paths are separate from village streets. Course carts stay on the resort property; your personal cart stays on village roads