Ohio Golf Cart Laws (2025)

Yes, but only under specific conditions. Ohio law permits golf carts (classified as “under-speed vehicles”) on public roads only if local authorities have passed an ordinance allowing it on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or below. Additionally, the cart must be inspected, registered, and equipped with all required safety features, and the driver must be licensed and insured.

Yes. Ohio treats street-driven golf carts and LSVs as motor vehicles, so the operator must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver’s license. Driving a cart on public streets without a license can result in a citation.

Yes. Ohio requires liability insurance for any motor vehicle on public roads, including street-legal golf carts. You must carry proof of insurance when operating the golf cart on the road.

Yes – if the golf cart is being operated on public roads. Ohio law mandates seat belts for each seating position in a roadworthy cart or LSV. During the required inspection, functioning seat belts must be present for all occupants.

By design, an under-speed vehicle (golf cart) in Ohio cannot exceed 20 mph. Low-speed vehicles (modified carts or specialized models) can operate at 20–25 mph and are allowed on roads with speed limits up to 35 mph.

At least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license. Ohio law requires a driver’s license for any vehicle on public roads, and most cities enforcing golf cart use on streets adhere to the state’s minimum licensing age of 16.

First, confirm that your local jurisdiction allows golf carts on its roads. If so, the cart must be inspected by local law enforcement to ensure it has all required equipment (lights, mirrors, horn, windshield, etc.). Upon passing inspection, you can obtain a title and then register the cart with the BMV, receiving license plates. Note that a $5 inspection fee and proof of insurance are required in the process. Registration is not possible unless a local ordinance permits golf cart operation.

It must meet Ohio’s definition of a low-speed or under-speed vehicle. That means it should have a VIN, be capable of 20–25 mph, and be outfitted with all standard motor-vehicle safety equipment: headlights, tail/brake lights, turn signals, reflectors, windshield and wiper, horn, rearview mirror, seat belts, parking brake, and license plate illumination. The cart must pass a police inspection verifying these items and then be titled, plated, and insured before it’s legal to drive on public roads.