Washington Golf Cart Laws (2025)

Only in specific areas. Washington State law lets cities or counties create “Golf Cart Zones” on roads with speed limits of 25 mph or lower, and only within those zones are golf carts legal on the street. If you’re outside of a designated golf cart zone, it is not legal to drive a golf cart on public roads. So, a golf cart is street legal only if you are in a locality that has established a golf cart zone and you abide by the zone’s rules.

Washington’s law says the driver must be at least 16 and have either a completed driver’s education course or prior driving experience as a licensed driver. In practical terms, that means you should have a driver’s license. (If someone 16 took driver’s ed but somehow has no license, that might technically satisfy the law, but typically, yes, a license is required.) So plan on needing a valid driver’s license when operating a golf cart in public golf cart zones.

State law (RCW 46.08.175) does not explicitly require insurance for golf carts in a golf cart zone, and since the carts aren’t registered with the state, the usual auto insurance mandate doesn’t directly apply. However, many cities that allow golf carts strongly encourage or even require liability insurance via their local ordinance. It’s wise to carry insurance regardless – if you’re in an accident, you’ll want coverage. Check the local golf cart zone regulations: some places in WA do require proof of insurance as part of getting a golf cart zone permit.

Yes, if you’re driving on public roads in a designated zone. Washington law specifically requires that golf carts operating in golf cart zones be equipped with seat belts (as well as reflectors and mirrors). This was written into the state statute to improve safety. So you’ll need to have seat belts installed and use them. (Most newer golf carts in street use are being retrofitted with seat belts to comply.)

In a Washington golf cart zone, the roads are limited to 25 mph or below, so that’s the environment you’re in. Golf carts themselves usually top out around 15–20 mph. By definition under Washington law, a “golf cart” isn’t supposed to go above 20 mph or so. If it went much faster, it would probably be considered a different type of vehicle. So expect your cruising speed to be about 20 mph. And, of course, you must obey the posted speed (likely 25 mph or less) even if the cart could possibly go a bit faster downhill.

At least 16 years old. The state law explicitly requires a minimum age of sixteen for operating a golf cart in a designated zone. Additionally, the person must have completed driver’s ed or have been a licensed driver. So practically, 16 with a driver’s license is the threshold.

You don’t register golf carts through the DMV in Washington for on-road use. Instead, if you’re in a city/county with a golf cart zone, you should see if the local government requires a golf cart permit or decal. The state law allows cities to require an identifying decal on approved golf carts. Typically, you’d apply with the city or county – possibly providing your info and proof of driver’s license (and maybe insurance if they require it) – and then you’d get a decal to stick on the cart. There is no state license plate or title for a golf cart. (If you were to convert the cart into a fully compliant Low-Speed Vehicle and seek DMV registration, that’s a different process, but then it’s no longer just a ‘golf cart’ per se. Most people stick with the local permit system.)

Within a golf cart zone, the golf cart must have seat belts, rearview mirrors, and reflectors per RCW 46.08.175. It also must be operated by someone 16 or older who has completed driver training (effectively a licensed driver). The cart can only be driven on streets posted 25 mph or below, and only in the specific area designated by the local ordinance. While not explicitly stated, it’s advisable that the cart have headlights and taillights if you plan to use it near dawn/dusk – though many jurisdictions simply forbid night use of carts (they often specify no operation from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise). Additionally, the cart should display a slow-moving vehicle emblem if required by the city (some golf cart communities do, even if state law doesn’t mandate it for carts). Always check the local golf cart zone ordinance for any extra gear like flags or specific lighting – but seat belts, reflectors, mirror, and the 25 mph road limit are the big ones statewide.