Learn how golf cart and neighborhood electric vehicles are regulated in Arkansas, including when registration is required and how to legally upgrade your golf cart for street use.
In Arkansas, the use of golf carts on public roads is determined by local jurisdictions. State law permits cities and towns to authorize golf cart operation on local public streets, provided those roads are not designated as federal highways, state highways, or county roads.
If your municipality allows golf carts on public streets, you are permitted to drive them without registering the vehicle as a motor vehicle and without obtaining a traditional driver’s license or permit. However, this only applies to non-upgraded golf carts and roads explicitly authorized for such use by the local governing body.
Each city or town may adopt ordinances to govern golf cart usage. These ordinances may include:
It is essential to check with your local city or town clerk’s office to verify whether golf carts are allowed on public streets in your area and what specific conditions apply.
To operate a golf cart on roads not covered by local ordinances or to expand street legality, you must upgrade it to a neighborhood electric vehicles. In Arkansas, NEV are defined as four-wheeled motor vehicles capable of speeds greater than 20 mph but not exceeding 25 mph. To qualify as an NEV, your golf cart must meet federal and state equipment requirements, including:
Once upgraded, the vehicle must be registered through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) and meet all motor vehicle insurance requirements. The minimum liability insurance coverage required in Arkansas includes:
Additionally, the operator must hold a valid driver’s license and follow all traffic laws applicable to motor vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that vehicles originally manufactured to go faster than 20 mph are considered motor vehicles and must comply with federal safety regulations. This means your upgraded golf cart must also meet standards for lighting, mirrors, crashworthiness, and more.
In Arkansas, golf cart laws vary by locality, so always check with your city or town for specific rules. If you want broader street access, consider converting your cart into a compliant neighborhood electric vehicles. By meeting equipment, registration, and insurance requirements, you can drive legally and safely on many Arkansas roads.
