Kentucky Golf Cart Laws and Regulations for Street Use

Learn how golf cart and neighborhood electric vehicles are regulated in Kentucky, including permitting, inspection, and where you can drive legally on public roads.

Definition of a Golf Cart in Kentucky

Under Kentucky law, a golf cart is defined as a self-propelled vehicle that meets the following criteria:

• Designed for transporting players or equipment on a golf course or for maintenance use
• Has at least four (4) wheels
• Has a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour
• Seats no more than six (6) persons, including the driver
• Has a gross vehicle weight of no more than 2,500 pounds
• Has a rated payload capacity not exceeding 1,200 pounds
• Complies with the federal safety standards for low-speed vehicles under 49 CFR sec. 571.500

Local Permitting and Inspection Requirements

To legally operate a golf cart on public roadways in Kentucky, you must obtain a permit issued by the local government (city or county). This permit must be displayed in a clearly visible location on the golf cart at all times.

Additionally, your golf cart must be inspected by a certified inspector designated by the county sheriff’s office and authorized by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. This inspection ensures that the vehicle meets all state-mandated safety and equipment standards.

Where You Can Drive

Once permitted and inspected, golf carts in Kentucky may operate only on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. You may not legally drive a golf cart on federal highways, state highways, or any road exceeding the 35 mph limit, except to cross them at a 90-degree angle when necessary.

Driver Requirements and Operation Times

All golf cart operators must have a valid driver’s license. Furthermore, Kentucky law restricts golf cart operation to daylight hours only, specifically from sunrise to sunset. Driving a golf cart at night, even with lights, is not permitted.

Registration and Title Exemptions

Unlike traditional motor vehicles, golf carts that are operated in compliance with Kentucky’s golf cart laws do not require:

• Vehicle title documentation
• Motor vehicle registration
• Emissions compliance certificates

However, if a golf cart is modified to meet the criteria of a neighborhood electric vehicles and is capable of exceeding 20 mph, it must comply with all applicable federal and state motor vehicle laws, including registration, titling, insurance, and equipment requirements.

Golf Carts vs. Neighborhood Electric Vehicles

It’s important to distinguish between traditional golf carts and NEV. While golf carts are limited to local roads and require only a local permit, NEV must meet more stringent safety standards and can typically operate on roads with posted speed limits up to 35 mph. To upgrade a golf cart to an NEV, it must be equipped with:

• Headlights and tail lights
• Brake lights and turn signals
• Mirrors and a windshield
• Parking brake and seat belts
• A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Conclusion

Kentucky offers clear guidelines for the legal operation of golf carts on public roads. If you want more flexibility and access to higher-speed streets, upgrading your vehicle to a neighborhood electric vehicles may be the solution. Always ensure your vehicle meets local inspection and permitting requirements before driving on Kentucky streets.