Maryland restricts golf cart use on public roads, except when crossing between golf course sections. Learn what’s legal statewide and in Crisfield.
In Maryland, the operation of golf carts on public roadways is generally prohibited. According to the Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), golf carts are not considered street-legal vehicles and cannot be driven on roads open to the public. The only exception statewide is when a golf cart must cross a road to access another part of a golf course that has been divided by a public street. Outside of this limited use case, golf carts are restricted to private property or specially approved areas.
The Maryland DMV classifies golf carts as recreational vehicles that are not designed for use on public roads. As such, they do not meet the safety or equipment standards required for street use. In most towns and counties, it is illegal to operate a golf cart on public streets, sidewalks, or highways, regardless of speed or distance.
Here are the key statewide rules:
On April 10, 2018, the city of Crisfield, Maryland, enacted a local law allowing golf carts on certain public streets within city limits, including some state and county roads. This makes Crisfield one of the few places in Maryland where it is legal to operate a golf cart outside of a golf course.
If you reside in or are visiting Crisfield, you should contact the local city hall or police department for the most current rules, permit requirements, and approved routes. Local laws may require safety modifications, insurance, or driver licensing for golf cart usage.
For Maryland residents looking for a street-legal alternative to golf carts, neighborhood electric vehicles offer a legal and practical solution. NEVs are small electric vehicles that resemble golf carts but are designed to meet federal and state regulations for road use.
To be legal in Maryland, a neighborhood electric vehicle must meet the following requirements:
NEVs are a popular choice in planned communities, retirement villages, and eco-friendly neighborhoods. They offer the convenience of a golf cart with the safety and legality of a street-ready vehicle.
Driving a non-registered golf cart on a public road outside of an approved area can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, and traffic citations. Law enforcement officers across Maryland are instructed to uphold the DMV’s guidelines on motor vehicle operation, including the use of recreational and low-speed vehicles.
Unless you're in a specially permitted area like Crisfield, golf cart use on public roads is illegal in Maryland. However, neighborhood electric vehicles provide a fully legal alternative, combining electric convenience with the safety equipment required for road use. Whether you're looking for a street-legal ride or just curious about your local rules, Tara Electric Vehicles has the right solutions for Maryland residents seeking efficient and compliant transportation.
