Street-Legal Golf Cart Equipment Checklist

Our street-legal golf cart guide explains the rules. This page is the practical part: a checklist you can run through when you take delivery, and again before each driving season.

The street-legal equipment checklist

Item	What to check
Headlights	Both work on low beam; aimed at the road
Turn signals	Front and rear, left and right, all flash
Tail lights	Both light up with the headlights
Brake lights	Both light up when you press the brake
Red reflectors	One on each side near the rear and one on the back
Mirrors	Driver-side exterior mirror, plus a passenger-side or interior mirror
Parking brake	Holds the cart on a slope
Windshield	Approved safety glazing, no cracks
Seat belts	One for every seat; buckles latch and release
VIN	17-digit VIN present and matching your paperwork
Rear visibility	Backup camera or rear view system works
Horn	Works (many states also require one)

Paperwork to keep with the cart

• Title and registration
• Proof of insurance
• The Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) copy, if you still have it
• Owner's manual and warranty details

Seasonal safety checks

• Tire pressure and tread
• Brakes: firm pedal, no pulling to one side
• Steering: no unusual play or noise
• Lights and signals: all working
• Seat belts: no fraying, buckles latch
• Windshield: clean and free of cracks
• Battery: charged, connections clean (lithium) or engine serviced (gas)

Buying a cart that is street legal from the factory

The simplest way to tick every box is to buy a cart built as an LSV at the factory, with the VIN and paperwork from day one. Our golf carts are sold as street-legal models. Next step: how to register and insure a street-legal golf cart.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment does a street-legal golf cart need?

Headlights, front and rear turn signals, tail and brake lights, red reflectors, mirrors, a parking brake, an approved windshield, seat belts for every seat and a 17-digit VIN, plus a rear visibility system.

Does a street-legal golf cart need a horn?

Many states require one. Check your state rules and the cart's listing before you buy.

Can I add lights to my golf cart to make it street legal?

Lights alone are not enough. An LSV also needs the other required equipment and a 17-digit VIN to be titled and registered. See our street-legal guide.

How often should I check my cart's equipment?

Check everything when you take delivery and before each driving season, and fix any light or signal that stops working right away.