Your golf cart allows you to easily travel from place to place, whether you’re going to the clubhouse or giving a neighborhood tour. However, before taking your golf cart onto public roads, there are specific rules you should follow to avoid fines and ensure safe travel. Diamond Golf Cars is your trusted resource for golf cart needs in Tennessee, from purchasing and maintenance to understanding applicable golf cart laws.
Quick Facts About Golf Cart Laws in Tennessee
Thinking about taking your cart beyond your neighborhood or community? Let’s break down what you need to know before getting on the road.
Are golf carts street legal in Tennessee?
Standard golf carts are not street legal unless they’ve been modified to meet low-speed vehicle (LSV) or medium-speed vehicle (MSV) standards. Even with these upgrades, you can only drive LSVs on roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or lower and MSVs on roads with speed limits of 40 mph or lower.
Is a driver’s license required?
Yes, a valid driver’s license is needed to drive a golf cart on public roads. Even if your cart is fully upgraded to an LSV/MSV, you must follow standard driving laws.
Do you need insurance?
Standard golf carts that stay on private property don’t need insurance. However, you must insure your cart like you would a regular vehicle if you modify and register it as an LSV/MSV.
What are some speed and road restrictions?
Tennessee law limits golf carts and LSVs to roads with speed limits of 35 miles per hour or lower and MSVs to roads with speed limits of 40 miles per hour or lower. Some cities have additional restrictions, so always check local laws before cruising around town.
Are Golf Carts Street Legal in Tennessee?
Before discussing the subject of street legal golf carts in Tennessee, let’s see how The Volunteer State categorizes such vehicles:
- Traditional golf carts: This golf cart’s top speed is 20 mph, and is designed for recreational outdoor activities.
- Low-speed vehicles (LSV): LSVs are four-wheeled electric vehicles—excluding traditional golf carts—with a 20–25 mph top speed.
- Medium-speed vehicle (MSV): This four-wheeled gas-powered or electric vehicle has a top speed of 30–35 mph.
Traditional golf carts aren’t street legal in Tennessee unless upgraded to low and medium-speed vehicle requirements. This means you must add safety features, including:
- Headlamps
- Seat belts
- Turn signals
- Mirrors
- Parking brake
- Reflex reflectors
- Tail lamps
- Stop lamps
Additionally, your golf cart must be registered, have a valid Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and be insured—just like you would with a regular vehicle. Any golf cart that hasn’t been upgraded must remain on private property.
Golf Cart Registration in Tennessee and Licensing Requirements
Golf carts that fit the LSV/MSV definition in Tennessee must register with the Department of Motor Vehicles. To be eligible, the vehicle must be equipped with essential safety features.
You’ll then be required to provide proof of ownership and a completed application as well as pass an inspection to ensure compliance with state safety standards.
Registration fees vary by county and typically cover the cost of title, registration, and license plate. Some areas may require additional permits or local regulations, so it’s important to check with local authorities to ensure compliance with specific licensing requirements.
Rules of the Road for Golf Carts in Tennessee
In Tennessee, golf carts must follow specific regulations to ensure safety on the road. However, regular golf carts without the required safety features are restricted to private roads or other private/semi-private venues.
Provided they stick to the required speed limits, LSVs/MSVs are permitted on public roads. However, they’re prohibited from highways, interstates, and other major roadways with fast-moving traffic. Traditional golf carts, LSVs, and MSVs are also prohibited from sidewalks.
Remember to always follow traffic laws and drive carefully, as you would in a regular vehicle.
Age and Licensing Regulations
Tennessee’s driving laws apply to both vehicles like cars and trucks and golf carts. State law requires drivers to be at least 16 years old, and if the golf cart is classified as a low or medium-speed vehicle, a driver’s license is necessary. However, it’s always best to review local regulations. For example, in places like Knoxville, drivers must be 18 or older.
Tennessee Golf Cart Insurance Requirements
Your need for insurance will depend on where and how you use your golf cart. If you only drive it on private property, insurance may not be required. However, if you operate your golf cart on public roads or designated golf cart paths or trails, you’ll need street legal golf cart insurance.
Street legal golf cart insurance is a specialized policy designed for golf carts that meet the requirements to be driven on public roads. Similar to standard car insurance, it protects you from financial losses due to theft, accidents, or damage. This type of insurance typically includes liability coverage for injuries or property damage you may cause to others.
Even if standard golf cart insurance isn’t legally required, obtaining coverage is a smart choice. It protects you against risks commonly associated with auto insurance, such as theft, fire, or weather-related damage. Here are some coverage options recommended for golf cart owners in Tennessee:
- Liability Insurance: Pays for injuries or damage you cause to others.
- Collision Coverage: Pays for repairs to your golf cart after an accident.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Protects against non-collision incidents like theft, fire, or weather damage.
- Medical Payments Coverage: Takes care of hospital bills for you or your passengers if injured.
Local Laws and Ordinances
Local golf cart ordinances in Tennessee can vary by city. Some jurisdictions have specific laws on speed limits, vehicle modifications, and designated routes. Additionally, certain neighborhoods or communities may have their own rules governing golf cart use.
Since regulations differ from city to city, you should always check local ordinances before using your golf cart in public areas. A quick visit to your city’s website or a call to the local police department can help you stay informed and compliant.
Safety Tips for Golf Cart Owners
A simple mistake while operating a golf cart can lead to a serious accident. To ensure smooth and secure rides, always follow local laws and regulations.
If your golf cart has safety belts installed, wear them at all times. Sudden stops or sharp turns can throw you out of the vehicle, even at low speeds. Additionally, check that your headlights, taillights, and turn signals are functioning correctly before you drive off.
Whenever possible, stick to designated paths or low-speed areas instead of busy roads. Golf carts are slower and less visible than regular vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents in traffic. You should also always drive at a safe speed. Sharp turns or uneven surfaces can cause a cart to tip over. Likewise, prioritize regular maintenance to ensure all components work correctly. A well-maintained cart is a safer cart.
How Diamond Golf Cars Can Help
You can count on Diamond Golf Cars for reliable, street legal carts in Tennessee equipped with all the essential upgrades and accessories, including headlights, taillights, seatbelts, and mirrors. We ensure your cart meets Tennessee golf cart regulations and local laws, so you can hit the road with confidence.
Looking for something custom? We’ve got you covered. Diamond Golf Cars offers quality upgrades customized to your needs while keeping your vehicle street legal.
Conclusion
Understanding golf cart laws in Tennessee is essential to staying safe, avoiding fines, and protecting yourself and others. Pairing this knowledge with the right insurance can significantly improve your driving and riding experience.
At Diamond Golf Cars, we make it easy for you to find the perfect cart that meets legal requirements. Whether you’re looking for a standard model or a customized upgrade, our team will guide you every step of the way. Contact us today or visit our shop to explore our latest models.