Can You Drive a Golf Cart on the Street in Arkansas?
Only if your city has passed an ordinance allowing it. Under Ark. Code § 14-54-1410, it is within the authority of any Arkansas municipality to authorize golf carts on its city streets by ordinance — but that authority does not extend to city streets that are also designated as federal or state highways, or as county roads. When a city grants that authority, no motor vehicle registration or license is required for the golf cart itself on those streets.
Arkansas Rules at a Glance
| Rule | Golf Cart (city-authorized streets) | Registered LSV |
|---|---|---|
| Where allowed | City streets a municipal ordinance permits | Streets posted ≤ 35 mph statewide |
| State / US highways & county roads | ✗ Not allowed | Per LSV rules |
| Golf cart registration / plate | ✗ Not required on city streets | ✓ Required |
| Driver's license | Per local ordinance | ✓ Required |
| Required equipment | Set by local ordinance | ✓ Full FMVSS 500 equipment |
| Private property / golf course | ✓ Fully legal | ✓ Fully legal |
Municipal Ordinances Are the Key
Ark. Code § 14-54-1410 puts the decision squarely with each municipality — a "municipality" here means a city of the first class, a city of the second class, or an incorporated town. Because the statute carves out federal/state highways and county roads, golf-cart-friendly routes are confined to genuinely local streets, and cities routinely layer on their own equipment, insurance, permit, and daylight rules through the ordinance. Always read your city's ordinance before driving.
The Statewide Alternative: Low-Speed Vehicles
For road use beyond city-authorized streets, a factory-built Low-Speed Vehicle certified to FMVSS 500 (49 CFR 571.500) with a top speed of 20–25 mph is titled and registered like a motor vehicle and permitted on streets posted 35 mph or less. You can't retrofit a standard cart — only factory-certified models like the DENAGO CITY qualify, arriving with a manufacturer VIN, DOT lighting, mirrors, and seat belts. Browse street-legal golf carts and Low Speed Vehicles.
Official Arkansas Sources
- Ark. Code § 14-54-1410 — municipal authorization of golf carts on city streets
- Your municipal ordinance — designated streets, equipment, and any license/insurance rules
- Arkansas DFA — Office of Motor Vehicle — titles and registers Low-Speed Vehicles
Buying a Golf Cart in Arkansas
TIGON delivers across Arkansas — the Northwest Arkansas corridor of Bentonville, Rogers, and Fayetteville, Hot Springs and the lakes, Little Rock, and Ozark and Ouachita mountain communities. See the Arkansas golf carts page, browse inventory, or call 1-844-844-6638.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are golf carts street legal in Arkansas?
Only where a city allows it. Ark. Code § 14-54-1410 lets any Arkansas municipality authorize golf carts on its city streets by ordinance — but that authority does not reach city streets that are also federal or state highways or county roads. Without a local ordinance, golf carts stay on private property.
Golf carts in ArkansasDo golf carts need to be registered in Arkansas?
Not on city streets a municipality has authorized. Ark. Code § 14-54-1410(b) states that when a municipality authorizes golf cart operation on its city streets, no motor vehicle registration or license is necessary to operate the golf cart on that public street. Cities may still impose their own equipment or permit rules by ordinance.
Shop street-legal golf cartsWhat are the low-speed vehicle rules in Arkansas?
A low-speed vehicle in Arkansas is a factory-built, FMVSS 500-certified (49 CFR 571.500) four-wheeled vehicle with a 20–25 mph top speed, titled and registered through the Arkansas DFA and allowed on streets posted 35 mph or less. Unlike a city-authorized golf cart, an LSV is road-legal statewide. Factory models like the DENAGO CITY qualify; TIGON delivers across Arkansas, call 1-844-844-6638.
Shop Low Speed VehiclesShop street-legal golf carts · Golf carts in Arkansas · Call 1-844-844-6638