Illinois golf cart laws explained — 625 ILCS 5/11-1426.1 lets local governments authorize golf carts on 35 mph roads with a licensed driver and required equipment, plus LSV rules.
Only where authorized. Illinois treats a golf cart as a non-highway vehicle under 625 ILCS 5/11-1426.1, and it's unlawful to drive one on a road unless a municipality, township, or county has authorized non-highway vehicles by ordinance — and then only on streets posted 35 mph or less. The driver must hold a valid driver's license. Related: Shop street-legal golf carts
Under 625 ILCS 5/11-1426.1(e), a golf cart on an authorized roadway must have at minimum brakes, a steering apparatus, tires, a rearview mirror, red reflectorized warning devices front and rear, and a slow-moving-vehicle emblem. Carts may cross a road posted above 35 mph at an intersection but may never travel along it or cross a tollway, interstate, or controlled-access highway. Related: Golf carts in Illinois
A factory-built, FMVSS 500-certified low-speed vehicle may be driven on any Illinois street posted 30 mph or less under 625 ILCS 5/11-1426.2, registered through the Secretary of State, with no local ordinance required. Factory-certified models like the DENAGO CITY qualify; TIGON delivers across Illinois, call 1-844-844-6638. Related: Shop Low Speed Vehicles