Can You Drive a Golf Cart on the Street in Minnesota?
Only on designated roads, and only with a permit. Under Minn. Stat. § 169.045, the governing body of any county, city, or town may adopt an ordinance authorizing motorized golf carts on designated roadways under its jurisdiction — but authorization is by permit only. The ordinance must designate the specific roads, require proof of insurance meeting Minn. Stat. § 65B.48, and may impose additional conditions (some communities even require a physician's certificate that the applicant can operate safely). Permits last up to three years and can be revoked.
Minnesota Rules at a Glance
| Rule | Golf Cart (permit on designated roads) | Registered LSV |
|---|---|---|
| Where allowed | Only roads a local ordinance designates | Roads posted 35 mph or less |
| Permit required | ✓ Yes (up to 3-year term) | ✗ Registration instead |
| Insurance | ✓ Required (§ 65B.48) | ✓ Required |
| Slow-moving-vehicle emblem | ✓ Required (§ 169.522) | ✗ (full lighting) |
| Hours | Sunrise to sunset unless factory lights fitted | ✓ Day and night |
| Cross intersecting highways | ✓ Permitted | ✓ Permitted |
Permits, Emblems, and Daylight Rules
A permitted golf cart operator has all the rights and duties of any other driver on the designated roads (§ 169.045, subd. 6). Golf carts must display the slow-moving-vehicle emblem and may operate only from sunrise to sunset unless the cart is equipped with original headlights, taillights, and rear brake lights. Operation is barred in inclement weather or whenever visibility drops below 500 feet. Because everything is set locally, always check the specific ordinance and get your permit before driving.
The Statewide Alternative: Low-Speed Vehicles
A low-speed vehicle is a factory-built, FMVSS 500-certified four-wheeled vehicle that Minnesota titles and registers as a motor vehicle; it may be driven on roads posted 35 mph or less without the local permit system. Factory-certified models like the DENAGO CITY qualify. Browse street-legal golf carts and Low Speed Vehicles.
Official Minnesota Sources
- Minn. Stat. § 169.045 — special vehicle use on roadways: golf cart permits, insurance, SMV emblem, hours, and crossings
- Minn. Stat. § 65B.48 — motor-vehicle insurance requirement referenced by the permit rule
- Minn. Stat. § 169.522 — slow-moving-vehicle emblem standard
- Minnesota DVS — titles and registers low-speed vehicles
Buying a Golf Cart in Minnesota
TIGON delivers across Minnesota — the Brainerd Lakes area, Lake Minnetonka and the Twin Cities suburbs, Detroit Lakes, and Iron Range communities. See the Minnesota golf carts page, browse inventory, or call 1-844-844-6638.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are golf carts street legal in Minnesota?
Only on designated roads and only with a permit. Under Minn. Stat. § 169.045, a county, city, or town may adopt an ordinance authorizing golf carts on designated roadways, but each operator must obtain a permit and show proof of insurance meeting Minn. Stat. § 65B.48. Permits last up to three years and can be revoked if an operator can't drive safely.
Shop street-legal golf cartsWhat equipment and hours apply to golf carts in Minnesota?
Minn. Stat. § 169.045 requires golf carts to display the slow-moving-vehicle emblem (§ 169.522) and limits operation to sunrise to sunset unless the cart has factory headlights, taillights, and rear brake lights. Carts may not run in inclement weather or when visibility drops below 500 feet, and the operator may cross any highway intersecting a designated roadway.
Golf carts in MinnesotaWhat are the low-speed vehicle rules in Minnesota?
A low-speed vehicle is a factory-built, FMVSS 500-certified four-wheeled vehicle that Minnesota titles and registers as a motor vehicle, and it may be driven on roads posted 35 mph or less without the golf cart permit system. Factory-certified models like the DENAGO CITY qualify; TIGON delivers across Minnesota, call 1-844-844-6638.
Shop Low Speed VehiclesShop street-legal golf carts · Golf carts in Minnesota · Call 1-844-844-6638