Are Golf Carts Street Legal in New Jersey?
Standard golf carts cannot be registered for New Jersey public roads. The street-legal path in NJ is the Low Speed Vehicle (LSV): under N.J.S.A. 39:4-31.1, a four-wheeled vehicle capable of 20–25 mph that meets FMVSS 500 can be titled, registered, and insured through the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission and driven on roads posted 25 mph or less (up to 35 mph only where specifically authorized). Non-LSV golf carts are limited to private property, golf courses, and campgrounds, plus any narrow local municipal allowances.
New Jersey LSV Rules at a Glance
| Rule | Standard Golf Cart | Registered LSV |
|---|---|---|
| Drive on public roads | ✗ No general allowance | ✓ Roads posted 25 mph or less |
| NJ MVC title & registration | ✗ Not eligible | ✓ Required |
| Insurance | Not required by state (private use) | ✓ Required |
| Annual inspection | — | ✗ Exempt |
| State sales tax | Applies | Exempt only if NJDEP-certified |
| Driver's license | Not required off-road | ✓ Required |
The Shore Town Reality
Most of the "golf carts" you see on streets in Ocean City, LBI, Wildwood, and Cape May are registered LSVs with license plates. For town-by-town detail, see our NJ street-legal golf cart rules guide and NJ Shore golf cart communities.
Official New Jersey Sources
- N.J.S.A. 39:4-31.1 — operation of low-speed vehicles on public roads
- NJ Motor Vehicle Commission — Low Speed Vehicles — titling, registration, insurance, and inspection exemption
TIGON Dealerships in New Jersey
Shop golf carts for sale in New Jersey at four TIGON stores: Ocean View and Rio Grande (Cape May County), plus Bayville and Waretown (Ocean County). Browse street-legal golf carts or call 1-844-844-6638.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register a street-legal golf cart in New Jersey?
New Jersey registers factory-certified Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs), not standard golf carts. Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-31.1, an LSV must be titled, registered, and insured through the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission. LSVs are exempt from regular vehicle inspection, and are exempt from state sales tax only if certified by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection.
Shop street-legal golf cartsWhat roads can an LSV use in New Jersey?
A registered LSV may operate on New Jersey roads with a posted speed limit of 25 mph or less, and on roads posted up to 35 mph only where operation has been specifically authorized. The driver must hold a valid driver's license. Standard, non-LSV golf carts are limited to private property and any narrow local allowances your municipality has adopted.
Golf carts in New JerseyDo golf carts need insurance in New Jersey?
Any LSV registered for road use in New Jersey must carry liability insurance like other registered motor vehicles. Standard golf carts used only on private property or golf courses are not required by state law to be insured, though many Shore-town HOAs and campgrounds require coverage. TIGON's Ocean View, Bayville, Waretown, and Rio Grande stores can walk you through NJ requirements — call 1-844-844-6638.
Visit TIGON Ocean ViewShop street-legal golf carts · Golf carts in New Jersey · Call 1-844-844-6638