Can You Drive a Golf Cart on the Street in North Dakota?
Only if your city has approved it. North Dakota Century Code § 40-05-22 lets the governing body of a city allow the operation of golf carts on its city streets by ordinance. Even where a city permits it, the ordinance may not allow a golf cart on federal, state, or county highways in the city — a golf cart may only make a perpendicular crossing of those highways — and operation may not be allowed at night. Golf carts allowed to operate under a city ordinance are exempt from the title, registration, and equipment provisions of Title 39.
North Dakota Rules at a Glance
| Rule | Golf Cart (city-approved streets) | Registered LSV |
|---|---|---|
| Where allowed | City streets where an ordinance permits | Any street posted ≤ 35 mph statewide |
| State / county / federal highways | Perpendicular crossing only | ✓ If posted ≤ 35 mph (direct crossing of faster roads allowed) |
| Title & registration | ✗ Exempt under ordinance | ✓ Required (NDDOT) |
| Required equipment | Exempt under ordinance (city may add rules) | ✓ Full LSV equipment (NDCC § 39-29.1-08) |
| Hours | Daytime only — night operation not allowed | ✓ Day and night |
City Ordinances and Crossings
North Dakota is a local-control state for golf carts: unless your city has adopted an ordinance under NDCC § 40-05-22, golf carts are not authorized on public streets. Where a city allows them, the golf cart still cannot travel along a federal, state, or county highway running through town — it may only cross one perpendicular to the roadway. Because cities may attach their own conditions, always confirm the local ordinance before you drive.
The Statewide Alternative: Low-Speed Vehicles
A registered low-speed vehicle (LSV) operates under NDCC chapter 39-29.1 on any street posted 35 mph or less — no city ordinance needed — and may make a direct crossing of a faster highway to continue on a 35 mph-or-less road (§ 39-29.1-07). An LSV is a four-wheeled vehicle capable of 20–25 mph (§ 39-29.1-01), registered with the NDDOT for a $20 fee per two-year cycle (§ 39-29.1-03), and equipped with headlamps, turn signals, taillamps, stop lamps, reflectors, brakes, a parking brake, a windshield, seat belts, and mirrors (§ 39-29.1-08). Factory-certified FMVSS 500 models like the DENAGO CITY qualify. Browse street-legal golf carts and Low Speed Vehicles.
Official North Dakota Sources
- NDCC § 40-05-22 — golf carts on city streets, crossings, and daytime-only operation
- NDCC chapter 39-29.1 — low-speed vehicle definition, registration, rules of operation, and equipment
- NDDOT — registers low-speed vehicles
Buying a Golf Cart in North Dakota
TIGON delivers across North Dakota — Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, the Lake Sakakawea communities, and small towns across the prairie. See the North Dakota golf carts page, browse inventory, or call 1-844-844-6638.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are golf carts street legal in North Dakota?
Only where a city allows it. North Dakota Century Code § 40-05-22 lets a city's governing body authorize golf carts on city streets by ordinance, but the ordinance may not allow them on federal, state, or county highways except for a perpendicular crossing, and may not allow operation at night. Golf carts driven under an ordinance are exempt from the title, registration, and equipment provisions of Title 39.
Shop street-legal golf cartsCan a golf cart cross a state highway in North Dakota?
Yes. Under NDCC § 40-05-22, even a city ordinance can only allow a golf cart to make a perpendicular crossing of a federal, state, or county highway in the city — it cannot authorize travel along those highways. Operation is also limited to daytime. Always check your city's ordinance for any additional local rules.
Golf carts in North DakotaWhat roads can a low-speed vehicle use in North Dakota?
A registered low-speed vehicle may operate on any highway posted 35 mph or less and may make a direct crossing of a faster highway to continue on a 35 mph-or-less road (NDCC § 39-29.1-07). LSVs are registered with the NDDOT and must carry full LSV equipment under § 39-29.1-08. Factory-certified FMVSS 500 models like the DENAGO CITY qualify; TIGON delivers across North Dakota, call 1-844-844-6638.
Shop Low Speed VehiclesShop street-legal golf carts · Golf carts in North Dakota · Call 1-844-844-6638