Driver's Guide: LSVs vs. Golf Carts
Understanding the Differences Between Low Speed Vehicles and Golf Carts
Central Florida's weather permits outdoor activities throughout the year. Using low speed vehicles (LSVs) and golf carts is an enjoyable way to navigate local neighborhoods and natural landscapes across Orange County. Consumers need to be aware of the differences between LSVs and golf carts as well as the specific traffic laws, registration requirements, titling, and insurance regulations that apply to each type of vehicle.
What You Need to Know: Low Speed Vehicles
What is a Low Speed Vehicle?
Four-wheeled vehicles with a top speed between 20 and 25 miles per hour.
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What are the registration requirements for LSVs?
LSVs must be registered and titled.
Must have Florida auto insurance with personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL) insurance.
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What safety equipment is required for LSVs?
Similar to an automobile, LSVs must have:
- Headlamps
- Front and rear turn signals
- Stop lamps
- Tail lamps
- Red reflex reflectors
- Exterior mirrors
- Parking brake
- Windshield
- Seat belts for each seat
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
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Who can drive a LSV?
Operator must possess a valid driver license.
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Where can you drive a LSV?
Only on streets with posted speed limits of 35 MPH or less.
What You Need to Know: Golf Carts
What is a golf cart?
Designed for use on golf courses.
Not capable of exceeding 20 miles per hour.
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What are the registration requirements for golf carts?
Golf carts are not required to be registered, titled, or insured.
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What safety equipment is required for golf carts?
Golf carts do not require the same street-legal safety equipment required for LSVs.
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Who can drive a golf cart?
Under 18 years old: Valid learner's license or driver license required.
18 years old and above: Valid government-issued photo identification required.
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Where can you drive a golf cart?
Beyond the golf course, golf carts may only be operated on designated roadways with a posted speed limit of 30 MPH or less.
Operators must adhere to any stricter ordinances by local government.
Quick Reference: LSVs vs. Golf Carts
| What is it? | Four-wheeled vehicles with a top speed between 20 and 25 miles per hour. | Not capable of exceeding 20 miles per hour. |
| What are the registration requirements? | Must be registered and titled. Must have Florida auto insurance with personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL) insurance. | Not required to be registered, titled, or insured |
| What safety equipment is required? | Must have equipment, including headlamps, front and rear turn signals, stop lamps, tail lamps, red reflex reflectors, exterior mirrors, parking brake, windshield, seat belts for each seat, and VIN. | Do not require the same street-legal safety equipment required for LSVs. |
| Who can drive it? | Operator must possess a valid driver license. | Under 18 years old: Valid learner's license or driver license required. 18 years old and above: Valid government-issued photo identification required. |
| Where can you drive it? | Only on streets with posted speed limits of 35 MPH or less. | Only on designated roadways with a posted speed limit of 30 MPH or less. Operators must adhere to any stricter ordinances by local government. |
Converting a Golf Cart to a LSV
Golf carts can be converted to Low Speed Vehicles. Before a converted golf cart can be titled and registered, it must undergo an inspection and be assigned a VIN at a Motorist Services Regional Office. The converted golf cart must meet street-legal requirements prior to applying for title and registration.
To have the converted golf cart inspected, trailer it to a Motorist Services Regional Office, present the following documents and pay all applicable fees:
- Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) or a bill of sale for the golf cart Form HSMV 84490 (Statement of Builder) completed by customer and Compliance Examiner/ Inspector;
- Form HSMV 86064 (Affidavit for Golf Cart Modified to a Low Speed Vehicle);
- Original bill(s) of sale or receipt(s) for all parts used to convert the golf cart to a low speed vehicle;
- Certified weight slip for the converted golf cart;
- Form HSMSV 82040 (Application for Title);
- Proof of Florida insurance (minimum $10,000 PDL and $10,000 PIP);
- Sales tax or sales tax exemption information for all parts;
- Identification – driver license, ID card or passport; and
- Applicable fees
- Inspection fee
- Title fee
- Plate fee
- Initial registration fee, if applicable
- Registration fee (varies by weight of vehicle)
Buyer Beware: Are you Purchasing a LSV?
To ensure that the LSV you have purchased, or are considering purchasing, is legal classified as an LSV that can be operated on roadways with a posted speed limit of 35 MPH or less, follow these consumer tips.
1. Always Purchase Your LSV From a Licensed Florida Dealer
If the entity you have purchased from is not authorized to sell LSVs in Florida, you will not be able to register and title the LSV.
- Ask to see the seller’s dealer license.
- Click here for a list of licensed Florida dealers.
2. Make Sure the Vehicle You Purchased Was Manufactured as an LSV, Not a Golf Cart
Ask for the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO).
Make sure the vehicle meets all the safety requirements for LSVs, and includes:
- Headlamps
- Front and rear turn signals
- Stop lamps
- Tail lamps
- Red reflex reflectors
- Exterior mirrors
- Parking brake
- Windshield
- Seat belts for each seat
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
3. Do You Need to Convert the Vehicle?
Before a converted golf cart can be titled and registered, it must undergo an inspection and be assigned a VIN at a Motorist Services Regional Office. The converted golf cart must meet street-legal requirements prior to applying for title and registration.
See above for more details.
4. Be Extra Cautious of Online Marketplaces
If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
