Iowa Golf Cart & Low Speed Vehicle Laws

Last updated on September 17th, 2017

PLEASE NOTE: Golf Cart Laws may vary from City to City, so please be sure to check with your local municipality in regards to the laws in your area. We are in the process of gathering laws by municipality for you, however, this is a huge undertaking and does take time. Thank you.

This is an in-depth guide to Iowa Golf Cart & Low-Speed Vehicle Laws. We’ve created this guide to help you, the consumer, in determining Iowa’s laws.

Is this state Medium Speed Vehicle friendly? No state law is currently in place.

Is License and Registration a Requirement? For LSVs, yes. For Golf Carts, no registration is required, but the driver must have a valid driver’s license and the golf cart must be equipped with a slow-moving vehicle emblem and a bicycle safety flag.

General Federal Law for Golf Carts:

Under current NHTSA interpretations and regulations, so long as golf cars and other similar vehicles are incapable of exceeding 20 miles per hour, they are subject to only state and local requirements regarding safety equipment. However, if these vehicles are originally manufactured so that they can go faster than 20 miles per hour, they are treated as motor vehicles under Federal law.

The standard requires low-speed vehicles to be equipped with headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, taillamps, reflex reflectors, parking brakes, rearview mirrors, windshields, seat belts, and vehicle identification numbers.

Find out more information on federal laws pertaining to golf carts and low speed vehicles here.

 

Iowa Golf Cart & Low Speed Vehicle Laws

Guidelines for Golf Carts and PTVs (Personal Transportation Vehicles)

The state of Iowa has allowed incorporated areas to permit golf cart use on public roadways upon approval of their governing body. The Driver MUST possess a valid driver’s license.

NOTE:golf cart shall not be operated upon a city street which is a primary road extension through the city but shall be allowed to cross a city street which is a primary road extension through the city.

Golf Carts that are operated on city streets must display a slow-moving vehicle emblem and bicycle safety flag. Also, Golf Carts may only operate during daytime hours.

Golf Carts also must have adequate brakes and shall meet any other safety requirements imposed by the governing body.

 

Guidelines for LSV (Low Speed Vehicle)

  • Has four wheels.
  • Within one mile can reach a speed of more than 20 miles per hour (mph) but not more than 25 mph on a paved level surface.
  • Has a 17-digit conforming vehicle identification number (VIN) and a manufacturer’s certificate of origin clearly labeling the vehicle as a low-speed vehicle.
  • Must be certified to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) to be registered and operated on public streets, roads, or highways.
  • Not be operated on any roadway with a speed limit above 35 mph.

LSVs may look like a golf-cart to the casual observer, but is actually a motor vehicle requiring a valid driver license, registration, and insurance.

 

HELPFUL LINKS

www.legis.iowa.gov – Golf Carts
www.legis.iowa.gov – Low Speed Vehicles

INDUSTRY NEWS

EBLISS’S EBIKES INTRODUCE NEW ERA OF TRANSPORTATION AT HISTORIC ELLIOTT MUSEUM

Stuart, fl (October 11, 2023) — The Elliott Museum stands as a tribute to the innovation of mobile technology, and on Saturday, November 18...

ECOXGEAR Unveils Marine Audio and Lighting Innovations for the Golf Car/LSV Industry

HOUSTON, TX (September 12, 2023) — ECOXGEAR, an innovator in the world of rugged and element-proof audio, proudly introduces its new Marine Radio line...

National Powersport Auctions’ Electrifying Partnership with E-Z-GO®

poway, CA (September 22, 2023) — National Powersport Auctions (NPA), the leading provider of powersports remarketing and auction services, is pleased to announce the...

ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME FOR CLUB CAR’S FIRST SOLAR-POWERED RYDER CUP FLEET

DUBLIN, IRELAND (September 22, 2023) — Club Car®, a global leader in golf, consumer and utility vehicles, is set to mark 26 years of...

MEYERS MANX INTRODUCES THE RESORTER NEV: A MODERN TAKE ON A BELOVED CLASSIC

Monterey, Ca (August 18, 2023) — Meyers Manx, the iconic brand behind the original fiberglass dune buggy, proudly unveiled its latest innovation, the Resorter...

TINY MOBILE DEVICE CONTROLLER, BIG HOLIDAY GIFT FROM PROSPEC ELECTRONICS

Whether on water, dirt, snow, pavement or the links, music and the outdoors are natural companions. But no one wants to expose a mobile...

Disclaimer
Although each of these state guides gives a thorough approach to the golf cart laws in your state, it is recommended that you perform the research on your own and reach out to your local municipality.

Recent News & Helpful Articles

Euro NCAP Performs Golf Cart Crash Test at 31mph

Wowza. If you've ever wanted to see what a golf cart going 31mph and crashing...

Everything You Need to Know About Choosing A Golf Cart

Golf carts are not just great for zooming around the golf course. They can be...
how Much should I pay for a golf cart

How Much is a Golf Cart? 2023 Golf Cart Prices Guide

Overall, Golf Cart prices can range anywhere between $1,000 for a Used Golf Cart and...

Cape Coral Florida is considering new city ordinances for golf cars

According to WinkNews.com, the Cape Coral City Council is considering a ban to community members...
Golf Cart Shipping

Tips and Advice for Shipping your Golf Cart

How to Get Your Golf Cart Across the Country Without Having to Leave Your House ...