Michigan Golf Cart & Low Speed Vehicle Laws

This is an in-depth guide to Michigan Golf Cart & Low-Speed Vehicle Laws. We’ve created this guide to help you, the consumer, in determining Michigan’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, but you may be required to be added to a list in your local jurisdiction.

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.

Michigan Golf Cart & Low Speed Vehicle Laws

Guidelines for Golf Carts and PTVs (Personal Transportation Vehicles)

If your city has a population of 30,000 or less based upon the 2010 decennial census they may allow the operation of golf carts on the public roads.

If your city allows the use of golf carts on public streets, you may be required to be added to a list that is maintained by your local municipality. Be aware that if your city does allow golf carts on public roads, they shall NOT charge a fee for listing golf carts or the operators of those golf carts.

You must be 16 years or older to operate the golf cart on city streets. You must also hold a valid driver’s license.

See more information on Golf Cart Laws in Michigan here

Guidelines for LSV (Low Speed Vehicle)

Has four wheels.
Travel at speeds of no more than 25 mph.
Has a 17-digit conforming vehicle identification number (VIN)
Not be operated on any roadway with a speed limit above 35 mph, except for the purpose of crossing a highway or street.
Shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable and shall exercise due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction

Note: Some electric golf carts can be extensively modified and registered as low-speed vehicles, subject to the completion of a TR-54 form by a police officer

LSVs require a valid driver license, registration, and insurance.