What is the Legal Age to Drive a Golf Cart?

Cars are costly to maintain, and the traffic they generate on the public roadways contributes to carbon emissions and longer commuting times. As a result, many individuals have discovered alternate modes of transportation, such as bicycles, public transit, ride-sharing apps, and even golf carts.

Whether you want to buy a golf cart to travel around your street or use one at your local golf course, you’re certainly curious about the criteria required to operate the vehicle. You’re probably more curious to know what age restrictions one must satisfy to lawfully operate a golf cart. To put it another way, can your kids legally drive a golf cart?

Golf Cart Operation Legal Age

Some states require a person to hold a driving license to operate a golf cart. Take a look at the age requirements for your state below:

Alaska

The minimum driving age is 16 years old. A driver’s license is required.

Connecticut

The minimum driving age is 16 years old. Driving a golf cart necessitates the possession of a valid driver’s license.

Florida

A golf cart can be driven on public highways in Florida if the driver is at least 14 years old and the speed limit is less than 25 miles per hour.

Georgia

The driver must be at least 12 years old. To drive a golf cart alone, you must have a valid driver’s license or permit.

Indiana

The minimum driving age is 16 years old. Every golf cart driver must have a valid driver’s license.

Kentucky

The minimum driving age is 16 years old. The driver must have a valid driver’s license and be insured.

Louisiana

Children above the age of 12 can ride in a cart driven by a licensed person. Every golf cart driver must have a valid driver’s license.

Maryland

The driver must be at least 12 years old and be accompanied by an adult.

Massachusetts

The minimum driving age is 16 years old. A driver’s license is required, and golf carts must have license plates.

Michigan

To drive a golf cart, you must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license.

Missouri

Golf cart drivers must be at least 16 years old and have a current driver’s license.

Montana

The driver must be 14 years old to operate a vehicle. A valid driver’s license is required.

New Hampshire

The driver must be at least 13 years old. Drivers must have a valid driver’s license.

New Jersey

The driver must be at least 18 years old. Every golf cart driver must have a valid driver’s license.

Ohio

The minimum driving age is 16 years old. All golf cart drivers must have a valid driver’s license.

Oregon

The minimum driving age is 16 years old. A golf cart driver must have a valid Oregon driver’s license or an Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles Golf Cart Permit.

Pennsylvania

To operate a golf cart, the driver must be at least 12 years old. You must, however, be at least 16 years old to drive on a highway.

Washington

The minimum driving age is 16 years old. Golf cart drivers must have a valid driver’s license.

For a full list of Laws, visit our Golf Cart Laws page.

Chad has been in the golf cart industry for 5+ years utilizing his skills in sales and marketing as well as producing various online platforms for dealers and OEMs. He resides in a golf community in La Quinta, CA where he takes at least one golf cart ride a day around the neighborhood with his family.