Go-karts are a fun and thrilling way to enjoy outdoor recreation, but many people are left wondering if they are street legal. While the answer to this question varies depending on the state and local laws, it’s important to understand the regulations in your area before hitting the road with your go-kart. In this article, we will explore the laws regarding go-karts in all 50 states, including rules for driving on public roads, requirements for safety equipment, and restrictions on where you can operate a go-kart. Additionally, we will cover common questions about go-karts, such as whether they can be driven on neighborhood streets or if they require insurance. So, whether you’re a go-kart enthusiast or just curious about the rules surrounding this popular activity, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about go-kart laws in the United States.
Go-Kart Laws By State
Go-kart laws vary by state and it’s important to understand the regulations in your area before operating a go-kart. Some states may require go-karts to be registered, insured, and equipped with certain safety features, while others may prohibit go-karts on public roads altogether. Additionally, there may be age restrictions for operating a go-kart or specific rules for where they can be driven. To help you navigate the laws regarding go-karts, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to go-kart laws by state.
Go-Kart Laws in All States Compared:
Go-kart laws in Alabama:
In Alabama, the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on public roads is generally prohibited, and this also applies to go-karts.
However, there are a few exceptions to this rule, such as when crossing a public road while on private property or when operating a go-kart during a parade or similar event.
When operating a go-kart in Alabama, it’s important to wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet and eye protection.
While there is no specific age requirement for operating a go-kart in Alabama, it is recommended that children under the age of 16 be supervised by an adult. Additionally, Alabama law requires that all vehicles, including go-karts, have a working horn or other audible warning devices.
go-kart laws in Massachusetts:
In Massachusetts, go-karts are not considered street legal and cannot be driven on public roads. The state defines go-karts as recreational vehicles and they are subject to the same regulations as off-road vehicles, such as dirt bikes and ATVs. This means that go-karts can only be driven on private property with the owner’s permission, and riders must wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet and eye protection. Additionally, there may be local ordinances or zoning laws that further restrict where go-karts can be operated. It’s important to check with your local government and understand the regulations in your area before operating a go-kart.
Go-Kart Laws in Alaska:
In Alaska, go-kart laws vary depending on local regulations. There are no statewide laws that specifically address the use of go-karts, so it’s important to check with your local government to understand the regulations in your area. In some cases, go-karts may be classified as off-road vehicles and only allowed to be operated on private property or designated off-road areas. It’s also important to wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet and eye protection, when operating a go-kart. Additionally, some areas may have noise restrictions that could impact the use of go-karts. It’s important to be aware of these regulations and follow them to ensure a safe and legal experience.
- Reference: DOT Alaska
Go-Kart Laws in Arizona:
Arizona has specific laws regarding go-karts. If you have a go-kart that has a top speed of 25 mph and is emission-free, you can register it as a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) in Arizona. To register, your go-kart must also have the appropriate safety features required by federal regulations.
If your go-kart was manufactured for terrain use and weighs less than 2,500 pounds, it may qualify as an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) in Arizona. To be eligible for OHV classification, you must register your off-road go-kart and display a valid OHV decal. It is also important to note that your go-kart will need to pass a registration and inspection process in order to be considered street legal.
By following Arizona’s go-kart laws, you can ensure that your go-kart is operated in a safe and legal manner. It’s important to understand the specific regulations in your area and abide by them to avoid fines or other legal consequences.
Go-Kart Laws in Arkansas:
If you’re planning to operate a go-kart in Arkansas, it’s important to be aware of the state’s laws and regulations. Arkansas defines off-highway vehicles such as off-road go-karts as vehicles that are primarily designed for off-road usage, weigh less than 800 pounds, have an engine that’s less than 650cc, and are 75 inches or less in width.
While you do not need to register a go-kart for private use in Arkansas, you may register your go-kart for street use if it meets certain criteria. It is illegal to drive an unregistered off-road go-kart on public roadways in Arkansas, except for specific circumstances such as hunting or farming, or for crossing a highway to reach another off-road trail.
It’s important to note that under normal circumstances, it is illegal to drive a go-kart on public roads in Arkansas. It’s crucial to follow these regulations to ensure a safe and legal experience while operating a go-kart in Arkansas. Failing to do so may result in fines or other legal consequences.
Go-Kart Laws in California:
California has specific regulations for go-karts depending on their type. Go-karts can be registered as Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) if they weigh below 3,000 lbs, have 4 wheels, and meet certain equipment and specifications. However, LSVs are only allowed on public streets with a speed limit of 35 mph or less.
For off-road go-karts, they are categorized as Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) in California. OHVs require registration, which will provide a green or red sticker. Once registered, you can drive your go-kart on public lands and unpaved roads, as permitted by each county. If your go-kart meets additional requirements, you can also make it street and highway legal.
Go-Kart Laws in Colorado:
In Colorado, the decision of allowing go-karts on public roadways is left up to each individual municipality. However, if a go-kart qualifies as a Low-Speed Electric Vehicle (LSV) or Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV), it must be registered and equipped with necessary items such as turn signals, mirrors, reflectors, windshield, and glazing material. OHVs, including off-road go-karts, are generally not street legal in Colorado and are classified as either an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) or Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV).
Go-Kart Laws in Connecticut:
Connecticut does not allow go-karts to be driven on public roadways, even if they meet the general LSV regulations of other states. The state does not have any LSV statutes, making it impossible to register a go-kart in Connecticut. Off-road go-karts must be registered, but they are not street legal.
Go-Kart Laws in Delaware:
Go-karts in Delaware can be street legal if they meet the requirements for Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs), which includes having necessary parts such as headlights, brakes, indicators, windshield, and parking brake. A valid driver’s license and insurance are required to legally drive a registered go-kart on the street. The go-kart must have a minimum speed of 20 mph, maximum speed of 25 mph, weigh no more than 2,500 lbs and be 4-wheeled. Off-road go-karts must also be registered but may not be operated on public roads and highways.
Go-Kart Laws in Florida:
In Florida, Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) must be electrically powered, have four wheels, and a speed between 20 – 25 mph. To determine if your go-kart qualifies as an LSV, you should check with your local DMV. Off-road go-karts are classified as a Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle (ROV). While you can title a go-kart, registration is not allowed. ROVs cannot be legally operated on public roads or highways, but can be used on unpaved roads and public lands with approval.
Go-Kart Laws in Georgia:
Go-karts in Georgia can fall under the Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) or Personal Transportation Vehicle (PTV) category, depending on specific criteria. A PTV must have at least 4 wheels, a maximum ground speed of less than 20 mph, a capacity of less than 8, and an empty weight of 1,375 lbs. If all required parts are installed and the go-kart is registered, it can be made street legal. Off-road go-karts in Georgia are classified as Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs) and are not permitted on public roads and highways. However, they may be used on designated trails and private property.
Go-Kart Laws in Hawaii:
Go-karts in Hawaii are not street legal unless they go through the proper registration process and meet all necessary requirements, including having a 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN), four wheels, and a speed between 20 – 25 mph. There is also a weight limit of 3,000 lbs. Off-road go-karts are not street legal, but can be driven on private property and approved public lands.
Go-Kart Laws in Idaho:
In Idaho, certain go-karts can be registered as Low-Speed Vehicles (LSV) or Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV) and are allowed to be driven on the road if they meet certain criteria, including being electric and emission-free. Off-road go-karts in Idaho fall under the Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) category and must be registered. They can be driven on public trails and private property, and in some cases on state, federal, and county roads if they meet specific requirements. Safety equipment, a restricted vehicle license plate, and a valid driver’s license are required.
Go-Kart Laws in Illinois:
In Illinois, certain go-karts can be classified as Low-Speed Vehicles (LSV) and are allowed to be driven on roads with a speed limit of 30 mph. The go-kart requires a title and registration with the Secretary of State’s Office, as well as meeting all safety requirements. Off-road go-karts in Illinois need to be titled and registered and can be ridden on private property with a decal, but not on public streets except for crossing the road.
Go-Kart Laws in Indiana:
In Indiana, go-karts can be classified as Low-Speed Vehicles (LSV) or Off-Road Vehicles (ORV). LSVs may be driven on public roadways if they meet registration requirements, and a valid driver’s license, registration, and insurance are required. All off-road vehicles in Indiana need to be registered, and registered ORVs are generally allowed to be driven on public streets except for limited access highways, but only between sunrise and sunset. It’s important to check local laws for your municipality, as go-kart and ORV laws can differ.
Go-Kart Laws in Kentucky:
In Kentucky, go-karts can be legally driven on public streets if they meet the criteria to be classified as Low-Speed Vehicles (LSV). This requires proper registration, the installation of necessary equipment, and a top speed below 25 mph. Additionally, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) used for recreational off-road purposes require a title, but registration is not mandatory. Operating any ATV on public highways or roadways is not permitted.
Go-Kart Laws in Louisiana:
In Louisiana, off-road go-karts are permitted to operate on the shoulder of highways and roadways between 30 minutes after sunrise and 30 minutes before sunset. Proof of registration and vehicle insurance may be required. However, Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) have stricter requirements in Louisiana. LSVs must be registered, equipped with all 17 necessary safety items, and have a VIN. Generally, only electric go-karts that operate between 20 and 25 mph are approved for use as LSVs.
Reference: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Go-Kart Laws in Maryland
Maryland has strict laws regarding street-legal go-karts. One option is for your go-kart to qualify as a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV), which must have a speed that falls between 20 and 25 mph, weigh no more than 2,500 lbs, and have an electric motor while complying with all part requirements.
If you have an off-road go-kart, Maryland law requires registration with the Department of Natural Resources on an annual basis. Additionally, you must display a registration sticker and are not permitted to ride on any public streets or highways.
Go-Kart Laws in Michigan
In Michigan, you can make your off-road go-kart street legal by converting your off-road title for road use. To do so, you need to have the required equipment such as headlights, horn, tail lights, indicators, mirrors, safety belts, windshield, brake lights, brakes, and DOT-approved threaded tires. However, regular Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) laws also apply in Michigan, meaning you can apply for LSV status if your go-kart meets the requirements, which is typically limited to electric go-karts due to the 20-25 mph speed limitation.
Go-Kart Laws in Minnesota
In Minnesota, go-karts are typically categorized as All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), which must have at least three and no more than six tires, a dry weight of no more than 2,000 lbs, and a total width of 65″ or less. If you own an off-road go-kart, you can make it street legal in Minnesota by registering it and ensuring that it meets the required equipment and specifications. You can even apply for highway usage if your go-kart has the mandatory parts, such as headlights, tail lights, horn, mirrors, and others, as stipulated by the Department of Public Safety.
Go-Kart Laws in Mississippi
In Mississippi, your go-kart can be classified as either a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) or an Off-Road Vehicle (ORV). To be considered an LSV, your go-kart must have 4 wheels, a speed between 20 and 25 mph, a vehicle identification number, and a gross vehicle weight of less than 3,000 lbs. Additionally, your kart must meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) to operate legally on public streets.
For Off-Road Vehicles, such as off-road go-karts, they are only allowed to be used on public property, such as trails, parks, and forests, as long as the operator has a valid driver’s license and an official safety certificate. Unfortunately, these types of vehicles cannot be operated on public roads or highways.
Go-Kart Laws in Montana
Montana has regulations for both Low-Speed Vehicles (LSV) and Medium-Speed Vehicles (MSV). LSVs require 4 wheels, an electric motor, a speed between 20 – 40 mph, a VIN, and must meet federal safety standards. MSVs must also be electrically powered, weigh less than 5,000 lbs, have a maximum speed of 45 mph, and meet safety standards. If your go-kart meets these requirements, it can be legally driven on Montana streets.
For off-road go-karts, off-roading is only allowed on designated trails and you must comply with sound emission criteria. However, off-road go-karts can be registered for road use if they meet certain requirements and the driver has a valid license.
Go-Kart Laws in Nebraska
In Nebraska, electric go-karts can be registered as LSVs if they have a maximum speed of 20 – 25 mph, weigh 3,000 lbs or less, and meet all safety requirements. However, certification as an LSV in Nebraska can be difficult and may require upgrades.
Off-road go-karts are generally categorized as Utility Type Vehicles (UTVs) in Nebraska. To be classified as a UTV, the go-kart must have 4 non-highway tires, a dry weight of 2,000 lbs or less, and a width of 74” or less. UTVs must be registered and titled in Nebraska but are not allowed to operate on public streets.
Go-Kart Laws in Nevada:
In Nevada, you can register your electric go-kart as a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) if it meets the speed requirements (20 to 25 mph) and has a dry weight of less than 3,000 lbs. However, you must also ensure that it is equipped with the required safety parts.
Off-road go-karts fall under the off-highway vehicle (OHV) category in Nevada and must be registered and titled. They are not allowed to be operated on public roads by default. However, you can make your go-kart street legal by registering it with full inspection and approval at the DMV. There is no age limit or driver license requirement to operate an OHV.
Go-Kart Laws in New Hampshire:
In New Hampshire, you can register your go-kart as either a Low-Speed Neighborhood Vehicle (LSNV) or an Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle (OHRV). To register your go-kart as an LSNV, it needs to have an electric motor and must have a speed higher than 20mph but less than 25 mph. However, it needs to meet other requirements, which may involve upgrades.
The more common option is to register your go-kart as an OHRV, which allows you to ride it only on private property or on approved public trails, provided you have a safety certificate. It’s important to note that off-road go-karts are not legal to ride on public roads in New Hampshire.
Go-Kart Laws in New Jersey:
In New Jersey, it’s not possible to register a gas or diesel-powered go-kart as a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) since LSVs in the state must be electric-powered. An LSV must have a speed of more than 20 mph and less than 25 mph, and it’s prohibited from operating on roads with speed limits exceeding 25 mph. Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs) such as go-karts are also not street legal, except for Class 1 ORVs, which need to be licensed, registered, insured, and inspected by a licensed officer. Even for off-roading, you are required to register your off-road go-kart. However, you don’t need a driver’s license or permit to operate it, and people over 14 years of age can operate an off-road go-kart.
Reference: DEP New Jersey
Go-Kart Laws in New Mexico:
In New Mexico, you can make your go-kart street legal by registering it either as a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) or an Off-Road Vehicle (ORV). However, LSVs must meet stringent requirements, including equipping the go-kart with the appropriate parts and ensuring that it has a speed between 20 to 25 mph. Most go-karts do not qualify by default without major upgrades. If you have an off-road go-kart, you can only ride on public roadways to cross it. Off-road go-karts need to be registered for operating on public lands. Additionally, you must be at least 18 years of age to drive unsupervised and wear a DOT-approved helmet and protective eye gear while operating your off-road go-kart.
Go-Kart Laws in New York:
In New York, Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) laws allow driving on public roads, but certain state or local authorities may prohibit this for safety reasons. However, your go-kart must qualify as an LSV, which can be challenging. Off-road go-karts are classified as All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and may need to be registered depending on your location. They’re not allowed to be driven on public roads or highways, except for crossing or agricultural purposes.
Reference: DMV New York
Go-Kart Laws in North Carolina:
North Carolina doesn’t have Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) or Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) classifications. While regulations are available for ATVs, they are defined as being straddled, which means it’s unlikely you’ll be able to legally drive your off-road go-kart on the road in North Carolina.
However, you may be able to register and drive your go-kart legally on roadways as an LSV if it meets all the safety requirements and specifications. To register your go-kart as an LSV, you need to be 16 years old with a valid driver’s license.
Reference: DOT North Carolina
Go-Kart Laws in North Dakota:
Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) laws in North Dakota apply to go-karts, and you can register your go-kart accordingly if it meets all the requirements and specifications.
Off-road go-karts are classified as Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) in North Dakota, and you must title and register them with the North Dakota Department of Transportation to drive them on public land. You can operate an OHV on public roadways with a posted speed limit not exceeding 55 mph, but your off-road go-kart must have headlights, tail lights, horn, speedometer, brake light, mirror, and a motor with at least 350 cc. It’s best to check with your local county authorities to ensure that your city allows operating OHVs on public streets.
Reference: DOT North Dakota
Go-Kart Laws in Oklahoma:
In Oklahoma, if you have a standard go-kart that meets the requirements, you can register it as a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV). However, if you have an off-road go-kart, you are required to title and register it.
Off-road go-karts are considered All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) in Oklahoma, but only if they are specifically made for off-road use, are less than 60 inches wide, have a maximum unladen weight of 1,500 lbs, and have more than 2 low-pressure tires. It’s important to note that off-road go-karts are not permitted to be driven on paved roads in Oklahoma.
Go-Kart Laws in Texas:
The state of Texas has rules for both Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) and off-road go-karts. To register your go-kart as an LSV, it needs to meet all LSV requirements, and you need a valid driver’s license. Off-road go-karts in Texas are considered Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROV) or Utility Vehicles (UTV) and must have functioning brakes, muffler, head and tail lights, and a spark arrestor to be driven on public land. If you have an off-road go-kart and want to ride on public roads, you can apply for an off-highway vehicle license plate, which allows you to ride on roads with speed limits under 35 mph.
How to Make a UTV Street Legal in Georgia:
If you want to make a UTV street legal in Georgia, you will need to follow certain requirements. These include equipping the UTV with a windshield, wipers, headlights, taillights, turn signals, a horn, and a license plate.
Conclusion: As you can see, go-kart laws vary by state, and whether go-karts are street legal depends on the specific state’s requirements. If you own a go-kart and are unsure about whether you can legally drive it on public roads, it is important to research your state’s specific laws and regulations. Remember that safety should always be your top priority when operating any type of vehicle, whether on public roads or private property.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether go-karts are street legal or not depends on the specific laws and regulations of each state. While some states allow go-karts to be driven on public roads, others prohibit it entirely or have strict restrictions in place. It is crucial to check your state’s laws and regulations before riding a go-kart on public roads to avoid fines, penalties, and, most importantly, ensure your safety. Remember to always wear protective gear, follow traffic rules, and practice responsible driving when operating a go-kart.