Sgt. Jesse Grabow
Question: I have been seeing more golf carts driving around this summer and wondering about their regulations regarding their use on the streets.
Answer: Motorized golf carts are not titled or registered with the Department of Public Safety, and ordinarily they cannot be operated on public roads. However, Minnesota law does allow local units of government, such as counties and cities, to authorize via a special permit golf cart operation on streets and highways under that local government’s jurisdiction. The Minnesota Department of Transportation cannot issue the permit for use on trunk highways (including the interstate system).
A rearview mirror is required. The mirror must provide a view to the rear for at least 200 feet. Golf carts must also display a triangular slow-moving vehicle emblem.
Insurance requirements must be established as part of the local ordinance and must match that of motorcycles.
Drivers of golf carts are subject to the same traffic laws and duties as operators of other motor vehicles, although additional limitations apply. The vehicles can only be operated on designated roadways, although they may cross other roads and highways. The vehicles can only be operated between sunrise and sunset unless original equipment includes headlights, taillights, and brake lights. They cannot be used in bad weather unless the authorizing ordinance provides an exception for emergencies, or if there is not enough visibility to see people and other vehicles from 500 feet away.
A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. (You can follow him on “X” @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).
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