Yes, you can legally drive a golf cart on certain public roads in Pennsylvania, but only under very strict conditions. State law allows golf carts to travel short distances (no more than one mile) on specific low-speed roads. Golf carts can also cross highways if the crossing is made safely and at a right angle. But outside of these limits, driving a golf cart on public roads in Pennsylvania is illegal.
Also known as the Keystone State, Pennsylvania is a blend of historic cities and peaceful countryside. The state also offers a number of recreational activities, among which golf is the most popular. World-famous golf courses such as the Oakmont and Merion have been some of the key aspects of the state’s identity.
With such a rich golf culture, seeing a golf cart out on the road is very common, especially in communities and retirement neighborhoods where people often take short trips around. But the laws here are stricter than in many other states. The rules cover who can drive, where they can drive, what times they can drive, what equipment is required, and the restrictions on golf carts.
Where Can You Legally Drive a Golf Cart in Pennsylvania?
You can drive a golf cart only in very specific places. The main allowance under state law is that you may drive up to one mile on a low-speed public road. The law also allows a golf cart to cross a highway, but only if:
- The crossing is made at a 90-degree angle.
- The location is clear and safe.
- The driver comes to a complete stop first.
- The driver yields to all traffic.
If none of these situations apply, your golf cart use is limited to private property. This includes your own land, golf courses, resorts, colleges, and retirement communities that allow golf carts on their private roads.
It’s important to note that even if a town passes a local ordinance allowing carts, those rules cannot override state law. Municipalities cannot make golf carts fully street-legal on their own.
What Are the Age Requirements for Driving a Golf Cart?
Pennsylvania law sets specific age rules for golf cart drivers.
- A child as young as 12 years old can drive a golf cart on a public road under the limited conditions allowed by law.
- To cross a highway, the driver must be at least 16 years old, unless there is an adult supervising.
If a child gets into an accident while driving a golf cart, the parent or guardian can be held legally responsible for any damages caused.
Do You Need a License or Insurance to Drive a Golf Cart?
Unlike a car, you do not need a driver’s license to drive a golf cart in Pennsylvania. You also do not need to show proof of insurance. This is because golf carts are not registered motor vehicles.
But if you are driving a low-speed vehicle, the rules change. You must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license, proof of registration, and insurance. An LSV is treated much more like a passenger car in the eyes of the law.
Can You Drive a Golf Cart at Night in Pennsylvania?
No, driving a golf cart after dark is not legal in Pennsylvania. Golf carts usually lack the lights and reflectors needed to safely operate at night. This is one of the clearest rules in the law: golf carts can only be driven during daylight hours.
Low-speed vehicles, on the other hand, are equipped with headlights, taillights, and turn signals. That means they can be legally driven at night as long as they are on roads with a speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less.
Can Golf Carts Be Registered in Pennsylvania?
Standard golf carts cannot be registered in Pennsylvania. The state’s Department of Transportation does not title or tag them for use on highways.
The only type of cart that can be registered is a low-speed vehicle. These meet federal safety standards, so PennDOT allows them to be titled and insured. Once registered, they can operate on low-speed roads but must follow the same traffic rules as cars.
Recap of Main Points
To make this clear, here is a short recap of Pennsylvania golf cart laws:
- Golf carts can only drive up to one mile on public low-speed roads.
- They may cross highways at safe, 90-degree angles.
- Driving after dark is illegal for golf carts.
- Drivers must be at least 12 for local roads and 16 to cross highways unsupervised.
- No driver’s license or insurance is required for golf carts.
- Golf carts cannot be registered as motor vehicles in Pennsylvania.