The Granite Falls Police Department has received an increased number of complaints and concerns regarding golf carts being operated in certain areas of the community. This has raised some concerns and confusion about North Carolina Traffic Laws and what they allow. In an effort to educate the public, we would like to share an informational brochure from the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles License and Theft Bureau to help clarify the law.
The State of North Carolina requires that all motor vehicles possess a 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) in order to be titled, registered and legally driven on the roadway. The primary difference between a golf cart and a low-speed vehicle (LSV) is that a LSV possesses a 17-digit VIN required under state law and a golf cart does not. Therefore, preventing the operation of a golf cart on the roadway. This also prevents them from being retrofitted in an attempt to meet the state standards for an LSV and then registered to be driven on the roadway.
A golf cart can however be converted to become an LSV. This must be completed by a licensed manufacturer of LSVs who can assign the proper VIN to the vehicle. Once the VIN is established the LSV must be safety inspected annually, insured and registered for operation on the roadway. An LSV that is legal for operation on a roadway can only be operated by a driver who is 16 years old or older and holds a valid North Carolina driver’s license. There are cities and towns who allow the operation of a golf cart in their jurisdiction by adopting an ordinance; however, Granite Falls does not have an ordinance which allows this. In absence of an ordinance, state traffic law must determine which vehicles can operate legally on our streets. Due to complaints, the Granite Falls Police Department identifies the need to address this issue. Compliance with North Carolina traffic laws is the goal of our agency and enforcement begins with educating the public.
Here is a link to an informative brochure from NCDMV regarding low-speed vehicles and golf carts.