Golf carts on some public roads?

Many states allow local towns to authorize the use of golf carts on public roads, but set limits such as prohibiting driving them after dark or on roads with higher speed limits. Most require golf cart drivers to hold a valid driver’s license.

Currently, over 350 cities and counties have passed rules that allow golf carts to travel on some of their streets.

Golf carts usually have a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour and are not required to meet federal safety standards. Average cost for a new golf cart is around $8,000 to $11,000, significantly less than the cost of a car.

Currently in New Hampshire, only golf carts which qualify as ‘neighborhood electric vehicles’ (NEVs) may travel on public roads. NEVs must be equipped similarly to cars, with mirrors, speedometer, odometer, parking breaks, signals, seat belts, among other features. The state restricts them to travel on roads with posted speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less.

Standard golf carts do not usually qualify as NEVs, and are instead considered off-highway recreational vehicles (OHRVs), and may only be used on approved trails, using public roads only for crossing or traveling to or from a trail head.

Supporters argue that golf carts are easier and less expensive to maintain than cars, making them a helpful option particularly for retired and elderly drivers who do not need to travel long distances. Many golf carts are also electric, making them an environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional vehicles.

Opponents counter that golf carts can represent a safety risk, as they offer little protection in the case of a collision with a larger vehicle. They argue that roadways in most towns are not designed for golf cart use.