The Complete Guide to Mississippi Golf Cart Laws

Golf carts are often unique as far as vehicles go, and the laws surrounding them can vary significantly from state to state. For example, certain states may have different legal driving ages, while others may limit the roads on which you can take a golf cart. No matter where you live, understanding the specific laws and rules for when and where you can drive your golf cart around is always a good idea. Today, Ben Nelson Golf and Utility Vehicles is here to help folks from the Magnolia State with our complete guide to Mississippi golf cart laws.

This guide covers the rules and general guidelines of golf cart laws throughout the state. However, please remember that specific counties or cities may have differing regulations. If you're ever unsure, it may be worth checking if the rules in your area differ from statewide laws.

What Is the Legal Driving Age?

The legal driving age for operating a golf cart differs depending on your state. Some states may require drivers to be a certain age, while others may require younger drivers to have an adult escort alongside them. For example, Mississippi requires that any golf cart driver is of the legal driving age to have a license or learner's permit. This means that any golf cart operator must be at least 15 years of age in Mississippi. If a driver has yet to meet the legal driving age, they may not drive on major public roads and may only drive on private property with supervision from a parent or legal guardian.

What Roads Can You Drive On?

For many years, Mississippi didn't have many laws concerning the operation of golf carts on public roads. Things became more apparent in 2018 when the state introduced stricter rules. Drivers may not take golf carts on federal highways, interstates, or other high-speed roads. The general rule for golf carts is that you may drive them on roads that allow bicycles and other similar pedestrian vehicles.

To operate a golf cart on public roads, drivers must ensure that the golf cart has a few specific safety features. For example, golf carts require headlights and taillights, mirrors, seatbelts, parking brakes, and some form of horn or alert sound.

What Documents Do You Need?

Unlike traditional cars or other low-speed vehicles, golf carts do not require you to carry proof of registration or insurance papers to operate them on public roads. However, because drivers must have a license or permit to use one, they should carry this documentation while driving.

While you do not need to carry any registration documentation, you may need to check with your county or city to get permission to drive your golf cart on designated roads. Upon registering, drivers will receive a decal from their county or municipal tax collector. Drivers will need to place this decal on the left-rear fender of their vehicle to indicate proper registration.

Upon receiving their registration decal, many counties offer maps detailing which roads drivers can take their golf carts. This information helps keep drivers safe and golf carts out of areas where they aren’t supposed to be.

What Are the Liability Rules?

As we go through our complete guide to Mississippi golf cart laws, it helps to understand the unfortunate side of things too. While golf carts are a fantastic option for people to get around, there are some potential risks. Golf carts are typically slower and smaller than most other vehicles on the road. As a result, when you share a space with other cars, there may be times when accidents occur because other drivers don't see you.

If an accident occurs and the driver of the golf cart is at fault, that can lead to more significant problems. Because golf carts don’t require insurance, you may be on the hook for any damage to the other vehicles on the road. In addition, in situations with an underage driver, the supervising parent or legal guardian may need to take responsibility for the accident.

Remaining prepared, vigilant, and following legal guidelines dramatically helps reduce the possibility of an accident. Therefore, we suggest adhering to all local laws and maintaining and watchful eye while driving your golf cart on public roads.

Are There Laws Involving Alcohol?

Some people believe that because golf carts have different rules than traditional vehicles, they can operate them under the influence. This is not the case, and the police can fine or even arrest you for using one with a high enough alcohol level in your system. Getting a DUI while driving a golf cart may also result in the termination of your cart registration and suspension of your driver’s license. When in doubt, do not operate your golf cart on public roads after the consumption of alcohol, lest you put yourself or others at risk.

Differences Between Golf Carts and LSVs

While golf carts and other low-speed vehicles (LSVs) may look similar, they often have different functions and adhere to different laws. Low-speed vehicles generally go faster than golf carts, achieving speeds higher than 20 miles per hour. The increased speed requires additional registration information and safety features.

Unlike a golf cart, LSVs require a vehicle identification number (VIN), and you must have registration and insurance paperwork present when taking them on the road. Drivers must register their LSV with the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and have a valid driver's license while operating it. Aside from standard safety features like lights, mirrors, seatbelts, and horns, LSVs should also have windshield wipers, reflectors, and turn signals.

The laws and rules on golf carts may be a little laxer compared to more traditional vehicles, but understanding when and where you can drive your golf cart helps keep our Mississippi roads safer for everybody.

If you want to learn more about getting your own golf cart or low-speed vehicle, Ben Nelson has been helping Mississippi residents for over ten years. We’re a certified dealer of Cushman utility vehicles and have new and pre-owned options for the best and most reputable brands. To learn more about what Ben Nelson has to offer, feel free to contact us at any time or stop by one of our dealerships to speak directly to one of our associates.