STREET LEGAL VS. STREET READY

Let's take some time to breakdown the basics on where you can drive your golf cart, if you need insurance, a 17 digit VIN etc. Baldwin County golf cart "law" can get a little confusing. So we want to break down the frequently asked questions to save you time and money! 

Let's start with "Street Ready" and "Street Legal" terms. The two do not mean the same thing down here in lower Alabama. Depending on neighborhood, or city either may be required. *CLICK HERE*, to "know the difference" to see what the difference is between the two. Having a cart that is "street legal" is usually the best option. With the 17 digit VIN and MCO you are able to drive your cart on streets 35MPH or less. Keep in mind, some golf communities or neighborhoods may still require the sticker from the city inspections. 

We advise all of our customers to know if  their neighborhood or city requires an inspection and sticker or a VIN and MCO before purchasing. GCP has been making carts street ready and selling street legal carts for quite sometime so we are familiar with most areas. 

When it comes to city golf cart ordinances the question always comes up.. do I need insurance? The answer is yes.  How you want to insure your cart is up to you. Homeowners or Auto. The city doesn't care. 

Where and how do you get your golf cart inspected? We have all the registration forms listed below, Foley, Gulf Shores and now Orange Beach. Some golf communities GlenLakes or Craft Farms have the inspections yearly at their clubhouses and have Police Officers on sight to inspect and issue your sticker. Some officers are able to come to your home. It is important to call the number on the forms provided for additional info. 

Next popular question we get is, I have a used cart how do I make it "street legal?" Short answer; you can't.  Hopefully you have read our section of "know the difference" A used cart can not get a 17 digit VIN and MCO. Especially a much older cart. Say you have a 2005 Club Car. That Club Car can be made "street ready" we can put seatbelts, turn signals etc. It can go through inspection receive a sticker and be able to drive in your neighborhood. It cannot be plated and driven on roads 35MPH or less because a VIN and MCO must come at the time of manufacture on brand new low speed vehicles. 

The difference between a golf cart and a low speed vehicle:

Golf Cart; is exactly that. A cart to be used and designed for the golf course. Speed is usually 15MPH maybe 19 or 20 depending on speed code modifications. Or upgraded controller etc. 

A low speed vehicle; is manufactured specifically for road use. DOT tires, DOT windshield, 17 digit VIN and MCO. Still have the "golf cart" look but has a speed up to 25MPH sometimes even 30. 

We hope this info is helpful, in either your next purchase or if you are needing to make some street ready upgrades to your existing cart!