What changed in 2024: Maryland's SB316
Maryland golf cart law changed significantly on October 1, 2024, when Senate Bill 316 (SB316) took effect. Before this date, only a small number of named communities had legal authority to allow golf carts on public roads. Crisfield in Somerset County and Cobb Island in Charles County were among the few examples. SB316 expanded that authority to every county and municipality in Maryland, allowing local governments to pass ordinances permitting golf cart road use within their jurisdictions.
This means golf cart street legality in Maryland is no longer a simple yes or no answer. It depends entirely on whether your local government has passed an ordinance, and what restrictions that ordinance includes. The first step for any Maryland golf cart owner is to contact their county or municipal government directly to find out what local rules apply.
SB316 does not automatically make golf carts street legal everywhere in Maryland. It only gives local governments the option to allow it. Your county or municipality must pass its own ordinance before golf carts are permitted on public roads in your area.
How Maryland classifies golf carts vs. LSVs
Understanding the difference between a golf cart and a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) is the foundation of Maryland golf cart law. These two vehicle types are treated very differently under state law, and confusing them is one of the most common mistakes owners make.
| Feature | Golf cart | Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) |
|---|---|---|
| Top speed | Typically under 20 mph | Over 20 mph, not exceeding 25 mph |
| VIN requirement | None | 17-digit VIN required |
| State registration | Exempt | Required (Maryland MVA) |
| State title | Exempt | Required |
| Federal safety standards | Not applicable | Must meet FMVSS 49 CFR 571.500 |
| Road access | Only where local ordinance permits | Any public road at or under 30 mph, statewide |
| Emissions inspection | Exempt | Subject to MVA requirements |
Golf carts carry no VIN, require no state title or registration, and are exempt from emissions testing. They can only be driven on public roads where a local ordinance specifically permits it.
LSVs are four-wheeled motor vehicles with a top speed above 20 mph but no greater than 25 mph. They must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS 49 CFR 571.500), carry a 17-digit VIN, and be titled and registered with the Maryland MVA before you can drive them on public roads. In exchange for meeting those requirements, LSV owners can use any public road with a posted speed limit of 30 mph or less, statewide, without needing a local ordinance.
Are golf carts street legal in Maryland?
Golf carts can be street legal in Maryland, but only on roads where a local county or municipal ordinance permits their use. There is no statewide blanket permission. If your jurisdiction has not passed an ordinance under SB316, golf carts remain limited to private property and golf courses.
LSVs have broader statewide access. Once properly titled and registered with the Maryland MVA, an LSV can operate on any public road with a posted speed limit of 30 mph or less, regardless of whether a local ordinance exists.
Where you can and cannot drive
The rules governing where golf carts and LSVs may operate differ in important ways. Both are restricted from interstate highways, but golf carts face additional limitations tied to local ordinance boundaries.
| Rule | Golf cart | LSV |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum posted speed limit on road | 30 mph | 30 mph |
| Local ordinance required | Yes | No |
| Hours of operation | Daylight only (dawn to dusk) | No time restriction stated at state level |
| Lane position | Must stay far right | Standard lane use rules apply |
| State highways | Prohibited | Prohibited if speed limit exceeds 30 mph |
| Interstate highways | Prohibited | Prohibited |
Golf carts must stay to the far right of the roadway and are limited to daylight hours. Local ordinances may add further restrictions, such as limiting operation to specific roads, neighborhoods, or designated routes.
Maryland's Eastern Shore communities, Ocean City area resort towns, and other coastal regions have particularly high concentrations of golf cart use. If you own or plan to buy a golf cart in those areas, check with your county or municipal government about ordinance status before riding on public roads.
Required equipment
Equipment requirements depend on whether your vehicle is a golf cart or an LSV. LSVs face significantly stricter federal and state requirements tied to their FMVSS compliance obligations.
| Equipment | Golf cart | LSV |
|---|---|---|
| Headlights | Required | Required |
| Taillights | Required | Required |
| Brake lights | Not confirmed at state level | Required |
| Turn signals | Not confirmed at state level | Required |
| Reflectors | Required | Required |
| Windshield | Not confirmed at state level | Required |
| Rearview mirrors | Not confirmed at state level | Required |
| Seat belts | Not confirmed at state level | Required |
| Parking brake | Not confirmed at state level | Required |
| 17-digit VIN | Not required | Required |
At the state level, SB316 confirms that golf carts used on public roads must have headlights, taillights, and reflectors at minimum. Local ordinances may require additional equipment such as turn signals, mirrors, or slow-moving vehicle emblems. Always confirm equipment requirements with your specific county or municipality before riding on public roads.
LSVs must meet all FMVSS 49 CFR 571.500 requirements, which include headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, reflectors, a windshield, rearview mirrors, seat belts, and a parking brake. These are not optional; they are federal standards that must be met before the vehicle can be titled and registered in Maryland.
If your golf cart does not currently have headlights and taillights, you will need to add them before using it on any public road in Maryland, even in areas where local ordinances permit golf cart operation.
Registration and titling
Golf carts are fully exempt from Maryland MVA registration and titling requirements. You do not need to register your golf cart with the state. However, local ordinances may require a local permit as a condition of road use, which is a separate process handled at the county or municipal level.
LSVs must be titled and registered with the Maryland MVA before operating on public roads. The registration process requires:
- A Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin or a valid out-of-state title
- Proof of liability insurance
- A valid Maryland driver's license
- Completed MVA Form VR-324 (Low Speed Vehicle Registration)
- Payment of applicable MVA registration fees
Contact the Maryland MVA at mva.maryland.gov or visit a local MVA office to confirm current fee amounts and any additional documentation requirements before beginning the LSV registration process.
Insurance requirements
Golf carts are not subject to Maryland's mandatory vehicle insurance law at the state level. However, local ordinances passed under SB316 may require proof of liability insurance as a condition of receiving a local road use permit.
| Vehicle type | State insurance requirement | Typical annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Golf cart | Not required by state law; may be required by local ordinance | $75 – $300 per year |
| LSV | Required before MVA registration | Varies; contact insurer for quote |
Even where insurance is not legally required, carrying liability coverage is strongly recommended. If your golf cart causes an accident or property damage on a public road, you could be personally liable for all costs without coverage.
Some homeowners insurance policies may offer limited coverage for golf carts used on private property, but this coverage typically does not extend to public road use. A standalone golf cart liability insurance policy provides more reliable protection. Golf cart liability insurance runs approximately $75 to $300 per year depending on coverage limits and insurer.
Age and license requirements
A valid Maryland driver's license is required to operate a golf cart on public roads under the state framework established by SB316. The minimum age is 16, or 15 years and 9 months with a valid Maryland learner's permit under applicable restrictions.
| Operator type | Golf cart | LSV |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age (full license) | 16 years old | 16 years old |
| Minimum age (learner's permit) | 15 years, 9 months | 15 years, 9 months |
| License type required | Valid Maryland driver's license | Valid Maryland driver's license |
Some sources suggest children as young as 12 may operate a golf cart under parental supervision in certain contexts, but this claim has not been confirmed by official Maryland state sources. Individual county ordinances may address minor operator rules differently. Contact your county government directly to confirm whether and how minors may legally operate a golf cart in your area under any locally adopted ordinance.
Do not assume minors can legally operate a golf cart on public roads based on informal sources. Until your county's specific ordinance language is reviewed, the safest assumption is that a valid driver's license is required.
DUI laws and enforcement
Maryland's DUI laws apply to golf cart operators on public roads. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs while operating a golf cart on a public road can result in the same charges and penalties as a DUI in a conventional motor vehicle.
Operating a golf cart on a public road without authorization, for example in a county that has not passed an ordinance or on a road exceeding the 30 mph speed limit, can result in citations and fines. In some cases, a vehicle may be impounded.
Penalties for unauthorized golf cart operation are determined by Maryland traffic law and, where applicable, by local ordinance enforcement provisions. If you are cited for illegal golf cart operation, consult a Maryland traffic attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
County and municipal ordinances
SB316 created the legal framework for local ordinances, but it did not create a centralized registry of which counties and municipalities have adopted them. As of the date of publication, no comprehensive public database tracks which Maryland jurisdictions have passed golf cart ordinances under the 2024 law.
The following are known examples of Maryland communities with a history of golf cart road access:
| Community | County | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crisfield | Somerset County | Had road access authority prior to SB316 via individual statute |
| Cobb Island | Charles County | Had road access authority prior to SB316 via individual statute |
| Other jurisdictions | Statewide | Must be verified directly with county or municipal government |
To find out whether your jurisdiction has passed an ordinance, contact your county's Department of Transportation or your municipality's city or town clerk. Ask specifically whether a golf cart road use ordinance has been adopted under SB316 (effective October 1, 2024), and request a copy of any permit application if one is required.
HOA and private community rules operate independently from county and municipal ordinances. If you live in a planned community or retirement development, check your HOA rules separately. Private road rules are not governed by SB316 or Maryland Transportation Article Section 21-104.2.
Golf cart vs. LSV: which is right for you?
If you are deciding between purchasing a golf cart or an LSV, the right answer depends on where and how you plan to use the vehicle. Reviewing a golf cart buying guide can help you compare options and understand what to look for before making a purchase.
| Situation | Better choice | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Your county has a golf cart ordinance and you stay on local roads | Golf cart | Lower cost, no MVA registration needed, simpler to own |
| Your county has no golf cart ordinance yet | LSV | Statewide road access without waiting for local action |
| You want to use the vehicle on roads up to 30 mph across multiple jurisdictions | LSV | Not limited by local ordinance boundaries |
| You primarily use the vehicle on private property or a golf course | Golf cart | No registration, titling, or FMVSS compliance required |
| You want full safety equipment (seat belts, windshield, turn signals) | LSV | FMVSS compliance includes these features as standard |
Golf carts are simpler and less expensive to own in terms of registration and compliance. LSVs offer broader legal access and come with more built-in safety features, but they carry the overhead of state registration, titling, mandatory insurance, and federal equipment compliance. If you are also comparing Maryland's rules to neighboring states, see how Virginia golf cart laws handle similar classification questions — or review how other nearby states like North Carolina golf cart laws approach registration and local road rules.
Frequently asked questions
Are golf carts street legal in Maryland?
Golf carts can be street legal in Maryland, but only in counties or municipalities that have passed a local ordinance permitting road use under SB316 (effective October 1, 2024). There is no statewide permission for golf carts on public roads.
What changed in Maryland golf cart law in 2024?
SB316 took effect on October 1, 2024. It gave every Maryland county and municipality the authority to pass local ordinances allowing golf cart road use. Previously, only a small number of named communities had this authority through individual statutes.
Can I drive a golf cart on any road in my county?
No. Even in counties that have adopted ordinances, golf carts are limited to roads with posted speed limits of 30 mph or less that are specifically designated under the ordinance. State highways and interstates are always off-limits.
Do I need to register my golf cart in Maryland?
No. Golf carts are fully exempt from Maryland MVA registration and titling. Your county may require a local permit as a condition of road use, which is separate from state registration.
Do I need insurance for a golf cart in Maryland?
State law does not require golf cart insurance, but your local ordinance may require liability coverage as a condition of a permit. Carrying insurance is strongly recommended regardless, as you can be held personally liable for damages without it.
Can you get a DUI on a golf cart in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland DUI laws apply to golf cart operators on public roads. Operating a golf cart while impaired on a public road can result in the same criminal charges as a DUI in a conventional vehicle.
What is the minimum age to operate a golf cart in Maryland?
The state framework requires a valid Maryland driver's license, setting the minimum age at 16, or 15 years and 9 months with a learner's permit. Some county ordinances may address minor operator rules differently. Confirm with your local government.
What is the difference between an LSV and a golf cart in Maryland?
An LSV has a top speed above 20 mph but not exceeding 25 mph, must carry a 17-digit VIN, and must meet federal FMVSS safety standards. Golf carts do not have VINs, are exempt from state registration and titling, and are generally slower. LSVs have broader road access rights than golf carts.
How do I register an LSV with the Maryland MVA?
You need to complete MVA Form VR-324, provide a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin or valid title, show proof of insurance, and present a valid Maryland driver's license. Visit mva.maryland.gov or a local MVA office for current fees and requirements.
Official resources
Use these official sources to verify current Maryland golf cart and LSV requirements before purchasing or operating a vehicle on public roads:
- Maryland General Assembly: mgaleg.maryland.gov — search SB316 and HB440 for full bill text; Maryland Transportation Article Section 21-104.2 governs golf cart and LSV road use
- Maryland MVA: mva.maryland.gov — Form VR-324 for LSV registration, Low Speed Vehicle FAQ, and current fee schedule
- Federal LSV standard: FMVSS 49 CFR 571.500 — the federal equipment requirements all LSVs must meet
- Your county or municipal government: Contact the Department of Transportation or city/town clerk to ask about adopted ordinances and local permit requirements
