Short answer: In Maine, state law gives golf carts (top speed 20 mph or less) only narrow road access: on islands with no state-maintained public ways, where the municipality allows it, or under a $4 special permit from the Secretary of State for limited highway operation. A low-speed vehicle (LSV, 20 to 25 mph and built to the federal standard) may be driven on roads posted 35 mph or less, and must be titled, registered, covered by proof of financial responsibility and driven by a licensed driver.
Last verified against the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 29-A (sections 101, 501, 1925 and 2089): . Reviewed by Mike Burdman and Joe Magaro, Low Speed Living / Cart Life TV (20 years combined golf cart experience). This page is general information, not legal advice; cities, counties and HOAs can add stricter rules.
Golf cart vs. LSV in Maine: side-by-side
| Rule | Golf cart | Low-speed vehicle (LSV) |
|---|---|---|
| Legal definition | Motor vehicle originally designed and manufactured for golf course use for sporting or recreational purposes, not capable of exceeding 20 mph; excludes ATVs (29-A §101(25-A)) | Four-wheeled motor vehicle able to reach at least 20 mph but not more than 25 mph, under 3,000 lbs unloaded, originally manufactured and maintained to 49 C.F.R. 571.500; excludes ATVs (29-A §101(32-A)) |
| Where you can drive | On islands with no state-maintained public ways, if the municipality allows it, on roads posted 35 mph or less; or limited highway operation under a special permit (29-A §501(2-A) and (8)) | Roads posted 35 mph or less; may cross faster roads at intersections (29-A §2089) |
| Driver | Island use: valid driver's license of any class. Special permit: no license required, but no one under 15 on a public way | Valid Class A, B or C driver's license |
| Title and registration | Island registration: $4 a year. Special permit: $4, valid until March 1 of the next year | Required: certificate of title and registration, $25 a year, with a "low-speed" plate (29-A §501(11)) |
| Insurance | Not specified in the sections we read; check with your local government | Proof of financial responsibility under 29-A §1601 required to register |
| Night driving | Not specified in state law; check with your local government | No time-of-day limit in 29-A §2089 |
Where can you drive a golf cart in Maine?
We found two provisions in Title 29-A, section 501 that allow golf carts on public ways:
- Islands. On an island with no public ways maintained or supported by the State, a golf cart or LSV may be operated if the municipality's governing body allows it. It is limited to roads posted 35 mph or less and may cross a faster road at an intersection (§501(2-A)).
- Special permit. The Secretary of State may issue a special registration permit for limited highway operation of self-propelled golf carts, lawn mowers and similar vehicles, with restrictions meant to reduce danger to the operator (§501(8)). The statute does not spell out the restrictions; ask the Bureau of Motor Vehicles what a permit would allow where you live.
We did not find a general statute letting towns on the mainland open their streets to golf carts. Not specified in state law; check with your local government.
What equipment does a golf cart need in Maine?
The golf cart provisions in section 501 do not list equipment, and vehicles under a special permit are exempt from motor vehicle inspection (§501(8)(C)). Not specified in state law; check with your local government. LSV equipment is set by section 1925 and listed below.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in Maine?
It depends on which provision applies. On an island under §501(2-A), the driver must hold a valid driver's license of any class. Under a special permit, no driver's license is required, but a person under 15 may not operate the vehicle on a public way (§501(8)). LSV drivers need a valid Class A, Class B or Class C license (§2089(1)).
Do golf carts need registration or insurance in Maine?
For island use, a golf cart or LSV may be registered for $4 a year with proof that excise tax was paid, and the municipality may add another $4 a year to pay for removing abandoned vehicles (§501(2-A)). A special permit costs $4 and runs until March 1 of the following calendar year (§501(8)). Insurance for golf carts is not addressed in the sections we read.
An LSV is registered for $25 a year. The owner must provide a certificate of title, proof of financial responsibility under section 1601 and evidence of excise tax payment, and the plate reads "low-speed" (§501(11)). The section does not state coverage amounts.
What makes a golf cart street legal (an LSV) in Maine?
Under section 101(32-A), an LSV is a four-wheeled motor vehicle that can reach at least 20 mph but not more than 25 mph, weighs under 3,000 pounds unloaded, and was originally manufactured and is maintained to the federal low-speed vehicle standard. A registered LSV must have, in good working condition (§1925):
- Brakes on each wheel and a parking brake
- Headlights, rear lights, stop lamps and turn signal lamps
- Rear reflectors
- One exterior and one interior rearview mirror
- A safety glass windshield and windshield wipers
- A speedometer and an odometer
- Seat belts and child restraint systems
- A vehicle identification number
Under section 2089, LSVs are limited to roads posted 35 mph or less and may cross faster roads only at intersections. The State (on highways under its jurisdiction) and municipalities (on their own roads) may prohibit them for safety, and driving one where it is not allowed is a traffic infraction. See our federal street-legal requirements guide for the national standard.
Can you convert a golf cart to an LSV in Maine?
Maine's definition requires an LSV to be "originally manufactured" to the federal low-speed vehicle standard (§101(32-A)), and a golf cart is defined separately as a vehicle that cannot exceed 20 mph. The statutes we read contain no process for converting a golf cart into an LSV. Confirm with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles before buying a cart you hope to register as an LSV.