Short answer: In Mississippi, golf carts and low-speed vehicles (LSVs) may be driven only on city streets that a municipality has designated by ordinance. The vehicle must be registered with the city and carry its decal, and the driver must carry a valid driver's license or temporary permit and proof of liability insurance (Miss. Code 63-32-3 and 63-32-5). The general state law covers municipalities only; outside city limits, check for a county-specific local law.
Last verified against Mississippi Code Title 63, Chapter 32 (sections 63-32-1 to 63-32-5) as published for the 2025 code and reproduced in 2025 legislative bill text: . 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 Mississippi: side-by-side
| Rule | Golf cart | Low-speed vehicle (LSV) |
|---|---|---|
| Legal definition | Motor vehicle made for golf course use for sport or recreation, not capable of exceeding 20 mph, with the safety equipment in 49 CFR 571.500 (63-32-1) | Four-wheeled electric or gas vehicle with a top speed above 20 mph but below 25 mph, with the safety equipment in 49 CFR 571.500 (63-32-1) |
| Where you can drive | City streets designated by municipal ordinance; no state or federal highways except to cross by the shortest route (63-32-3) | Same as golf carts (63-32-3) |
| Driver | Valid driver's license or temporary driver's permit, carried while driving (63-32-3) | Same as golf carts |
| Title and registration | Registration with the city and a decal on the left rear fender (63-32-5); state title and tag not addressed in Chapter 32 | Same city registration (63-32-5); state title and tag not addressed in Chapter 32 |
| Insurance | Proof of financial responsibility required; amounts are set in the Motor Vehicle Safety-Responsibility Law (63-15-1 et seq.), which we did not review | Same as golf carts |
| Night driving | Not specified in state law; check with your local government | Not specified in state law; check with your local government |
Where can you drive a golf cart in Mississippi?
Only on public roads and streets inside a city that the municipal governing authorities have designated by ordinance (Miss. Code 63-32-3). On those streets, golf carts and LSVs may go where bicycles are legally allowed, must keep to the outside lane on multilane roads, and may not travel on state highways or federal highways except to cross them by the shortest route.
- Speed-limit cap. Chapter 32 does not set a maximum posted speed limit for designated streets; the city chooses which streets to designate.
- Route map. The city must give each registrant a map of the areas where golf carts and LSVs may be driven (63-32-5).
- Counties. The general law authorizes municipalities only. Some counties have their own local and private acts (for example, a 2026 act for DeSoto County), so check with the county if you live outside city limits.
- Penalties. Not specified in Chapter 32; check your city's ordinance.
What equipment does a golf cart need in Mississippi?
Mississippi's definitions of both golf cart and low-speed vehicle require the vehicle to be equipped with the safety equipment in the federal LSV standard, 49 CFR 571.500 (Miss. Code 63-32-1). Chapter 32 does not list individual items, and a city may add requirements in its ordinance.
See our federal street-legal requirements guide for the national LSV standard.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in Mississippi?
State law does not give a specific age, but anyone driving a golf cart or LSV on designated public streets must hold and carry a valid driver's license or temporary driver's permit (Miss. Code 63-32-3 and 63-32-5).
Do golf carts need to be registered or insured in Mississippi?
Yes, for street use. A golf cart or LSV driven on designated public streets must be registered with the city, which may charge a reasonable administrative fee and requires proof of financial responsibility and a valid driver's license or temporary permit. The owner receives a registration decal for the left rear fender, and the registration stays valid for as long as that owner keeps the vehicle (Miss. Code 63-32-5). Drivers must carry proof of financial responsibility whenever they are on public streets.
Chapter 32 does not state insurance dollar amounts or address state titles and license tags for LSVs; contact your county tax collector or the Mississippi Department of Revenue to confirm.
What makes a golf cart street legal in Mississippi?
Under the general state law, a golf cart or LSV is legal on a street only when four things line up: the city has designated that street by ordinance, the vehicle has the federal LSV safety equipment named in its definition, it is registered with the city and shows the decal, and the driver carries a valid license or temporary permit and proof of financial responsibility (Miss. Code 63-32-1 to 63-32-5).
Converting a golf cart to an LSV: Chapter 32 treats golf carts and LSVs alike and does not describe a conversion or re-titling process. Not specified in state law; check with your local government.
Sources
- Miss. Code 63-32-1: Definitions (FindLaw, current as of January 1, 2025)
- Miss. Code 63-32-3: Operation of golf carts and low-speed vehicles on municipal public roads
- Miss. Code 63-32-5: Registration of golf carts and low-speed vehicles
- 2025 Mississippi Code, Title 63 (Chapter 32 listing)
- Mississippi Legislature: 2025 S.B. 2817 as introduced (reproduces existing sections 63-32-3 and 63-32-5)