One of the most common questions we get at Natural State Golf Carts is whether you can legally drive a golf cart on public roads in Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas. The short answer: it depends on the type of cart and where you want to drive it. Here's everything you need to know.
This is the key distinction that determines whether your cart is street legal in Arkansas. Most people use the term "golf cart" for everything, but legally there are two very different categories:
A standard golf cart is designed for use on golf courses and private property. They typically have a top speed of 15–20 mph and are not street legal on public roads in Arkansas. You can use them on private property, gated communities, golf courses, and neighborhoods that have designated cart paths — but not on public streets.
A Low Speed Vehicle is a federally regulated category of vehicle that can be licensed and registered for use on public roads. To qualify as an LSV, a vehicle must:
Several EZGO models — including the Liberty and select RXV configurations — are available in LSV-certified versions that meet all federal requirements and can be registered for street use in Arkansas. Ask us about our LSV inventory.
Under Arkansas law, LSVs can be driven on public roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less. This covers the vast majority of neighborhood streets, downtown areas, and local roads throughout Fayetteville and NWA.
To legally operate an LSV on Arkansas roads you'll need:
LSVs must be titled and registered with the Arkansas DMV just like a car or truck. You'll need a title from the dealer at the time of purchase.
A valid Arkansas driver's license is required to operate an LSV on public roads. The vehicle cannot be operated by unlicensed drivers on public streets.
LSVs must carry liability insurance like any other registered vehicle. Coverage is typically very affordable — often under $100/year.
LSVs must be equipped with headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, mirrors, a windshield, and seat belts. EZGO LSV models come with all of these standard.
Even with a standard (non-LSV) golf cart, there are plenty of places you can legally use one in the Fayetteville and NWA area:
Golf carts are completely legal on private property including your own land, farms, ranches, and private communities. Many neighborhoods and subdivisions throughout NWA have internal roads where golf carts are welcome even without street legal status.
Obviously — golf courses are the original home of the golf cart. Any standard cart is welcome on course grounds.
Many planned communities in Bentonville, Rogers, and Bella Vista have designated golf cart paths or community rules that allow cart use on internal roads. Check with your HOA for specific rules.
If your cart is LSV-certified and properly registered, you can drive on any public road in Fayetteville with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. This opens up a huge range of routes for neighborhood cruising, running errands, and getting around town.
Laws can change and local municipalities may have additional ordinances beyond state law. We always recommend confirming current rules with the City of Fayetteville or Washington County before driving on public roads. This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
For standard golf carts used on private property, no license is required. Children and adults can operate them freely on private land.
For LSVs on public roads, yes — a valid driver's license is required by Arkansas law.
At Natural State Golf Carts, we carry several EZGO models that are available in LSV-certified configurations. The most popular options include:
Not sure which cart is right for your situation? Give us a call and we'll walk you through the options based on where and how you plan to use it.
Standard golf carts are not street legal in Fayetteville and cannot be driven on public roads. However, LSV-certified carts that are properly registered, insured, and equipped can legally be driven on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less throughout NWA.
If you want to cruise your neighborhood, run to the store, or just enjoy the freedom of a cart on local streets — an EZGO LSV is the right choice. We're here to help you find the perfect fit.
Stop by our Fayetteville dealership or give us a call. We'll help you find the right EZGO for how and where you want to drive.
View Our Inventory 📞 (479) 439-9444