Top 10 Most Asked Questions About Street-Legal Golf Carts in Arizona!

For folks cruising around Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Sun City, Mesa, and beyond

Whether you’re seeing more Golf Carts zipping through the neighborhood or you’re thinking about picking one up yourself, it’s clear these street-legal Golf Carts are becoming a big part of the Arizona lifestyle. Below are the top 10 questions we hear all the time from locals curious about using Golf Carts to get around town.

1. What Exactly Makes a Golf Cart Street-Legal?

Great question. A regular ol’ Golf Cart won’t cut it on public streets. In Arizona, to be considered street-legal, your Golf Cart must check these boxes:

• Working headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals
• A horn, windshield, and mirrors (both sides)
• Seat belts for everyone onboard
• It has to go at least 20 mph but no more than 25 mph
• It needs a VIN number
• And yes, it must be registered and insured

Once all that’s in place, your cart can legally roll on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or under.

2. Do I Have to Register My Golf Cart with the State?

If you want to drive it on the street—yes, you do.
Arizona treats a street-legal Golf Cart as a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV). That means you’ll need to get it registered with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), and they’ll issue you a license plate.

3. How Fast Are These Things, Anyway?

By law, street-legal Golf Carts in Arizona need to travel at least 20 mph and no faster than 25 mph. It’s fast enough for getting around the neighborhood, downtown, or making a quick grocery run—without needing a full-size car.

4. How Far Can I Drive One on a Full Charge or Tank?

Range totally depends on what powers your Golf Cart:

• Lithium battery models usually get between 30–50 miles per charge
• Traditional lead-acid batteries go about 15–25 miles
• Gas-powered Golf Carts can stretch out to over 100 miles on a tank

For most folks in places like Sun City or North Scottsdale, that’s more than enough for a full day of errands or exploring.

5. What Are Some Good Street-Legal Golf Cart Brands?

There are some seriously sharp Golf Carts out there. Locals in the Valley love these picks:

• Evolution D5 Series – Stylish with big touchscreens and lithium power
• Tomberlin Emerge Series – Super safe with top-tier performance
• Venom Strike-4 and Strike-6 – Sleek, reliable, and great value
• Icon i40 and i60 – Tons of features for the price

These brands are street-ready and neighborhood-approved from Mesa to Paradise Valley and beyond.

6. What’s the Typical Cost for a Street-Legal Golf Cart in Arizona?

Prices can swing a bit depending on what you’re looking for. Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Entry-level models: $8,000–$12,000
• Mid-range (often with lithium batteries): $12,000–$15,000
• High-end luxury Golf Carts: $15,000–$20,000+

7. Can I Drive a Street-Legal Cart Anywhere in Arizona?

Not quite. You’re limited to public roads where the speed limit is 35 mph or lower.
That said, many communities—especially in Sun City, Paradise Valley, and North Scottsdale—are designed with Golf Cart travel in mind. Some even have special parking just for Golf Carts.

8. Do I Need Insurance for My Golf Cart?

Yes, if the Golf Cart is Street-Legal.

Arizona requires that you carry minimum liability insurance on any LSV. Most people pay between $100 and $300 per year, depending on coverage. It’s smart to bump up to a full policy if you’re using the cart regularly or leaving it parked around town.

9. Can I Drive my Golf Cart at Night?

Yep, as long as it has the proper lights installed and working—which street-legal models always do.
Headlights, taillights, and brake lights are all part of the deal when registering your cart, so you’re good to go after sunset.

10. Where Can I Buy a Street-Legal Golf Cart in the Valley?

You’ve got options. Arizona is a hot spot for Golf Cart dealers. Some of the best places to start shopping include:

• Bright EV in Phoenix and Scottsdale
• Phoenix Golf Carts

Look for dealers who know Arizona’s laws and can help with registration and delivery.

Ready to start ‘Living the Cart Life?’

More Arizonans are making the move to street-legal Golf Carts—and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re cruising down a shaded street in Paradise Valley, hopping over to the clubhouse in Sun City, or grabbing a coffee in Old Town Scottsdale, a Golf Cart makes life easier, cheaper, and way more fun.

Explore the range of Street-Legal Golf Carts here: www.BrightEV.com, or call us at: 888-260-7070 and discover why Bright EV and Street-Legal Golf Carts are redefining daily transportation, one ride at a time.

We hope you find value in our latest Golf Cart Blog article and we invite you to visit our Bright Electric Vehicle Golf Cart Blog for more tips & recommendations for all there is to experience when owning a Golf Cart.

For the best pricing on Evolution Golf Carts, see our ‘Manager’s Evolution Price Sheet.‘

For the best available selection and pricing on Venom Golf Carts, see our, ‘Manager’s Venom Price Sheet.’

For the best pricing on the highly popular Tomberlin Golf Carts, see our ‘Manager’s Tomberlin Price Sheet.‘

For more information on purchasing a new or used Golf Cart, or to learn about favorable financing options, feel free to call us at: 888.260.0707 or Email us.

About Bright Electric Vehicles:

Bright Electric Vehicles (‘BEV’) is the Southwest’s Leader in Street-Legal & Commercial Golf Cart Sales, Rentals & Service in California, Arizona & Nevada.

Bright EV is a multi-brand, multi-state Golf Cart Dealership representing top Golf Cart Brands including, Venom Electric Vehicles, Tomberlin Electric Vehicles and Evolution Electric vehicles.

Our commitment to providing each Customer with the very best prices and outstanding personalized service has earned Bright EV a Top 5-Star Rating from our loyal Customers.

With our strategic locations situated throughout the Southwest, Hawaii and new locations coming soon, Bright EV has the buying power and locations to serve our Customers and to ship Golf Carts throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and beyond, at the most competitive pricing possible.

For more information on purchasing a new or used Golf Cart, or to learn about favorable financing options, call us at: 888.260.0707 or Email us.