Go karts are fast, fun, and thrilling vehicles, whether used for racing or casual rides on private property. But many enthusiasts wonder: can a go kart be street legal?
The short answer is yes, but it’s not easy. Turning a go kart into a street legal vehicle requires meeting strict safety, registration, and legal standards that vary by state.
This guide explains everything you need to know about making a go kart street legal, from state laws to equipment upgrades and registration processes.
Table of Contents
What is a Go Kart?
Before discussing legality, let’s define what a go kart is.
Types of Go Karts:
✅ Racing Karts: Lightweight, high-speed karts designed for karting tracks.
✅ Off-Road Karts: Built with larger tires and suspension for dirt trails.
✅ Homemade or Custom Karts: Made from kits or modified frames, often lacking official certifications.
Go karts are generally low, open-frame vehicles with small engines and no protective bodywork, making them unsuitable for public roads by default.
Can a Go Kart Be Street Legal?
The Short Answer:
No, go karts are not street legal by default. They are designed for off-road or track use and lack the required safety features for public roads. However, with modifications and legal approval, some go karts can be made street legal.
Why Aren’t Go Karts Street Legal?
Most go karts lack:
- DOT-approved headlights, taillights, and turn signals
- Rearview and side mirrors
- Windshield or eye protection
- Seat belts and safety harnesses
- Crash safety features required by federal vehicle standards
- Emissions compliance for public road use
These missing features mean that go karts do not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for street-legal vehicles.
How to Make a Go Kart Street Legal
If you want to drive your go kart on public roads, follow these step-by-step guidelines.
1. Check Your State Laws
The first step is to check your state DMV or DOT regulations. Some states allow special construction or homemade vehicles to be registered under certain categories, while others prohibit go karts from being registered for road use entirely.
✅ Tip: Contact your local DMV for clear guidance before starting any modifications.
2. Obtain a VIN and Title
Most go karts are sold without a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or title. To register it:
- Apply for a special construction title or “homebuilt vehicle” classification.
- Have a VIN assigned by the DMV after a safety inspection.
- Provide proof of ownership (bill of sale, receipts for parts, or build documentation).
Without a VIN and title, registration is impossible in any state.
3. Install Required Safety Equipment
Making a go kart street legal requires extensive modifications to comply with road safety laws. Here’s what you need:
✅ Headlights and Taillights
- DOT-approved front headlights (high and low beam)
- Red taillights visible from the rear
✅ Turn Signals
- Front and rear turn indicators to signal lane changes and turns
✅ Brake Lights
- Illuminate when brakes are applied
✅ Rearview and Side Mirrors
- At least one rearview mirror; two side mirrors are recommended
✅ Horn
- Audible from at least 200 feet, as required in most states
✅ Windshield or Eye Protection
- DOT-approved windshield or helmets with visors if allowed by state law
✅ Seat Belts
- Secure seat belts for the driver and any passengers
✅ DOT-Approved Tires
- Replace racing slicks or off-road tires with street-approved tires
✅ Speedometer and Odometer
- Required for legal road use in many states
✅ Reflectors
- Side and rear reflectors to enhance night visibility
✅ Muffler or Noise Control
- Must meet local noise ordinances
✅ Parking Brake
- Functional parking brake for safety when parked
4. Pass DMV Inspection
After installing the required equipment, your go kart must pass a DMV safety inspection to verify:
- All safety equipment is properly installed and operational
- The vehicle meets emissions standards (where required)
- Build quality is safe for road use
If approved, your DMV will assign a VIN and title, allowing registration.
5. Obtain Registration and License Plate
Once titled, you must:
- Register your go kart with your state DMV
- Pay applicable registration fees
- Obtain a license plate and mount it visibly on your vehicle
6. Purchase Insurance
Most states require liability insurance to drive any vehicle on public roads. Standard auto insurers may not cover go karts, so look for:
- Specialty kit car or custom vehicle insurance
- Liability coverage to protect you in case of accidents
Can All Go Karts Be Made Street Legal?
The Honest Answer:
Not all go karts can be made street legal. Factors that affect eligibility include:
✅ Engine size and emissions compliance
✅ Frame strength and crashworthiness
✅ Ability to install mandatory safety equipment
✅ State-specific laws and inspection standards
For example, small electric go karts for kids cannot meet street safety requirements. Similarly, racing karts with no suspension or lighting are nearly impossible to convert legally.
States with Strict Rules
Some states, such as California and New York, have stricter regulations making it extremely difficult to register a go kart for road use due to emissions standards and safety laws.
Registering as a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV)
If your go kart is electric and meets LSV standards, it may qualify as a Low-Speed Vehicle:
- Must be speed limited to 25 mph
- Equipped with DOT-approved lights, mirrors, seat belts, and windshield
- Registered under LSV regulations for roads with speed limits under 35 mph
Most go karts do not meet these standards, but some street-legal kart manufacturers design LSV-style karts that can be registered in certain states.
Risks of Driving an Unregistered Go Kart on Public Roads
Driving a non-street-legal go kart on public roads can result in:
- Fines and citations
- Vehicle impoundment
- Court fees and towing costs
- Liability issues if involved in an accident
Always ensure your go kart is registered, insured, and compliant with state laws before road use.
Why Make a Go Kart Street Legal?
Benefits of a street legal go kart include:
✅ Convenience: Drive directly to kart tracks or local areas without a trailer
✅ Utility: Use for short trips within communities (if allowed)
✅ Fun: Enjoy the go kart experience legally on roads
Final Verdict: Can a Go Kart Be Street Legal?
So, can a go kart be street legal? Yes, if:
- Your state allows custom or kit vehicle registration
- You install all mandatory safety equipment
- You obtain a VIN, title, registration, and insurance
Always check state laws before starting any modifications. For many enthusiasts, riding on tracks or private property remains the safest and easiest option. If you’re serious about on-road use, consider buying a vehicle designed and certified for street legality.