Low-Speed Electric Vehicles - Golf Carts, NEVs and MEVs
This page provides information on the regulation of low-speed electric vehicles in Washington State, such as golf carts, medium-speed electric vehicles, and neighborhood electric vehicles.
Overview
There has been a growing public interest in using low-speed, four-wheeled electric vehicles to make short trips for shopping, social, and recreational purposes. These passenger-carrying vehicles offer a variety of advantages, including lower costs and energy-efficient mobility.
To drive on public roads in Washington, these vehicles must be “street legal.” Washington provides for the use of neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) and moderate-speed electric vehicles (MEVs) under certain conditions. These vehicles are often referred to as "golf carts."
Statutes
Both NEVs and MEVs must conform to federal regulations under 49 CFR Sec. 571.500, and both may be driven on city streets and county roads (that are not also state routes) if these thoroughfares have speed limits of 35 mph or less.
- RCW 46.04.320 – Definition of "motor vehicle" includes neighborhood electric vehicles, medium-speed electric vehicles, and (for purposes of chapter 46.61 RCW only) golf carts
- RCW 46.04.1945 – Definition of "golf cart"
- RCW 46.04.295 – Definition of "medium-speed electric vehicle"
- RCW 46.04.357 – Definition of "neighborhood electric vehicle"
- RCW 46.08.175 – Cities and counties may create "golf cart zones" on streets or highways with a speed limit of 25 mph or less, allowing for incidental operation of golf carts.
- RCW 46.61.723 – Medium-Speed Electric Vehicles
- RCW 46.61.725 – Neighborhood Electric Vehicles
Examples of Local Government Golf Cart Provisions
- Arlington Municipal Code Ch. 10.88 – Use of Golf Carts (or Similar Vehicles) on Public Property
- Cheney Municipal Code Ch. 11.90 – Operation of Golf Carts
- Grant County Code Ch. 11.34 – Operation of Golf Carts
- La Conner Municipal Code Ch. 9.50 – Golf Cart Zone
- Langley Municipal Code Ch. 10.24 – Golf Cart Zone
- Liberty Lake Municipal Code Ch. 7-4 – Operation of Golf Carts
- Mill Creek Municipal Code Ch. 10.20 – Prohibits golf carts on city streets; carts may be operated in designated sidewalk/bike lanes
- Orting Municipal Code Ch. 7-8 – Golf Cart Zone
Safety Standards
National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA)
As a result of a growing conflict between state, local, and federal laws which restricted vehicle manufacturers from producing and selling vehicles and consumers from buying them, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) set safety standards for a class of low-speed vehicles in 1998. These are the standards that Washington NEVs and MEVs must meet.
When the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) was setting safety standards for low-speed vehicles, it chose to use the industry term "golf car." The NHTSA noted that while members of the public tended to use the term "golf cart," vehicle manufacturers used the term "golf car." This final rule uses "golf car," except in those instances where the other term is used in quotation.
- NHTSA
- Final Rule 49 CFR Part 571 [Docket No. NHTSA 98-3949]
- 63 FR 33194 (1998) – Provides discussion and background to final rule
- 49 CFR Sec. 571.500 – Low-Speed Vehicles. This is the minimum safety standard for Washington’s NEVs and MEVs to operate. Manufacturers of golf cars with top speeds of less than 20 mph do not have to meet these standards.
Additional Standards
- Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI): Standards – Provides updates, guidelines, and standards for NEV, MEV, and golf cart owners
- American National Standards Institute (ANSI): Golf Cars Safety Specifications (2020)