Street-Legal Golf Carts
Which golf carts are allowed on the road – and what you need to register one in Austria and Germany
Street-legal golf carts – what matters
A golf cart used on the course or on private grounds needs no registration. But as soon as you want to use public roads – for example between clubhouse, car park and course, or across hotel and resort grounds with public paths – road registration is required. As the authorised E-Z-GO and Cushman general importer, we equip golf carts with the necessary gear and advise you on registration in Austria and Germany.
Road registration in Austria & Germany
The key rules at a glance – the two countries differ
Golf cart road registration in Austria
In Austria a road-capable golf cart is generally treated as a slow motor vehicle. To use public roads it requires individual approval (Einzelgenehmigung / type approval); the vehicle is then registered for traffic and issued a number plate.
- Individual approval / type approval via the state inspection body
- Registration, number plate and third-party liability insurance required
- Licence depends on the design top speed (up to 25 km/h vs. faster)
- On golf courses & private grounds: no registration needed
Golf cart road registration in Germany
In Germany street-legal golf carts are usually classified as light vehicles. Common variants run up to 25 km/h as well as 45 km/h models (class L6e/L7e), each with operating permit or individual approval under §21 StVZO.
- Operating permit / individual inspection (e.g. §21 StVZO, TÜV/DEKRA)
- §70 special approval possible → entitles you to an insurance plate (no regular vehicle registration; not valid in other EU countries)
- 25 km/h and 45 km/h variants possible (class L6e/L7e)
- Licence depends on the class (e.g. AM for 45 km/h)
Note: legal requirements depend on the vehicle, its design top speed and the respective federal state, and may change. We advise you individually on registering your specific golf cart – binding information is provided by the registration authority and the inspection organisations.
What equipment does a street-legal golf cart need?
To be allowed on the road, a golf cart must be technically upgraded
Lighting
Headlights, tail, brake and indicator lights plus reflectors per road regulations.
Mirrors & Horn
Exterior mirrors, a horn and a seatbelt system depending on the number of seats.
Brakes & Tyres
Approved service and parking brake plus road-legal tyres.
Plate & Insurance
Number plate holder, valid liability insurance and documents for registration.
Street-legal golf carts from E-Z-GO & Club Car
These models can be equipped for road use
We supply E-Z-GO and Club Car golf carts – new and inspected used – and, on request, fit them with the necessary road package. Whether a 2-seater for short connecting routes or people movers and utility vehicles for hotels, resorts and municipalities: we find the right, registrable solution.
E-Z-GO ELiTE (Lithium)
Modern electric golf carts with lithium technology, configurable as 2- or 4-seaters with road equipment. The E-Z-GO RXV ELiTE is optionally available ex-works with L6e (25 km/h) road approval for Germany.
Club Car Tempo & Precedent
Proven golf carts that can be retrofitted with lighting, mirrors and a plate for road use.
Cushman utility vehicles
Robust transporters and utility vehicles for businesses and municipalities – street-legal on request.
Frequently asked questions about golf cart road registration
Is a golf cart street legal?
Standard golf carts are built for golf courses and private grounds and are not street legal from the factory. To use public roads, a golf cart must be technically upgraded (lighting, mirrors, horn, plate) and officially registered. Golf Tech equips E-Z-GO and Club Car carts accordingly and advises on registration in Austria and Germany.
Are you allowed to drive a golf cart on the road?
On public roads a golf cart may only be driven with valid registration, a number plate and liability insurance. On private grounds such as golf courses, hotel and resort sites, campsites or company premises no registration is required. As soon as public roads are used, road registration is mandatory.
What driving licence do you need for a street-legal golf cart?
The licence needed depends on the design top speed. For slow vehicles up to 25 km/h a low licence class is often sufficient, while 45 km/h models in Germany usually require at least class AM. The exact requirements differ between Austria and Germany – we advise you individually.
How fast does a street-legal golf cart go?
Depending on model and configuration, golf carts typically travel between 25 and 45 km/h. For road use both restricted 25 km/h variants and faster 45 km/h models (class L6e/L7e) are possible. The permitted top speed also determines the required vehicle class and licence.
Can you charge a golf cart from a normal socket?
Yes. An electric golf cart charges easily from a standard 220 V household socket. No high-voltage (three-phase) line is required – it would even be harmful to the cart and battery. Modern lithium models (e.g. E-Z-GO ELiTE) also charge roughly twice as fast as classic lead-acid carts.
Can I buy a used street-legal golf cart?
Yes. Golf Tech offers new and inspected used golf carts and, on request, fits them with the necessary road package. Our warehouse locations in Vienna, Klagenfurt and Münster enable delivery across Austria and Germany. Contact us for current availability and an individual quote.
Looking for a street-legal golf cart?
We advise you on the right, registrable solution and deliver across Austria and Germany.