Maryland Golf Cart and LSV Laws

What is The Difference Between a Golf Cart and LSV

Southern Maryland Outdoor Power Equipment is licensed to Sell Low Speed Vehicles. Let us do the heavy lifting for you! At SOMD-OPE, we can sell you an LSV that is ready to go right off of our lot and take care of all the paperwork and issue you your Low Speed Vehicle Plates for the State of Maryland.

What  make one DMV and DOT approved and not the other?

• A golf cart maximum speed of 20 mph.
• An LSV can do that slightly better at 25-30 mph.
• Unlike LSVs, golf carts do not adhere to safety standards.
• Compared to an LSV, a golf cart is cheaper to purchase.
• LSVs generally have added safety equipment like turn signals, headlights, brake lights and rearview mirrors

What is a low speed vehicle?

• A four-wheeled electric vehicle
• Has a maximum speed capability that exceeds 20 miles per hour but is less than 25 miles per hour;
• Has at least four wheels in contact with the ground;
• Has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 2,500 pounds
• Complies with the standards for safety of such a vehicle set forth in Federal Motor Safety Standard 49C.F.R.571.500.

Are low speed vehicles required to be titled and registered?

Maryland law now requires all low speed vehicles to be titled and registered.

Do I need a driver license to operate a low speed vehicle on Maryland roadways?

Yes, you must possess a valid driver license to operate a low speed vehicle on Maryland roads.

Are operations of low speed vehicles on roadways restricted to certain posted speeds?

Yes, a person may not drive a low speed vehicle on a roadway for which the posted maximum speed limit exceeds 30 miles per hour; or on an expressway or another controlled access highway that is signed so as to prohibit the use of these type of vehicles on its roadways.