LSV or golf cart? Learn how to recognize the difference.
If you live at Lake Monticello and are looking to purchase a low-speed vehicle (LSV), make sure you don’t confuse it with a golf cart. They look an awful lot alike, but LSV are street legal whereas golf carts are not (except at golf cart crossings). Here are some friendly tips that will help you avoid buyer’s remorse.Â
By county ordinance, LMOA roads are deemed state highways which means Virginia traffic code applies to all vehicles on our roads. Golf carts are not considered street legal, only reach a maximum speed of 20 mph, and do not have a Vehicle Identification Number. An LSV may look similar, but it is categorized as a vehicle with four wheels that can reach maximum speeds between 20 and 25 miles per hour on level surfaces and handle a total weight of 3,000 pounds. In Virginia, a visible slow-moving vehicle emblem and LSV-specific license plate are required. A street-legal LSV will have ALL of the following:
headlights
brake lights
turn signals
parking brake
seat belts
windshield
rearview mirror
front and back red reflex reflectorsÂ
Vehicle Identification Number
Just like a car, LSV drivers must be 16 years old with a valid driver’s license and may not drive under the influence. Low-speed vehicles must be registered and insured with Property Damage Liability Insurance and Personal Injury Protection for liability compliance. Also, registration and proof of insurance are required to be in the vehicle. However, it is different from a conventional car because an LSV cannot be driven on roads where the speed limit exceeds 35 miles per hour, which is perfect for the roads inside the gates of Lake Monticello. If you are ready to buy, apply for registration through the DMV, either online, by mail, or in person. Good luck with your decision!
