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LSV (Low Speed Vehicle) or NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle)?
LSV or NEV? - We are asked this question often. An LSV or NEV may look like a Golf Cart to the typical observer, however, they include many extra safety features in order to make them classified as an NEV or LSV. NEV = LSV, basically the same.
The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic and Safety Association) designated a new class of motor vehicle which allows for low-speed vehicles to be driven on public streets that have a speed limit up to 35 mph. A LSV is a street-legal, four-wheeled electric vehicle with a top speed of 25 mph and a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 lb. Most states allow LSVs to drive on roads marked 35 mph or less.
Low-speed vehicles must adhere to the performance and safety standards set by the NHTSA which states that low-speed vehicles must be equipped with headlamps, front and rear turn signal lights, tail lights, stop lights, reflex reflectors, mirrors, parking brake, windshield, seat-belt assembly, and an alert sound (horn). All LSV/NEV’s have a VIN number and must be registered like a car.
Note: Adding headlamps, front and rear turn signal lights, tail lights, stop lights, reflex reflectors, mirrors, parking brake, windshield, seat-belt assembly, and an alert sound (horn) to a Golf cart does not make it a NEV.
For more Information on Low-Speed Vehicle go to:
- Golf Cart Resource: NEV-LSV
- NHTSA LSV Rules: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Low-Speed Vehicles.
- Missouri Golf Cart & LSV Laws.
Golf Cart Laws may vary from City to City, so please be sure to check with your local municipality in regards to the laws in your area.