Quincy police clarify rules on golf carts, low-speed vehicles
Published 4:27 pm Monday, August 3, 2026
QUINCY — The Quincy Police Department is reminding residents that golf carts remain illegal on city streets, following a number of public questions about the difference between golf carts and low-speed vehicles under Illinois law.
Under state law, golf carts may only be driven on public roadways if a municipality has adopted a local ordinance specifically allowing it. The City of Quincy has not passed such an ordinance, meaning golf carts cannot legally be operated on any city street, police said.
Some vehicles that resemble golf carts are instead classified under Illinois law as low-speed vehicles, or LSVs, which are built to meet federal motor vehicle safety standards and may be driven on certain public roads if they satisfy specific legal requirements.
To qualify as a legal LSV in Illinois, police said, a vehicle must have a manufacturer-issued 17-digit vehicle identification number, be titled and registered with the Illinois Secretary of State, display valid Illinois license plates, carry liability insurance and be operated by a licensed driver.
The vehicle must also be equipped with headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, reflectors, a federally compliant windshield, seat belts, a parking brake, a rearview mirror, a driver-side exterior mirror, tires approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation, and a functioning steering system.
Even when properly equipped, LSVs may only be driven on roadways with posted speed limits of 30 mph or lower, police said.
Any vehicle that lacks a manufacturer-issued 17-digit VIN or fails to meet the federal safety requirements does not qualify as a legal low-speed vehicle under Illinois law and is instead classified as a golf cart, which is not permitted on Quincy roadways, according to the department.
Residents unsure whether a vehicle meets the legal requirements for a low-speed vehicle are encouraged to contact the Quincy Police Department at (217) 228-4470 before driving it on public roads.
