Can You Drive a Golf Cart in Fitchburg, WI?
TL;DR: Golf carts may be legal on public roads in Fitchburg, WI. In Wisconsin, local governments can permit golf carts on roads with speed limits of 25 mph or less. Drivers must be 16+ with a valid license where allowed. Golf carts need specific equipment to be street legal. Insurance may be required in cities allowing road use. For full details, read the article.
Are Golf Carts Legal on Roads in Fitchburg, WI?
Thinking about driving a golf cart around Fitchburg? While it might seem convenient or even fun, the laws around golf carts on public roads in Wisconsin—and especially in Fitchburg—are more complicated than you’d expect. Let’s break it down so you don’t end up with a ticket.
Are Golf Carts Street Legal in Fitchburg?
Golf carts may be permitted on public roads where there is a speed limit of 25 mph or less within the municipality, but Fitchburg, WI currently does not have an ordinance allowing golf carts to be used on public streets. That means you cannot legally drive a golf cart on roads within city limits. Unless Fitchburg passes a local law specifically permitting it, golf carts are restricted to private property and golf courses only.
If this changes, the city would likely post details on their official website and through local news outlets.
UPDATE: We did have someone reach out to the Fitchburg Police Department and we asked about LSVs (Low-Speed Vehicles). They said that Golf Carts are legal to drive in Fitchburg, but if they are rated to go over 35 MPH, then they would not be.
So, golf carts that stay under 35 MPH should be legal to drive in Fitchburg, but you may want to check for yourself.
What About in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, standard golf carts are not automatically street legal. The state doesn’t allow them to be registered like a car or low-speed vehicle (LSV). However, local governments can pass ordinances to allow golf carts on roads with speed limits of 25 mph or less. That means it’s up to each city or town to make them legal in specific areas.
Bottom line: It’s not legal statewide—local approval is required.
What Age Can You Drive a Golf Cart in Wisconsin?
Where golf carts are legal (in cities that allow them), drivers must typically be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license. These requirements aren’t part of a state law specifically for golf carts—they’re usually baked into the city’s ordinance.
So if Fitchburg were to allow golf carts in the future, expect age and licensing requirements to come with it.
What Type of Golf Carts Are Street Legal?
Standard golf carts straight from the course won’t cut it. In order to be allowed on public streets, carts typically need:
- Headlights and taillights
- Brake lights and turn signals
- Rearview mirror(s)
- Reflectors
- Slow-moving vehicle triangle on the back
- A horn or audible warning device
These features help bring the cart up to basic road-safe standards. Some municipalities may even require a special permit or inspection before issuing a golf cart sticker or plate.
Do You Need Insurance for a Golf Cart?
Wisconsin doesn’t require insurance on golf carts by default. But again—local rules vary. In many cities that allow street use, golf cart owners are required to carry liability insurance (often a minimum of $100,000).
Even if it’s not required, it’s a smart idea. If you’re in an accident while driving on a public road, the lack of insurance could create serious legal and financial problems.
Quick FAQ Summary
- Are golf carts street legal in WI? Not unless a local ordinance allows it.
- Are golf carts legal in Fitchburg? No, Fitchburg has no ordinance permitting them.
- What age can you drive a golf cart? Usually 16+ with a valid driver’s license (where allowed).
- What makes a golf cart street legal? Required equipment like lights, mirrors, and a slow-moving vehicle triangle.
- Do you need insurance? Often yes, if local law permits road use. Not required statewide.
The Bottom Line
In Fitchburg, golf carts are not legal on public roads unless the city changes its stance and adopts an ordinance. Across Wisconsin, the rules depend entirely on where you are—some towns say yes, many say no. Even if you find yourself in a golf cart–friendly area, you’ll still need the right equipment, likely need insurance, and the driver must be old enough to legally operate it.
If you’re hoping to make golf carts legal in Fitchburg, it starts with your city council. Until then, keep the carts off the streets and on private property.
