Does your go kart have to be street legal to drive it in a neighborhood?

Question

i am building a go kart and wanted to know

Answer 1

All cars (4 wheel motor vehicles) need certain equipment to be legal: Head lights, tail lights, turn signals, horn, seat belts, smog certification, doors, steering wheel, air bags, Windshield just to name a few.

Answer 2

yes.

Anything with a motor / engine is considered motor vehicle - and they need to meet DOT safety requirements.  Go karts are NOT safe for street use.

Good Luck...

Answer 3

It depends on the city code, like where I live its legal. Check into it

Answer 4

For it to be street legal you will need to have the following items on it but remember that you will need to check with your local department of motor vehicles office first because with 4 wheels it will be classified as a car...

1. Horn

2. Windshield Wipers

3. Mirror

4. Steering

5. Seat Belts

6. Brakes (system) (Parking - beginning with 1960 models)

7. Tires

8. Wheel Assembly

9. Exhaust System

10. Exhaust Emission System (beginning with 1968 models)

11. Beam Indicator (beginning with 1948 models)

12. Tail Lamps (2); (1) if 1959 model or earlier

13. Stop Lamps (2); (1) if 1959 model or earlier

14. License Plate Lamp (1)

15. Rear Red Reflectors (2)

16. Turn Signal Lamps (beginning with 1960 models)

17. Head Lamps (2)

18. Motor, Serial, or Vehicle Identification Number

19. 1988 & newer - inspect for window tinting or coating

20. Gas caps on vehicles 2-24 model years old.

21. Check for evidence of Financial Responsibility

Answer 5

go carts are very fun.however you must check your local jurisdiction.most not all places do not allow go carts on the street.they are to low to the ground and other cars can not see them. there for creating a dangerous situation. also when driving a go cart i do it for fun if i want to follow street rules i drive my car. find a field or track and have fun.