Low Speed Vehicles

Low Speed Vehicles are registered through the State of North Carolina and do not require a special permit or authorization to operate within the Town limits.

Many retailers sell specifically designed LSVs, or in some cases golf carts which have been redesigned to meet the requirements of an LSV. In many cases these retailers will provide the needed registration and titling services required to make a vehicle “street legal” in North Carolina.

For vehicles sold from the factory as a Low Speed Vehicle with proper safety equipment, registration, tags & title, no further action is needed.

All Low Speed Vehicles, or any golf cart which has been converted to a LSV, must be equipped with:

• Seat belts
• Safe tires
• Lighting (brake, turn, tail, & head lamps)
• Approved brakes
• A horn
• Speedometer
• Windshield
• Windshield wipers
• Rearview mirrors
• All other similar equipment requirements

Note: A standard golf cart can be converted to meet the requirements of an LSV for driving on the roadway as defined by NCGS 20-4.01 (12b).

Once converted and supplied with the necessary registration, insurance, and safety equipment, the golf cart driven can be re-designated as a Low Speed Vehicle.

Note: The Police Department cannot assist with converting a golf cart to an LSV.

1. The LSV must be modified with the required safety equipment listed in the LSV General Information section above.
2. If the cart does not have a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), one must be issued by an authorized Golf Cart or LSV retailer (Note: Local golf cart dealerships might not issue a VIN if they did not install the required safety equipment - contact a dealership first before adding your own equipment).
3. Once a VIN has been issued, the vehicle must be inspected at an authorized inspection station.
4. After inspection has been completed, insurance must be added, with proof of insurance kept in the vehicle at all times.
5. The VIN, inspection, and proof of insurance can then be submitted to the local DMV office who can then issue a NC license plate for the vehicle.

LSVs operating within the Town of Oak Island:

• Cannot drive on the sidewalks
• Must be operated by a licensed driver (impaired driving laws also apply)
• Cannot be driven on streets with a posted limit higher than 35 miles per hour
• Can cross a road or street at an intersection where the road has a 45 mph speed limit
• Must obey all seat belt and children’s car seat laws
• Cannot be used to tow a trailer or wagon, unless also registered

SLOW RIDE: Take It Safely

As with many small and coastal communities, the use of a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) is a popular way to travel through Town. Whether cruising to the beachfront for the day, or heading to the grocery store for a few quick items, LSVs provide a convenient, and environmentally friendly option to get around.

However, their speed and sightseeing use can cause unwanted slowdowns in busier parts of the Island.

To help with this, the Police Department promotes LSV safety through the SLOW RIDE: Take It Safely(JPG, 2MB) campaign, reminding you:

• Do not drive in area that is marked at 45 MPH.
• Avoid long distance travel on any areas of Oak Island Drive (even in the 35 MPH zones).
• Instead use the alternate 35 MPH streets, such as Yacht Drive, Beach Drive, E Holly Drive, E Oak Drive, & Ocean Drive, etc.

Also, when accessing the beach areas on the west end, don’t use the intersection of Middleton Ave. and Oak Island Dr., as that is a 45 MPH zone. Instead take W Yacht Drive to NW 1st St. and cross over W Oak Island Drive to reach White Ln. SW, where you can enter in at 35 MPH zone.

Use the “Info Map(JPG, 134KB)” below for a visual aid on how to navigate Oak Island in an LSV.

Printable Slow Ride Card(PDF, 890KB)