Grand Rapids Police clarify rules for low‑speed vehicles and golf carts on City streets

- July 09, 2026

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) has received a number of questions regarding the operation of low‑speed vehicles (LSVs) on public roadways. The City of Grand Rapids has adopted the Michigan Vehicle Code in its entirety, which is enforceable under Grand Rapids City Ordinance Section 10.15. At this time, no new ordinances or requirements related to LSV operation are being considered.

“Education is our primary goal,” said GRPD Deputy Chief P.J. Baker. “We’ve had organizations and businesses reach out about using golf carts as a shuttle service, especially when the downtown is busy with events. We’d much rather have people understand and follow the rules, but if enforcement is necessary, we will take action to keep everyone safe.”

Key requirements for LSVs include the following; for a full list, refer to MCL 257.25b and 257.660.

  • NOT operate on the sidewalk
    •  e-bikes and motorized scooters may operate in the roadway or bike lanes, and only on sidewalks outside of the Downtown Improvement District
    • mopeds may NOT legally operate in bike lanes or on sidewalks
  • NOT operate at a speed greater than 25 mph;
  • NOT operate on a street with a speed limit greater than 35 mph, except for the purpose of crossing that roadway

Under Michigan law, unmodified (non-LSV compliant) golf carts can only be legally operated on the streets of a village, city, or township with a population less than 30,000 and where the governing body has approved a resolution allowing this use; unmodified golf carts are not legal to operate on public roadways in Grand Rapids. To be considered “street legal” as an LSV, golf carts must be equipped with the following:

  • Headlights
  • Front and rear turn signals
  • Taillights
  • Stop lights
  • Side reflectors
  • Two rearview mirrors (external driver and passenger sides, or driver side external and center interior-affixed)
  • Parking brake
  • Windshield compliant with federal standards
  • Vehicle identification number (VIN)
  • Seatbelts for each seating position
  • Rear visibility compliance
  • Horn, or similar alerting device
  • Title, appropriate Secretary of State registration/license plate and insurance

These regulations make the golf cart essentially a motor vehicle and all motor vehicle operation laws apply (traffic signals and signage, lane use, stop/standing, etc.), including being operated only by a licensed driver. Operating on a sidewalk, park space, or other non-motorized public property is the same as doing so with a car, which is a misdemeanor offense. For more information on registration requirements, visit https://www.michigan.gov/sos/vehicle/titles

NOTE: Additional state requirements apply to any vehicle, including LSVs, operating as a commercial or for‑hire transportation service, similar to taxi or pedicab licensing. More information is available from the State of Michigan at Michigan TNC Licensing. The Grand Rapids City Clerk’s Office licenses pedicabs within the city; organizations may apply for a Pedicab Company License at Pedicab License Application.

Organizations operating an LSV as part of a pickup or drop‑off service must obtain a permit to use the City’s designated pickup/drop‑off zones. Operators should coordinate directly with Mobile GR to secure the appropriate authorization. Contact Mobile GR at mobilegr@grcity.us for permitting information.

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