Go-karts are mainly used for racing and unlike other vehicles, it has a really low minimum age for their riders, therefore you can see a kid riding a go-kart.
Due to the design of a kart, it is not safe and legal to ride it on the road, it is in fact considered illegal in some states.
Despite the illegality of riding a go-kart on the road, some people still do it, so, what is the penalty for driving a go-kart on the road?
The penalty for driving a go-kart on the road ranges from paying a fine to the go-kart getting impounded. Go-karts should not be driven on the road except if it has been modified to be street legal.
What is a Go-Kart?
Go-kart also known as ‘Kart’ or ‘Go-Cart’ is a four-wheeled type of sports car usually small in size and comes in various forms and shapes.
Go-karts are recreational vehicles that are used for go-karting (a sport that involves racing with go-karts). They can be modified depending on the intended usage, for instance, you can have a go-kart modified if you want to drive it on a public road.
In the event that a go-kart is modified for driving on public roads, it will be referred to as ‘Street Tracks’.
Can Go-kart be Driven on the Road?
No, go-kart cannot and should not be driven on the road. As a matter of fact, it is considered illegal to drive a go-kart on the road in most states.
Due to the size of go-karts, they are not deemed fit to be driven on public roads, parks, sidewalks even on some neighborhood roads, but can be driven on designated trails, race tracks, and other private areas.
Although go-karts cannot be driven on the road, it is possible to make them road worthy by having some modifications done to them.
What is the Penalty for Driving a Go-kart on the Road?
Since it’s illegal to drive a go-kart on the road, anyone found doing so will be penalized. You should bear in mind that the penalty may vary from state to state as no two states are the same.
Below are some of the penalties for driving a go-kart on the road:
1. Payment of Fine
One penalty you are likely to get for driving a go-kart on the road is paying a fine. If while driving the kart on the road a police officer sees and stops you, you will most likely be asked to pay a fine depending on the officer and other circumstances surrounding you being stopped.
2. Impounding the Go-kart
Another penalty for driving a go-kart on the road will be having the kart impounded.
Impounding the go-kart may possibly be the first thing the officer will do when you get caught and this will be on the grounds that you are ready to pay the fine.
When a go-kart is impounded, you will most likely be given a number of days within which you must pay your fine and come for the car.
3. Imprisonment
Getting imprisoned is an unlikely penalty but it is one thing that is possible depending on the situation.
If the go-kart driver is intentionally malicious in action, there was criminal damage or an accident leading to serious injuries or death the driver may be imprisoned.
Do You Need a License to Drive a Go-kart on the Road?
No, you do not need a license to drive a go-cart on the road. The only time you will need a license to drive a go-kart is if you are go-karting professionally i.e. you are competing with others
How Can You Make Go-Kart Street Legal?
Despite go-karts not being designed to be driven on public roads, it is possible to make them street legal. Here are a few ways to make it street legal;
Ensure it Meets the Requirements
For a go-kart to be street legal, it must meet all the necessary requirements as stipulated by the state government. Some of these requirements are;
- Safety standards (headlights, rear mirror, brakes, windshield, seat belts, etc.)
- Vehicle insurance
- Top speed limited to 25 mph
- Has 4 wheels
- Not exceeding the weight limit of 3000 lbs. etc.
Get the Kart Inspected
To make a go-kart road worthy and street legal, it must be inspected by the DMV. This requirement is to ensure that it is indeed equipped with the necessary safety components and also in good condition. If you truly want your go-kart street legal you can’t evade having it inspected.
Take a Speed Test
In order to register and make your go-kart street legal, you will have to take and pass a speed check. This test is to ensure the kart is safe to be driven on the road.
The Go-kart speed limit in most states is a maximum of 25 mph and it can be lower depending on the state.
Proceed to Register the Go-kart
After the requirements have been met, the kart inspected, and the speed checked, you can proceed to have the go-kart registered. The classification under which the go-kart will be registered depends on the state you are a resident.
Get an Insurance
The last step will be to get go-kart insurance. Getting insurance is important as it safeguards your liability and puts your mind at peace when driving on the road.
Where Can I Drive My Go-kart Legally?
To drive a go-kart legally, you should only drive in designated locations such as; dirt trails, private property, indoor karting tracks, outdoor karting tracks, dirt tracks, etc.
Dirt tracks and dirty trails unlike karting tracks are for off-road riding with asphalt and dirt everywhere. There is usually a large expanse of land which makes riding very easy. Go-karts are not meant to be driven on an expressway or highways.
How Old Do You Have to be to Drive a Go Kart?
To drive a go-kart, you must be at least a minimum of 5 to 7 years of age depending on your state of residence. Meaning that the minimum age to drive a go-kart depends on the state you are in and other requirements.
Final Thoughts
The law stating that go-karts shouldn’t be driven on the road is in place to protect road users. If you have decided to make your kart street legal, you should find out what the necessary state requirement is for doing so and ensure to follow them diligently.