Built for the Road – Street legal
At STAR EV, every vehicle we manufacture—regardless of make or model—is built with one rule in mind: you get what you pay for. When you purchase a Street Legal STAR Vehicle, you're investing in a product that’s designed, engineered, and equipped to meet all federal motor vehicle safety and emissions standards for low-speed vehicles.
Unlike repurposed fleet carts or aftermarket conversions, STAR vehicles are built from the ground up to be street legal from day one. They are road-tested, safety-certified, and proven reliable, ensuring peace of mind for every licensed driver on public roadways.
Trust STAR EV to keep you compliant, confident, and always on the right side of the law.
Street Legal LSV vs. Golf Cart: What’s theDifference?
While they may look similar at a glance, Street Legal Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) and golf carts are fundamentally different in design, safety, and legal use.
Street Legal LSV
Purpose-Built for Public Roads
Designed from the ground up to meet federal safety and emissions standards
speed capabilities
Typically operate at speeds of 20–25 mph
Required features
Equipped with DOT-approved components such as, headlights, taillights, turn signals, Mirrors, seat belts, windshield, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), backup camera
LEgal use
Can be driven on public roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less by a licensed driver
Golf Carts
designed for recreation
Primarily intended for private property or golf courses
speed capabilities
Usually limited to under 15 mph
Missing Safety Equipment
Often lack required features like seat belts, mirrors, or turn signals.
legally restrictive
Not street legal unless heavily modified—and even then, local laws vary widely
Why it matters
Choosing a true LSV like a STAR EV ensures you're compliant with the law, protected by safety standards, and ready for the road—no costly conversions or legal gray areas.
WHAT DOES STREET LEGAL MEAN?
To travel legally on public streets, roads and highways, your personal transportation vehicle must meet all applicable federal and state requirements. Any personal transportation vehicle not in full compliance with Rule 49 CFR 571.500 of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) is not street legal.
That means a street-legal vehicle is not a souped-up golf cart or a tricked-out fleet car. Although, too many owners try to play catch-up by purchasing expensive dealer modifications and aftermarket upgrades. According to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, street-legal personal transportation vehicles are distinguished from golf carts by a strict set of safety, equipment and operating standards. In addition, street-legal vehicles are allowed only on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less, and must be operated by a licensed driver.
KEY FEDERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
A windshield that conforms to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) on glazing materials (49 CFR § 571.205).
A VIN that conforms to the requirements of part 565 Vehicle Identification Number of this chapter
Type 1 or Type 2 seat belts conforming with 49 CFR § 571.209 – installed at each designated seating position.
Low-Speed Vehicles (LSV) shall comply with the rear visibility requirements specified in 49 CFR § 571.111 – Standard No. 111; Rear visibility.
An alert sound as required by 49 CFR § 571.141 – Standard No. 141; Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.
COMPLIANCE COVERED
When you purchase a street-legal STAR EV, you can be sure it has been street legal all along – designed, built and equipped specifically for street-legal operation, with no additions or modifications required. Your street-legal STAR is 100% compliant with two important pedestrian safety features including Rear Visibility and Minimum Sound standards per the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
Where state and local ordinances impose additional requirements, we partner with STAR dealers and consumers to ensure complete compliance anywhere the road leads. Built from the beginning to follow the law, your STAR EV arrives road-tested and ready to hit the streets
