What are Florida's LSV laws? In Florida, LSVs are often used by neighborhood residents to travel from house to house for social or recreational purposes. Some people in smaller communities use them to travel to stores and make other short trips.
LSV vehicles are designed with speed limitations, and understanding Florida's restrictions and safety requirements for LSVs can help owners avoid legal issues and prevent accidents.
In Florida, the operation of Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) is governed by Section 316.2122 of the Florida Statutes. Here are the key aspects of the law:
These laws ensure that LSVs operate safely on Florida’s roads, keeping in mind their lower speed capacity and the traffic conditions they are allowed to navigate.
According to Florida Statutes, LSVs, including Neighborhood Electric Vehicles, have a maximum speed of 25 mph and can only travel on streets with a speed limit of 35mph or less, unless local authorities have ruled otherwise.
Florida drivers should be cautious when they see signs or markings like:
Florida law allows LSVs to cross a roadway with a speed limit higher than 35 miles per hour if the crossing begins and ends on a roadway with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less and occurs at an intersection of approximately 90 degrees.
LSV drivers are generally prohibited from crossing Florida state highways unless local traffic enforcement officials have specially approved it.
Florida continues updating its low-speed vehicle regulations, including specific rules for teen drivers operating LSVs. A new law, effective October 1, 2023, now requires anyone under 18 years old to have a learner's permit or valid driver's license to operate an LSV on public roads legally. This change aims to reduce the number of preventable injuries involving young drivers operating these vehicles.
Many LSV owners modify their vehicles to exceed 25 miles per hour, but this leads to more stringent restrictions in Florida. Once modified, the NEV is considered a full-fledged vehicle and must meet all federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for passenger vehicles.
Vehicle dealers selling LSVs in Florida are legally required to provide buyers with a disclosure statement explaining Florida's requirements for operating these vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires several features on all Neighborhood Electric Vehicles, including:
Registration and Taxation
In Florida, LSVs must be registered with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The registration process is similar to that of regular vehicles:
LSVs are subject to the same annual registration renewal requirements as standard vehicles in Florida.
LSVs vs. Golf Carts in Florida
It's important to distinguish between LSVs and golf carts in Florida:
Florida's Climate Considerations for LSV Use
Florida's climate can affect LSV operation:
Popular LSV Communities in Florida
Florida has numerous communities where LSVs are popular:
These communities often have dedicated LSV lanes and parking areas.
LSV Charging Infrastructure
Florida is actively expanding its electric vehicle charging infrastructure, which can benefit LSV owners:
Legal Assistance for LSV Accidents
If you're involved in an LSV accident in Florida, it's crucial to understand your rights:
At Accident Aide, we specialize in handling LSV-related accidents and legal issues. Our team understands the nuances of Florida's LSV regulations and can help protect your rights. Whether you need assistance with an insurance claim or representation in a personal injury case, we're here to help Florida's LSV community.
Low-speed vehicles can offer a fun and efficient way for Florida residents to travel around golf or retirement communities or make simple trips. However, owners and operators must remember that safety standards are relaxed for NEVs, meaning there's less protection for drivers and passengers.
LSV drivers in Florida must stay alert to avoid other motorists' reckless mistakes. Likewise, drivers of regular vehicles should remain vigilant in areas where LSVs are common. When everyone pays full attention to the road, more travelers can get home safely each night.
If you've been involved in an accident involving a low-speed vehicle in Florida, Accident Aide is here to help. Our experienced personal injury lawyers understand the unique challenges and legal considerations surrounding LSV accidents. Contact Accident Aide today for a free consultation and expert legal guidance.
Operation of a low-speed vehicle, mini truck, or low-speed autonomous delivery vehicle on certain roadways.—
(1) The operation of a low-speed vehicle as defined in s. 320.01 or a mini truck as defined in s. 320.01 on any road is authorized with the following restrictions:
(a) A low-speed vehicle or mini truck may be operated only on streets where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. This does not prohibit a low-speed vehicle or mini truck from crossing a road or street at an intersection where the road or street has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour.
(b) A low-speed vehicle must be equipped with headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, taillamps, reflex reflectors, parking brakes, rearview mirrors, windshields, seat belts, and vehicle identification numbers.
(c) A low-speed vehicle or mini truck must be registered and insured in accordance with s. 320.02 and titled pursuant to chapter 319.
(d) Any person operating a low-speed vehicle or mini truck must have in his or her possession a valid driver license.
(2) The operation of a low-speed autonomous delivery vehicle on any road is authorized with the following restrictions:
(a) A low-speed autonomous delivery vehicle may operate only on streets or roads where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. This paragraph does not prohibit a low-speed autonomous delivery vehicle from crossing a road or street at an intersection where the road or street has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour.
(b) A low-speed autonomous delivery vehicle may operate on a street or road with a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour, but no more than 45 miles per hour, if:
1. The low-speed autonomous delivery vehicle travels no more than 1 continuous mile on such a street or road, except that the vehicle may travel in excess of 1 continuous mile if authorized by the entity with jurisdiction over the street or road;
2. The low-speed autonomous delivery vehicle operates exclusively in the right lane, other than for the purpose of completing a turn; and
3. On a two-lane street or road where overtaking and passing another vehicle is unsafe because of traffic moving in the opposite direction or because of other unsafe conditions, and five or more vehicles are formed in a line behind the autonomous delivery vehicle, the low-speed autonomous delivery vehicle exits the roadway wherever a sufficient area for a safe turn-out exists, to permit the vehicles following to proceed.
(c) A low-speed autonomous delivery vehicle must be equipped with headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, taillamps, reflex reflectors, and vehicle identification numbers.
(d) Federal regulations adopted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shall supersede this subsection when found to be in conflict with this subsection.
(e) A low-speed autonomous delivery vehicle must be covered by a policy of automobile insurance which provides the coverage required by s. 627.749(2)(a)1., 2., and 3. The coverage requirements of this paragraph may be satisfied by automobile insurance maintained by the owner of a low-speed autonomous delivery vehicle, the owner of the teleoperation system, the remote human operator, or a combination thereof.
(3) A county or municipality may prohibit the operation of low-speed vehicles or mini trucks on any road under its jurisdiction if the governing body of the county or municipality determines that such prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.
(4) The Department of Transportation may prohibit the operation of low-speed vehicles or mini trucks on any road under its jurisdiction if it determines that such prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.
Additional Resources:
Can an LSV drive on Florida Roads?
Can an LSV drive on sidewalks?
Do I Need a Driver’s License to Drive an LSV?
