Low Speed Vehicles (LSV)

Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs) must be titled, registered and insured in New Jersey. However, they are not subject to regular vehicle inspection and are exempt from sales tax.

An LSV is a four-wheeled vehicle with an attainable speed of more than 20 miles per hour but no more than 25 miles per hour on a paved surface. It cannot be powered by gas or diesel fuel and must comply with federal safety standards as noted in 49 CFRs. 571.500.

Note: Municipalities can impose an LSV ban on ALL roadways within their jurisdiction. Please check with local officials for municipal ordinance restrictions.

If you operate an LSV please follow these guidelines:

• You may not drive LSVs on roadways with speed limits that exceed 25 mph. (In limited cases, if deemed appropriate by a municipality, county or DOT, LSVs may be permitted on roadways with speed limits that do not exceed 35 mph)
• You should watch for and abide by road signs prohibiting use even on lower speed roads
• LSVs cannot be modified golf carts
• All LSVs must have a 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number
• Child restraints in LSVs must meet the same standards as those used in passenger vehicles
• You must have a valid driver license to operate a LSV
• You may lease or rent properly titled, registered and insured for temporary use
• An LSV may be registered in the name of an individual, business or government entity, but may not be used as a commercial vehicle
• You are subject to the same violations as other vehicles (except for the regular inspection requirements)
• All LSVs shall have a safety information decal provided by the manufacturer on the rear of the vehicle
• If you have only one license plate, you should put it on the rear of the car
• LSVs must meet Federal and State requirements

Titling your LSV
You may title your LSV at any MVC Agency for $20 (or $40 with a lien) or at the dealership if this service is provided.

• You must have a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin or the Certificate of Origin (MSO or MCO) to title a new LSV
• If you are attempting to title a used, untitledLSV from outside New Jersey that meets all of the state requirements, then you must present the following at an MVC Agency:
  • A completed OS/SS-7 (title application) with the original MSO/CO
  • If you do not have the MSO/CO then you must supply a registration in either your name or the seller's name, in addition to a bill of sale including seller, buyer, year, make, model and serial number, if applicable
• If you cannot meet the above requirements, you need to follow MVC’s procedure for vehicles obtained without proper evidence of ownership. Information and forms can be obtained by calling (888) 486-3339 toll free in New Jersey or (609) 292-6500 from outside the state

To register a non-government entity

• You may get your initial registration at any Agency for an annual fee of $43.50 ($46.50 starting on July 1, 2006) or from the dealership where you purchased the vehicle, if this service is provided
• LSVs are not subject to the Four-Year Accelerated Registration Program
• You must complete a registration application (BA-49) that is available at the agency or dealership
• You must complete a registration application (BA-49) that is available at an MVC Agency or a licensed dealership
• Once an LSV is two model years or older, the registration fee will be $31 until July 1, 2006, when the fee will increase to $34

To register a government entity
If you are part of a government entity entitled to no-fee registrations, you may register an LSV in the name of that entity. You will receive two MG, SG, CG or SP plates. Both plates must be mounted on the government vehicle.


License plates
LSV plates are standardized plates with letters "LSV" (in most circumstances). "Low Speed Vehicle" will be inscribed on the bottom of the plate. Only one plate will be issued for non-government owned vehicles and should be affixed to the rear of the vehicle.

• Courtesy and personalized plates are available for LSVs for a one-time fee of $50 in addition to registration fees. A personalized plate must have at least three letters and a maximum of seven characters in combination of letters and numbers
• Dedicated plates are not available
• To get an application for a personalized plate, visit your nearest MVC Agency or call (888) 486-3339 toll free in New Jersey or (609) 292-6500 from outside the state
• You cannot register handicapped plates on LSVs. Use placards when necessary
• You can transfer a plate to another LSV, but not to a different type of vehicle

Insurance requirements
LSVs are specialty vehicles and coverage will be available through the New Jersey Personal Automobile Insurance Plan (NJPAIP) and other voluntary insurers. Contact an insurance agent or broker for more information.


Federal requirements
Low Speed Vehicles cannot exceed 25 MPH and must be equipped with:

• Headlamps
• Front and rear turn signal lamps
• Tail lamps
• Stop lamps
• Red reflex reflectors: one on each side as far to the rear as possible and one on the rear of the vehicle
• An exterior mirror mounted on the driver's side of the vehicle and either an exterior or interior mirror mounted on the passenger's side
• A parking brake
• A windshield that meets federal safety requirements (effective until Nov. 1, 2006)
• A Vehicle Identification Number
• A Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly conforming to Sec. 571.209, installed at each designated seating position

State requirements (S1834)
LSVs operated on any public road or highway in the state shall be maintained in proper condition and comply with equipment requirements and standards:

• Adequate brakes to control the movement of the vehicle
• An odometer
• A speedometer
• The original manufacturer's VIN die-stamped on the body and/or frame, engine or motor of the vehicle
• A safety information decal provided by the manufacturer must be in a conspicuous place on the rear of the vehicle displaying "25 MPH Vehicle"