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Low-speed vehicles (LSV)

A low-speed vehicle (LSV) must meet the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and must have a certification label stating that the vehicle meets those standards. A golf cart is not considered an LSV.

An LSV:

• has four wheels.
• has a top attainable speed in one mile of more than 20 mph and not more than 25 mph on a paved level surface.
• has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 pounds.
• is self-propelled by gas or electric power (also known as "neighborhood electric vehicles").
• is exempt from state emissions testing.

A change to Wisconsin law in October 2010 now allows the operation of gas powered LSVs, in addition to neighborhood electric vehicles. Form MV14 may be used for either type of LSV.

Operation on local roads

Contact your local municipality for LSV ordinance information before traveling. LSVs may be operated:

• on local or county roads that have a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less.
• on connecting highways having a speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less, or 35 miles per hour or less if the municipality has an ordinance allowing LSV operation.
• across numbered state highways where the state highway has a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less.
• on certain numbered state highways having a speed limit of 35 or less if the municipality has an ordinance allowing such LSV operation.

LSVs may never travel on or across expressways, freeways, interstate highways or other controlled-access highways. A slow moving vehicle sign is not required on an LSV.

Driver license required

The operator of an LSV must have a valid regular or probationary driver license and follow all traffic laws.

Insurance Required

Just like automobiles, LSV operators must have a motor vehicle liability policy in effect that covers the LSV and meets minimum required coverage. The LSV operator must display proof of insurance coverage upon demand from any traffic officer.

Title and registration

For operation on public roads, a LSV must be titled and registered through the DMV.

• The biennial registration fee is $23, with expiration on April 30 of even-numbered years (see pro-rated fee chart ).
• The registered owner may transfer the plate to another LSV when the vehicle is sold.
• The title fee for LSVs is $62 (effective July 1, 2011).
• Unless exempt, LSVs are subject to state and local sales and use tax.

To receive LSV title and registration, you must mail a completed MV14 application form for title and registration and fees to the DMV. Local DMV customer service centers cannot provide title and registration services for these vehicles.

Keep a copy of the application in your vehicle until you receive the Certificate of Registration and license plate. When you receive the title, keep it in a secure place – not in the vehicle.

To apply, send:

1. The original Certificate of Title, or Manufacturer Certificate (or Statement) of Origin signed by the previous owner or dealer.
2. Completed and signed form MV14 (form is being revised. Title fee is now $62; form may also be used for gas-powered LSVs). Keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
3. A photograph of the federal certification label on the vehicle. The certification label reads "this vehicle conforms to all applicable federal motor vehicle standards..." and will list the type of vehicle on the label. Applications received without a clear picture of the Federal Certification Label will be returned
4. Registration fee (see pro-rated fee chart ).
5. $62 title fee.
6. Sales tax (if applicable).
7. Local sales tax (if applicable).
8. Check or money order made payable to Registration Fee Trust.
9. Mail the application and fee to:

Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Research and Information Unit
P.O. Box 8070
Madison, WI 53708-8070

LSV disabled parking information

Customers who have and display a valid parking identification (DISID) card may park an LSV in public parking spaces reserved for individuals with a disability that impairs the ability to walk. However, to prevent the theft of the DisID card, WisDOT does not recommend using the card in an LSV if the vehicle cannot be securely locked. Current state law does not allow the issuance of license plates for LSVs for disabled parking privileges.

'Opt Out' - withhold your name and address from mailing lists

WisDOT uses the information provided on the MV1 and other forms to title and register vehicles in Wisconsin, collect fees, and enforce Wisconsin laws. Under open records laws, WisDOT must make nonexempt information available upon request. WisDOT makes some information available to companies for business purposes. If you want your name and address withheld from mailing lists of 10 or more individuals, download form MV3592 Request to Withhold Name and Address or obtain one from any DMV service center. Complete and return to the address given on the form.

Questions? Contact us: Wisconsin DMV email service
Call: (608) 266-1466

You will need the Adobe Reader (provided free of charge) to view PDF files. For more information about getting your free copy of the Adobe Reader, visit WisDOT's Software information page.

You will need Microsoft Word to view Word files. If you do not have a copy of Microsoft Word installed on your computer, you can use the Microsoft Word Viewer (provided free of charge) to view Word files. For more information about getting your free copy of Microsoft Word Viewer, visit WisDOT's Software information page.

Last modified: July 5, 2011