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 State sales tax ONLY if they are certified by the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).

A 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 CFR 571.500.

Important note: Municipalities can impose a LSV ban on ALL roadways within their jurisdiction.

If you operate a LSV:

  • 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 the NJDOT, 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.
  • Child restraints in LSVs must meet the same standards as those used in passenger vehicles.
  • You must have a valid driver license to operate an LSV.
  • You may lease or rent properly titled, registered and insured LSVs for temporary use.
  • A LSV may be registered in the name of an individual, business or government entity.
  • 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 must put it on the rear of the vehicle.
  • LSVs must meet Federal and State requirements.

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 FMVSS 205;
  • A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN); and
  • A Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly conforming to 49 CFR 571.209, installed at each designated seating position.

State requirements

In accordance with N.J.S.A. 39:4-31.2, LSVs operated on any public road or highway in the State shall be maintained in proper condition and comply with the following equipment requirements and standards:

  • Adequate brakes to control the movement of the vehicle;
  • An odometer;
  • A speedometer; and
  • 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 which must be in a conspicuous place on the rear of the vehicle displaying "25 mph Vehicle".

Titling your LSV

You may title your LSV at a motor vehicle agency for $60 (or $85 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, untitled LSV from outside New Jersey that meets all of the New Jersey State requirements, then you must present the following at a motor vehicle agency:
    • A completed OS/SS-UTA (title application) with the original MSO/MCO.
    • If you do not have the MSO/MCO, 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 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), if applicable.
  • If you cannot meet the above requirements, you must follow the MVC procedures for vehicles obtained without proper evidence of ownership. To obtain the Improper Evidence of Ownership packet, you may download all the required forms, or call the MVC’s Customer Support Line at 609-292-6500 ext. 5064. 

To register a LSV as a non-government entity

  • You may get your initial registration at a motor vehicle agency for an annual fee of $46.50 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 Vehicle Registration Application (Form BA-49).
  • Once a LSV is two model years or older, the registration fee will be $34.

To register a LSV as a government entity

If you are part of a government entity entitled to no-fee registrations, you may register a 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" is inscribed on the bottom of the plate. Only one plate will be issued for non-government-owned vehicles and must 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 a motor vehicle agency or call the MVC’s Customer Support Line at (609) 292-6500 weekdays (except holidays) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m..
  • You cannot register wheelchair symbol 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.

Inspection

LSVs are exempt from inspection.  The registered owner of a LSV shall be required to maintain the vehicle in proper condition.