Low speed vehicles

Low speed vehicles have certain requirements and restrictions you have to be aware of in order to drive them in Massachusetts.

What qualifies as a low speed vehicle

A "low speed vehicle" is any 4-wheeled motor vehicle that:

• has been issued a certificate of origin
• has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 3,000 pounds
• has a top speed greater than 20 mph but not greater than 25 mph, and
• is National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)-certified as a "Low Speed Vehicle," demonstrated by:
  • The certificate of origin, title, or out-of-state registration listing the body style or body type as "LSV" or "Low Speed Vehicle"
  • The manufacturer's certification label posted on the vehicle containing the VIN and indicating the type of vehicle as a "Low Speed Vehicle"

How to register a low speed vehicle

1. A Registration and Title Application must be completed and signed by the owner(s). If the vehicle is purchased from a Massachusetts licensed dealer, the dealer will complete the application.

2. The completed application must be accompanied by one of the following documents:
   • A manufacturer's’ certificate of origin (new vehicles only), or
   • The previous owner's certificate of title, dealer reassignment form if applicable, or
   • The previous registration and bill of sale for vehicles that are exempt

3. Bring the completed application form, the required documents, along with the required RMV fees and sales tax (if applicable) to the nearest RMV Service Center.

Licensing requirements

A Class D learner's permit or driver's license is required to operate a low speed vehicle.

Operating a low speed vehicle (LSV)

1. To be on a public way, LSVs must be registered, titled, insured, and inspected. If an electrical motor or batteries solely powers the vehicle, no emissions test is required. If, however, the LSV is liquid-fueled, the emissions test is required.
2. Low speed vehicles are prohibited from "limited access" and "express state highways" and any portion of other roads where the speed limit exceeds 30 mph. They may also be prohibited from other highly trafficked areas due to their inherent speed limitations. Local cities and towns may have their own ordinances regarding low speed vehicles.
3. Only LSV plates will be available and be issued to LSVs. The only exception will be state and municipal vehicles, which should be issued the standard state or municipal plates. Low speed vehicles, bearing LSV plates, may bear lettering and be used for commercial purposes.