A "souped up" Club Car, Yamaha, etc. can not be registered if it is not properly equipped as an automobile. (Windshield wiper, seat belts, brakes, etc). If it can exceed 20MPH it is no longer a golf cart.
Therefore, if it is capable of exceeding 20MPH it can be cited for operating an improperly equipped vehicle. A simple speeding ticket may not apply as it
has not exceeding the posted limit. But, the citation for operating an improperly equipped vehicle means a trip to Bushnell to face a judge with fines and costs far exceeding a speeding ticket. Among other costs would be the cost of retrofitting the cart to factory specs before it can be driven on the streets again.
If it has been properly modified and has all the proper steps taken to qualify as an auto, it can then be registered and must be insured. However, I would think it could only be operated by a licensed driver so that means a fourteen year old grandchild would be out of luck.
Last but not least, golf cart insurance generally will not cover a "souped up" cart. The owner of such a cart who submits a claim may find he has voided the coverage. The insurance claims adjusters look for signs of tampering as do the local police.
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