Residents responsible for golf carts’ compliance to Vehicle Code

VEHICLE SAFETY REMINDER

Golf carts of every variety and specification are ubiquitous in Leisure World. Whether residents own Low Speed Vehicles (LSV) or just a regular two-seater, the rules of the road vary. The GRF Decal Office has information regarding California vehicle laws and regulations related to golf carts and LSVs to help residents avoid possible ticketing by Seal Beach Police.

GRF does not enforce the California Vehicle Code—that is the responsibility of the police. However, GRF can help equip residents with clear, helpful information and a better understanding of their options.

An Overview of California Vehicle Code California Vehicle Code Section 345 states all golf carts operated within Leisure World do not require California registration if the cart complies with the following:

• The cart carries no more than two people, including the driver.

• The cart has no less than three wheels in contact with the ground.

• The cart weighs no more than 1,300 pounds.

• The cart operates at a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour.

To obtain a decal for a golf cart, residents must provide a Leisure World ID card and their homeowners insurance policy at the GRF Decal Office.

If a golf cart does not meet the above standards, it is considered an LSV motor vehicle, and the following are required to operate the vehicle inside Leisure World and receive a vehicle decal:

• The operator must possess a California driver’s license.

• The vehicle must be registered with the DMV and have front and back license plates.

• Vehicle insurance.

• The LSV must have headlamps, turn signals, seat belts, horn, windshield, windshield wipers, mirrors, etc.

To register a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) with the DMV, the vehicle must be physically inspected. This is typically done by presenting the vehicle at a DMV office as part of the registration process.

As a convenience, there are private Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verification services that can come to a person’s residence to inspect the vehicle and complete the required DMV verification paperwork. Note that these services are optional, are not affiliated with GRF, and any fees associated with their use are the responsibility of the resident.

Residents may search online (for example, “Orange County CA VIN verifiers”) to locate companies that provide mobile VIN verification services. Numerous providers exist, and availability, pricing and services may vary. The GRF and the Seal Beach Police Department (SBPD) do not provide VIN verification services and do not recommend, endorse, or have any affiliation with any specific VIN verification company. Any providers residents may find online are shared strictly for general informational purposes only.

GRF employees cannot offer legal, registration or insurance advice. It is ultimately each resident’s responsibility to understand applicable laws and DMV requirements, select any third-party service at their own discretion, and ensure their vehicle is properly registered and compliant with all regulations.

For more information, contact SBPD Captain Mike Ezroj by email at MEzroj@sealbeachca.gov, or call 562799-4100.

The Decal Office, located in Building 5, is open Tuesday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., closed Sunday and Monday. It is closed daily from noon-12:30 p.m.

—Security Department