Police will enhance enforcement of golf cart laws

TRAFFIC SAFETY

The Seal Beach Police Department has observed an increase in golf cart traffic on local roadways. The trend has increased since the closure of the local 76 gas station on Westminster Boulevard on the corner of the nearby Seal Beach Village Shopping Center. Golf cart drivers are now illegally entering the busy thoroughfare to fuel up at a nearby Chevron and frequenting businesses like Sunny Side Cafe in the same area.

Driving a golf cart on roadways outside of Leisure World is illegal unless the vehicle has been modified to meet specific safety standards. Most of the carts observed driving to these locations are not street legal.

To promote safety throughout Leisure World, the Seal Beach Police Department will enhance its enforcement of laws related to golf carts, low speed vehicles and bicycles in and around the community. Police will also step up enforcement efforts targeting individuals driving without a valid driver’s license.

It’s important to understand the difference between golf carts and low speed vehicles—and the laws that govern each of them—to avoid violating the law.

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.

• 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.

Anyone driving a golf cart on a street outside of the community is subject to

Golf carts and lowspeed vehicles (LSVs) may look similar, but they are governed by different traffic laws.

citation and immediate towing of the golf cart.

If a golf cart does not meet the above standards, it is considered a motor vehicle, and the following is required (CVC 24001.5):

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

• The vehicle needs to be registered with the DMV and have license plates on the front and back.

• Insurance is required for the cart.

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

Low speed vehicles (LSV) may appear visually similar to golf carts but are governed by different laws. Also known as neighborhood electric vehicles, these motor vehicles meet all of the following requirements: 1. Has four wheels. 2. Can attain a speed, in one mile of more than 20 miles per hour and not more than 25 miles per hour, on a paved level surface.

3. Has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 pounds.

Anyone driving a low-speed vehicle or neighborhood electric vehicle must have a valid driver’s license, be insured and be registered with the DMV.

Anyone caught driving a low-speed vehicle or neighborhood electric vehicle on a public roadway without a valid driver’s license will have their vehicle impounded for 30 days, and the violator will receive a citation.

The penalties for violating these laws vary. People who drive without a valid driver’s license can be subject to fines up to $1,000.

For more information, contact Seal Beach Police Department Captain Mike Ezroj at MEzroj@sealbeachca.gov, or call 562-799-4100.