GRF-issued decals do not provide immunity from police citation
GOLF CART REGULATIONS
Decal Office offers guidance on whether vehicles qualify as golf carts
Beginning March 3, GRF Decal Office employees began to distribute information and answer questions regarding California vehicle laws and regulations related to golf carts and Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs).
GRF does not enforce the California Vehicle Code—that is the responsibility of the police. However, GRF hopes to serve an educational role, so residents are equipped with clear, helpful information and a better understanding of their options.
Clarification on Golf Cart Decals Issued by GRF Previously, the Decal Office issued golf cart decals to a wide range of golf cart-type vehicles based on the information available at that time. However, the Seal Beach Police Department has since advised that some vehicles commonly referred to as “golf carts” may actually meet the legal definition of a Low-Speed Vehicle. Under California law, Low-Speed Vehicles must be registered with the DMV and operated by a licensed driver, similar to a standard motor vehicle.
For this reason, a decal issued in prior years does not automatically mean that a vehicle is currently classified as a golf cart or that it is compliant with applicable laws and regulations.
The Decal Office is available to review any vehicle and provide general guidance as to whether it appears to be a traditional golf cart or an Low-Speed Vehicle based on its design and capabilities. This review is intended as a courtesy and informational service only.
A previously issued GRF vehicle decal does not grant an exemption, waiver or ongoing authorization under the law. Moving forward, all vehicles must meet the appropriate legal classification and registration requirements, if applicable.
Vehicle compliance is ultimately determined by state law, and it remains the responsibility of owners to ensure their vehicles meet all legal requirements.
On Feb. 11, Security held a joint town hall with the Seal Beach Police Department on golf cart laws. A full video of the event is available at www.lwsb. com/livestream.
For more information on golf cart laws, contact SBPD Capt. Mike Ezroj by email at MEzroj@sealbeachca.gov, or call 562-799-4100.
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.
GRF Security Watch Commander Pam Camfield will help to provide residents with insight and advice on whether their cart-type vehicles are in compliance with state law.
Emma DiMaggio
