How to Make Your Golf Cart Street Legal in California

How to Make a Golf Cart Street Legal in California

Golf carts are a fun and convenient way to get around, but they can’t be used on public roads without some modifications. In California, there are a few specific requirements that golf carts must meet in order to be street legal.

This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make your golf cart street legal in California. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from the required modifications to the legalities of driving a golf cart on public roads.

By the end of this article, you’ll be able to take your golf cart out for a spin on the open road, legally and safely.

Step	Requirement	Instructions
1	Title 21 CFR 865.141	Install a windshield, seat belts, turn signals, brake lights, headlights, and rearview mirrors.
2	California Vehicle Code 38712	Register the golf cart with the DMV and obtain a license plate.
3	California Vehicle Code 21650	Obtain insurance for the golf cart.

Requirements for Street Legal Golf Carts in California

In order to be street legal in California, a golf cart must meet the following requirements:

• Vehicle Type

Golf carts are classified as low-speed vehicles (LSVs) in California. This means that they must have a top speed of 25 mph or less.

• Speed Limit

Golf carts are restricted to a maximum speed of 25 mph on public roads.

• Brakes

Golf carts must have brakes that are capable of stopping the vehicle in a safe distance. The brakes must be able to stop the cart from 20 mph to 0 mph in 20 feet.

• Headlights

Golf carts must have headlights that are visible from at least 500 feet away. The headlights must be on at all times when the golf cart is being operated on a public road.

• Turn Signals

Golf carts must have turn signals that are visible from at least 100 feet away. The turn signals must be used when turning or changing lanes.

• Mirrors

Golf carts must have mirrors that allow the driver to see behind the vehicle. The mirrors must be located on the driver’s side and the passenger’s side.

• Horn

Golf carts must have a horn that can be heard from at least 200 feet away. The horn must be used to warn other drivers and pedestrians of the golf cart’s presence.

• License Plate

Golf carts must have a license plate that is issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The license plate must be displayed on the front of the golf cart.

• Insurance

Golf carts must be insured in accordance with California law. The minimum insurance requirements for golf carts are:

• Bodily injury liability coverage of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident
• Property damage liability coverage of $5,000

How to Make a Golf Cart Street Legal in California

In order to make a golf cart street legal in California, you must follow these steps:

1. Obtain a Title and Registration

The first step is to obtain a title and registration for your golf cart. You can do this by visiting your local DMV office. You will need to provide the following documents:

• The original bill of sale for the golf cart
• A completed application for title and registration
• A current driver’s license or identification card
• Proof of insurance

Once you have submitted your application, the DMV will issue you a title and registration for your golf cart.

2. Install the Required Safety Equipment

In addition to a title and registration, your golf cart must also be equipped with the following safety equipment:

• Headlights
• Turn signals
• Brakes
• Mirrors
• Horn

You can purchase this safety equipment from a variety of retailers.

3. Get Insurance

Golf carts are considered motor vehicles in California, and as such, they must be insured. The minimum insurance requirements for golf carts are:

• Bodily injury liability coverage of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident
• Property damage liability coverage of $5,000

You can purchase golf cart insurance from a variety of insurance companies.

4. Drive Safely

Once your golf cart is street legal, you must drive it safely. This means following all of the same rules of the road as other motor vehicles.

Here are some tips for driving your golf cart safely:

• Obey all traffic laws
• Use your turn signals
• Drive defensively
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Be careful when driving in wet or icy conditions

By following these tips, you can help to keep yourself and others safe on the road.

Making a golf cart street legal in California is a relatively simple process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can have your golf cart ready to hit the road in no time.

However, it is important to remember that golf carts are still motor vehicles, and as such, they must be driven safely. By following all of the rules of the road and driving defensively, you can help to keep yourself and others safe on the road.

How To Make A Golf Cart Street Legal In California?

1. Overview

In California, golf carts are considered low-speed vehicles (LSVs) and are subject to the same laws and regulations as other motor vehicles. This means that golf carts must be registered, insured, and have a driver’s license to operate on public roads. However, there are a few exceptions to these rules. Golf carts can be driven on public roads without a license if they are:

• Operated on a private road or driveway
• Operated on a golf course
• Operated on a road with a posted speed limit of 25 mph or less
• Operated on a road that is not a state highway

If you want to drive your golf cart on public roads that are not exempt from the LSV laws, you will need to make it street legal. This involves making sure that your golf cart meets all of the requirements for LSVs, including having the proper lights, brakes, and mirrors.

2. Requirements for Street Legal Golf Carts in California

The following are the requirements for street legal golf carts in California:

• Headlights: Golf carts must have headlights that are visible from at least 500 feet away.
• Taillights: Golf carts must have taillights that are visible from at least 300 feet away.
• Brakes: Golf carts must have brakes that are capable of stopping the vehicle within 20 feet from a speed of 10 mph.
• Mirrors: Golf carts must have at least one mirror on each side of the vehicle.
• Horn: Golf carts must have a horn that can be heard from at least 200 feet away.
• License plate: Golf carts must have a license plate that is issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
• Insurance: Golf carts must be insured with liability insurance.
• Driver’s license: Golf carts must be operated by a driver who has a valid driver’s license.

3. How to Make a Golf Cart Street Legal in California

To make your golf cart street legal in California, you will need to:

1. Register your golf cart with the DMV. You can do this online or by visiting a DMV office. You will need to provide the following information:

• Your name
• Your address
• Your driver’s license number
• The VIN number of your golf cart
• The make and model of your golf cart
• The year your golf cart was manufactured

2. Install the required safety equipment. Your golf cart must have the following safety equipment:

• Headlights
• Taillights
• Brakes
• Mirrors
• Horn

3. Obtain a license plate for your golf cart. You can get a license plate for your golf cart from the DMV. You will need to pay a fee for the license plate.

4. Purchase liability insurance for your golf cart. You will need to purchase liability insurance for your golf cart in case you are involved in an accident. You can purchase liability insurance from a variety of insurance companies.

5. Obtain a driver’s license. If you are not already a licensed driver, you will need to obtain a driver’s license in order to operate your golf cart on public roads. You can obtain a driver’s license from the DMV.

4. Frequently Asked Questions about Street Legal Golf Carts in California

Can I drive my golf cart on the street without a license?

No, you cannot drive your golf cart on the street without a license. Golf carts are considered LSVs and are subject to the same laws and regulations as other motor vehicles. This means that you must have a valid driver’s license to operate a golf cart on public roads.

What are the speed limits for golf carts in California?

The speed limit for golf carts in California is 25 mph. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Golf carts can be operated at a higher speed if they are on a private road or driveway, on a golf course, or on a road with a posted speed limit of 25 mph or less.

What are the requirements for golf cart brakes in California?

Golf carts must have brakes that are capable of stopping the vehicle within 20 feet from a speed of 10 mph. The brakes must be in good working order and must be able to be operated by the driver from the driver’s seat.

What are the requirements for golf cart headlights in California?

Golf carts must have headlights that are visible from at least 500 feet

How To Make A Golf Cart Street Legal In California?

• Q: What are the requirements for making a golf cart street legal in California?
• A: To make a golf cart street legal in California, it must meet the following requirements:
• It must be equipped with a seat belt for each occupant.
• It must have a working horn and brake lights.
• It must be registered with the DMV and have a license plate.
• It must be insured.
• It must be driven by a licensed driver.
• Q: What is the process for registering a golf cart in California?
• A: To register a golf cart in California, you must visit the DMV and bring the following documents:
• Your golf cart’s VIN number.
• A bill of sale or other proof of ownership.
• Your driver’s license.
• The registration fee.
• Q: How much does it cost to register a golf cart in California?
• A: The cost of registering a golf cart in California varies depending on the county you live in. The average cost is around $50.
• Q: What is the difference between a golf cart and an ATV?
• A: A golf cart is a vehicle that is designed for use on golf courses. It is typically smaller and slower than an ATV. ATVs are designed for off-road use and can be driven on public roads in some states.
• Q: Can I drive my golf cart on the road in California?
• A: Yes, you can drive your golf cart on the road in California if it is street legal. However, there are some restrictions on where you can drive your golf cart. You cannot drive your golf cart on freeways or highways. You must also obey all traffic laws.
• Q: What are the benefits of making a golf cart street legal?
• There are several benefits to making a golf cart street legal, including:
• You can drive your golf cart to more places, such as the grocery store or the park.
• You can avoid having to pay for parking.
• You can extend the life of your golf cart by using it for more than just golfing.

Additional Resources:

• [California DMV website](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/)
• [Golf Cart Association of America website](https://www.gcaa.org/)
• [National Golf Cart Association website](https://www.ngca.org/)

  making a golf cart street legal in California is a relatively straightforward process. However, it is important to be aware of the specific requirements and regulations in your area. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your golf cart is safe and legal to drive on public roads.

Here are a few key takeaways to remember:

• Golf carts must meet certain safety standards in order to be street legal.
• Golf carts must be registered with the DMV and insured.
• Golf carts must be equipped with a license plate and a slow-moving vehicle emblem.
• Golf carts must be driven by a licensed driver.
• Golf carts must obey all traffic laws.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the convenience of a golf cart without having to worry about breaking the law.