Golf Cart vs. Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs) - What You Need to Know

In California, Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) and golf carts may look similar, but the laws for operating them are different. Understanding those rules helps protect you, your passenger, and others on the road.

Here's what residents should know to ensure safety and compliance with the law:

Golf Carts

A golf cart is designed to carry golfers and equipment no more than 1,300 pounds and travels up to about 15 miles per hour (California Vehicle Code § 345) .

• May only be operated on City streets where specifically permitted by ordinance or signage.
• Golf carts are notallowed on city streets or bike lanes.
  • Exception: City streets that do not exceed 25 MPH and those streets are designed as golf car community such as Deer Ridge and Shadow Lakes Communities.
• Golf carts may be allowed on certain city designated sidewalks (Brentwood Municipal Code § 10.17).
  • The only one being west side of Fairview Avenue from Balfour to Trilogy.
• Must not exceed 15-20 mph.
• They don't need DMV registration if used only in golf course areas or certain designated communities.
• Not equipped with standard safety features such as seat belts, lights, or mirrors.

Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs)

LSVs look similar to golf carts but are built to federal safety standards for roadway use. With top speed between 20-25 miles per hour and weigh under 3,000 pounds.

• Must be registered with the DMV, display license plates, and carry insurance. (DMV: LSV, NEV and Golf Cart Registration)
• Required to have safety features including seat belts, headlights, taillights, turn signals, mirrors, and a windshield.
• Allowed on streets with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less.

Child Passengers

When golf carts are taken onto public streets, it is not recommended that children ride as passengers.. Most golf carts are not equipped with seat belts or proper restraint systems. Without these protections, children are at greater risk of serious injury in the event of a collision or sudden stop.

California Safety laws for children apply whether in a standard vehicle (Child Safety Seats) or an LSV:

• Car seats are required: Children under 8 years old must ride in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat of an LSV, just as they would in a car.
• Seat belts must be used at all times in an LSV.
• Golf carts, which typically do not have seat belts or car seat anchors, are not safe or legal for transporting small children on public streets.

If you have additional questions, call Officer Lindzie Laughridge at (925)809-7778.