One of the most common questions we get from our readers is: “are golf carts street legal in California?”
Yes, golf carts are street legal in California. They must be registered and have the proper insurance, must be able to reach 20mph within 1 mile, and are restricted to public streets with a maximum speed limit of 25 mph. You also need a valid driver’s license to operate a golf cart in California.
There are additional items to keep in mind when making sure your golf cart is street legal in California, which we’ll cover in this guide.
Know The Difference Between Golf Carts, LSVs, and NEVs
Many states (including California) make distinctions between these different classifications of vehicles, and have different laws for each.
Knowing what they are ahead of time will help to make sure you are using your vehicle legally and safely.
- Golf Carts are defined as motor vehicles that are designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes and that is not capable of exceeding 20 miles per hour
- Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs) are defined as any four-wheeled vehicle whose top speed is greater than 20 miles per hour, but not greater than 25 miles per hour
- Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) are the same as LSVs, or can also refer to golf carts that have been modified to go at higher speeds or made street legal.
How To Make a Golf Cart Street Legal In California – What You’ll Need
Golf carts are great for zipping around the course, but making your golf cart street legal can expand the enjoyment and value you’ll get out of your purchase.
Many golf carts don’t require gas and are quieter than standard vehicles, making them more appealing options for short distance travel.
Below are the federal requirements that golf carts and other low-speed vehicles (LSVs) need in order to be considered “street legal”:
Working Lights (Headlights, Tail Lights, and Turn Signals)
There are many golf cart lighting kits out there, and they typically come in the “basic”, “deluxe”, and “street legal” varieties.
Make sure you choose the “street legal” kits here.
Most all street legal kits will include headlights, tail lights, and turn signals, and some also include a horn.
Windshield
Windshields are required federally for street legal golf carts – plus, they’ll shield you from any rocks, dust, or other debris that may be kicked up by other vehicles in front of you.
Be sure to choose a shatter resistant acrylic windshield, as these can withstand the high speeds of golf balls on the course while still offering the visibility and protection you need on the road.
Seat Belts
Seat belts must be available for all passengers in your golf cart. Golf cart seat belt kits are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
Opt for the traditional buckle-type seat belts to make this process simple.
Interior and Exterior Mounted Mirrors
You’ll need an interior-mounted rear-view mirror and exterior-mounted driver and passenger mirrors on your golf cart before hitting the street.
These are typically very easy to install in minutes, with each just using a few bolts or screws depending on the mirror’s mounting and length.
Speedometer
Clearly, you’ll need to know how fast you’re going to ensure compliance with local speed limits when driving your golf cart.
There are a wide variety of golf cart speedometers available on the market today, and many of them can be installed with zero wiring experience required.
What’s more, some models can also provide trip mileage, battery measurements, and more, bringing additional features and convenience to your golf cart.
Horn
You’ll need a horn to make your golf cart street legal as well – luckily, golf cart horns are very affordable and relatively easy to install.
ReCAectors On All Corners of the Golf Cart
All vehicles of any speed designation – including golf carts – require reCAectors on all corners of the vehicle.
Golf cart reCAectors are also extremely affordable and very simple to install.
Slow Moving Vehicle Sign
A slow moving vehicle sign alerts faster-moving vehicles that your golf cart is present on the road and may not be moving at the same speed they are, protecting you and your passengers.
It’s cheap, easy to install, and required to make any golf cart street legal.
Lighted License Plate Bracket
Just like any other vehicle on the road, you’ll need a lighted license plate bracket that can illuminate your plate when it’s dark out.
Most of these are very affordable and offer options that wire into the existing system, or can be operated and installed wirelessly.
Vehicle Identification (VIN) Number
Most golf carts only come with a serial number and not a VIN number. In order to get a VIN number for your golf cart, you’ll need to register it with your local DOT (Department of Transportation) authority.
You’ll typically need information such as proof of purchase, the weight of the golf cart, and proof that you’ve equipped the vehicle with the necessary items above.
Once complete, your golf cart will be assigned a VIN.
Driver’s License
Yes, you read that right – just like any other vehicle in operation on the road, you’ll need a driver with a valid driver’s license to operate your golf cart on a street or road.
Make sure to abide by your local laws and guidelines here.
The Process Of Making Your Golf Cart Street Legal In California
Get Your Golf Cart Registered In California
Complete an application for registration and title. You’ll turn this in to your local DMV office, along with paying registration, title fees, and applicable taxes.
Most DMV offices typically require the following when processing your registration and title:
- A manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (if it is a new vehicle only)
- Previous owner’s Certificate of Title or Dealer Reassignment form (if applicable)
- Previous registration and bill of sale (if an exempt vehicle)
Get Insurance
Contact your insurance company after your golf cart is registered in order to discuss insurance options.
Make sure your golf cart is covered by a policy that includes Personal Injury Protection and Property Damage Liability coverage at a minimum.
Get Inspected
Golf carts must be registered, titled, insured, and inspected in order to be on a street or road. If the golf cart is electric-powered then emissions testing is not required.
Check California’s State & Local Laws for Specific Requirements
What we’ve covered above are specifically for the federal guidelines for golf carts – California’s additional local or state laws may require additional criteria to make your golf cart street legal.
Refer to California’s Department of Transportation or Department of Motor Vehicles for more information
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Make Golf Carts Street Legal In California
Why Should I Make My Golf Cart Street Legal In California?
The bottom line here is that if you want to take your golf cart on public roads in California, you must make your golf cart street legal.
Not only from a legal perspective, but also for the safety of you, your passengers, and others on the road. It’s a good idea all-around.
Not to mention all the additional use you’ll get out of your golf cart!
Can All Golf Carts Be Street Legal?
For the most part, any golf cart or other low-speed vehicle can be made street legal as long as it meets the requirements above.
The main requirement for golf carts is speed: golf carts must reach a minimum speed of 20 miles per hour.
Can My Child Drive A Golf Cart On The Street In California?
If your child does not have a permit or driver’s license, you should not let them operate a golf cart on the street.
The same rules apply to golf carts as do every other vehicle on the road.
Do I Need Insurance On My Golf Cart In California?
If you’re planning on making your golf cart street legal, you must have insurance.
If you only plan on using your golf cart off-road or on your personal property, that is a personal choice – however, we still recommend insuring your golf cart no matter where you use it.
Where Can I Drive My Golf Cart In California?
Street legal golf carts are allowed to be driven on California roads that have a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or slower.
You are allowed to cross roads with a higher speed limit, but not allowed to drive on them.
Additionally, golf carts are only allowed to operate in the day if they are not equipped with headlights.
Some states don’t allow golf carts to operate on the street without headlights regardless of the time of day, so check at your State and local level as well.
What Is The Age Requirement To Drive A Golf Cart?
If a person does not have a permit or driver’s license, they are not able to operate a golf cart on the street.
The same rules apply to golf carts as every other vehicle on the road.
Do Golf Carts Have VIN Numbers?
Golf carts do not have VIN numbers automatically assigned to them.
You’ll need to follow the registration process (outlined above) in order to get a VIN number assigned to your golf cart to make it street legal.
Do I Need A Driver’s License To Drive A Golf Cart On The Road?
Yes, a driver’s license or permit is required to drive a golf cart on the road in California.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve learned more about how to make your California golf cart street legal and have simplified the process with this guide.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or leave a comment below – we’d love your feedback and are happy to answer any questions you have.
While you’re here, take a look at our reviews of golf cart lift kits, the best bluetooth speakers for golf carts, and our golf cart price guide.
Hello,
Good article. I am under the impression that in California, unlike other states, the windshield must be a solid piece of glass not acrylic or in two pieces. I am trying to confirm.
Thanks
Dave