How to Make a Golf Cart Street Legal in California: Everything You Need to Know
Do you want to make your golf cart street legal in California, but aren’t sure how to make it street legal? Look no further! Making your golf cart street legal in California is easier than you might think. With a few simple modifications and some paperwork, you can have your golf cart fully compliant with California state law. So, if you’re ready to take your golf cart adventures to the next level, read on to learn how to make a golf cart street legal in California easily.
Why is it Necessary to Make Your Golf Cart Street Legal in California?
The answer is simple. If you don’t want to be limited to golf courses and want to drive your golf cart without any restrictions, you need to make it street legal. Secondly, it is also necessary for the security of passengers and yourself.
How to Make a Golf Cart Street Legal in California?
Golf Carts are primarily designed to carry golf equipment. How can you make a golf cart made for driving on a golf course street legal? As a first step, you should familiarise yourself with the rules and regulations that apply to golf carts on public roadways in California. A low-speed vehicle (LSV) is a four-wheeled electric/motor vehicle with a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour, as specified by California Vehicle Code Section 385.5. Low Speed vehicles (LSVs) are permitted on roads having a speed restriction of 35 mph or less, provided they comply with DMV safety requirements.
In California, street legal golf carts must fulfill the following standards in order to be registered as LSVs:
- All passengers must be provided with seat belts.
- A set of lights, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and reflectors, are required.
- A windshield and wipers are an absolute need.
- A parking brake is required.
Below, we have mentioned all the required components to make a golf cart street-legal in California.
Parts Require to Make Golf Car Street Legal in California
A number of modifications must be made to your golf vehicle before it may be driven on public streets in California. For legal usage on public highways in California, street legal golf cart needs certain components to ensure safety.
The components your golf cart will require to pass California’s rigorous street legality standards are as follows.
- The front of your golf cart has to have a set of headlights installed. White in color, the front lights should have on/off switches.
- You should install taillights on the rear of your golf cart. These tail lights need to have a bright red hue and be switchable on and off.
- Installing turn signals in both the front and rear of your golf cart is mandatory. Turn signals should be amber in color and include an on/off switch.
- Also, install brake lights on the rear of the golf vehicle. These brake lights should be red and activate whenever the brakes are used.
- Both the driver and passenger sides of your golf cart require rearview mirrors. These mirrors need to be adjustable and should provide you with a good view of what’s behind you.
- You must equip your golf cart with a horn. To be effective, this horn has to project sound at least 200 feet.
- Your Golf Cart must also have Seat belts.
- A golf car needs a license plate just like any other street legal vehicle. This license plate must be clearly visible at all times and should be mounted on the rear of the golf cart.
Using these components, you may modify your golf cart to meet California state regulations for lawful street use.
Getting your golf cart registered and licensed
Getting a title and registration for your golf cart is the first step in making it legal to drive on public streets in California. It’s possible to accomplish this at your local Department of Motor Vehicle. To do this, submit a completed Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form(REG 262) and a Statement of Facts (REG 256), both of which may be obtained at your local DMV or online. Also required is evidence of ownership in the form of a bill of sale or title certificate.
Get an inspection for your golf cart
You must take your golf cart to a DMV-approved inspection facility once you’ve got the title and registration. Your golf cart must pass this inspection to verify it complies with all applicable safety regulations. The following are some of the things that will be examined during the inspection:
- Lights, reflectors, and turn signals.
- Seatbelts.
- Wipers and windscreen.
Insure Your Golf Cart
In California, you need to be insured to operate a golf cart on public roadways. You may either use your standard vehicle insurer or look into separate golf cart insurance policies. Make sure you contact your insurance provider to learn about your coverage choices and estimate your rates.
Once you get your golf cart insured and have the title in your name, you must also carry documentation showing that you are the registered owner of the golf cart at all times. Your insurance details and registration should be in your possession at all times.
Always abide by all applicable traffic rules and regulations
Keep in mind that just because your golf cart is street-legal doesn’t mean you’re exempt from obeying all traffic rules and regulations while using it on public streets. Always follow the traffic rules and regulations to avoid any legal trouble.
Further, although LSVs are permitted on public roads with a marked speed restriction of 35 mph or less, they are not permitted on highways or freeways. In order to drive your golf cart on a longer excursion, you may wish to avoid these sorts of routes.
Here’s How 5 Star Registration Can Help You to Make a Golf Cart Street legal in California
It may be difficult and time-consuming to make golf carts street legal in California, especially if you’ve never done it before.
Consulting with the professionals at 5 Star Registration may help you save both time and money. You won’t have to worry about anything because they’ll handle it all for you. They will take care of making your golf cart titled and registered.
Email or Call experts at 5 Star Registration to start the process of making your golf cart street legal.
How to Make a Golf Cart Street Legal in California: Conclusion
In conclusion, if you follow a few standard procedures and satisfy certain regulations, you can make your golf cart legal on the streets of California. You may drive your golf cart legally and safely on public highways in California if you acquire a title and registration, have your motor/electric golf cart inspected, have insurance, and observe all traffic rules and regulations.
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