Golf carts are a popular mode of transportation in California, especially in retirement communities and gated neighborhoods. However, did you know that you can also use your golf cart on the streets of California? To do so, you need to make sure that your golf cart meets the state’s street legal requirements. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of How To Make A Golf Cart Street Legal In California.
Understanding the Laws in California
Before you start upgrading your golf cart, you need to understand the laws that govern the use of golf carts on California streets. Under the California Vehicle Code, a golf cart is considered a “low-speed vehicle” (LSV), which means it can only operate on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. Golf carts are also not allowed on highways, freeways, or roads with a speed limit greater than 35 mph.
To be considered street legal, a golf cart must meet specific requirements. According to California law, a street legal golf cart must have a minimum of:
- Two headlights
- Two taillights
- Brake lights
- Turn signals
- A rearview mirror
- A windshield
- Seat belts
- A parking brake
- A slow-moving vehicle (SMV) emblem
- Tires that meet Department of Transportation (DOT) standards
It’s essential to note that these requirements may vary from city to city, so it’s best to check with your local DMV to make sure you’re meeting all the necessary regulations.
Upgrading Your Golf Cart
Once you have a good understanding of the laws, you can start upgrading your golf cart. Here are some of the essential upgrades you’ll need to make:
Installing Necessary Components
The first step in upgrading your golf cart is to install the necessary components. These components may include headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Some golf carts may come with these components already installed, but if not, they can be easily added by a qualified technician.
Additionally, you’ll need to install a windshield to protect you from wind and debris. A rearview mirror is also necessary to help you see what’s behind you. Lastly, seat belts are mandatory for your safety and to comply with California law.
Choosing the Right Tires and Wheels
To be considered street legal, your golf cart’s tires must meet DOT standards. These standards ensure that the tires are safe to use on public roads. You’ll also need to choose wheels that are designed for street use.
Most golf carts come with tires that are suitable for use on the golf course but not on the street. Upgrading to street-legal tires and wheels will improve your golf cart’s handling and stability, making it safer to drive on the road.
In the next sections, we’ll cover obtaining insurance and registration and getting a VIN and CHP inspection. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can have a street legal golf cart that’s safe to use on California streets.
Obtaining Insurance and Registration
Once you have upgraded your golf cart to meet California’s street legal requirements, you’ll need to obtain insurance and register your golf cart with the DMV.
Importance of Having Insurance
Having insurance for your golf cart is essential to protect you and your property in case of an accident. Golf cart insurance policies typically cover liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Liability coverage protects you if you’re at fault in an accident, while collision coverage pays for damages to your golf cart in case of a collision. Comprehensive coverage provides protection against theft, vandalism, and other non-collision events.
Steps to Register Your Golf Cart with the DMV
To register your golf cart with the DMV, you’ll need to complete the following steps:
- Fill out the Application for Title or Registration (Form REG 343).
- Provide proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or manufacturer’s certificate of origin.
- Provide proof of insurance.
- Pay the registration fee.
Once you’ve completed these steps, the DMV will provide you with a registration card and a set of license plates. You’ll need to affix the license plates to your golf cart before you can legally operate it on the road.
Getting a VIN and CHP Inspection
In California, a golf cart must have a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to be registered with the DMV. A VIN is a unique 17-digit number that identifies your golf cart.
Process of Obtaining a VIN
To obtain a VIN, you’ll need to contact the golf cart’s manufacturer or a VIN provider licensed by the DMV. The provider will inspect your golf cart and assign it a VIN if it meets California’s street legal requirements.
Steps to Get a California Highway Patrol (CHP) Inspection
After you have obtained a VIN for your golf cart, you’ll need to schedule a California Highway Patrol (CHP) inspection. During the inspection, a CHP officer will inspect your golf cart to ensure that it meets California’s street legal requirements.
To schedule a CHP inspection, you’ll need to call your local CHP office and provide them with the golf cart’s make, model, and VIN. Once the inspection is complete, the CHP officer will provide you with a completed verification of vehicle (REG 31) form, which you’ll need to submit to the DMV.
In the next sections, we’ll cover driving your street legal golf cart and maintenance and care. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can have a street legal golf cart that’s safe to use on California streets.
Driving Your Street Legal Golf Cart
Once you’ve completed all the necessary upgrades and obtained insurance, registration, a VIN, and a CHP inspection, you can start driving your street legal golf cart on California roads.
Understanding the Rules of the Road for Golf Carts in California
When driving your golf cart on the road, you’ll need to follow the same rules of the road as other vehicles. This includes obeying traffic signals, stopping at stop signs, and yielding to pedestrians.
It’s essential to note that golf carts are not allowed on highways, freeways, or roads with a speed limit greater than 35 mph. Golf carts are also not allowed to cross a road with a speed limit greater than 35 mph unless at an intersection with a traffic signal or a stop sign.
Tips for Safe Driving
Here are some tips for safe driving in your street legal golf cart:
- Always wear your seatbelt.
- Keep both hands on the wheel and your feet on the pedals.
- Drive defensively and be aware of your surroundings.
- Be cautious when driving at night or in inclement weather.
- Do not carry more passengers than your golf cart is designed to hold.
Maintenance and Care for Your Golf Cart
To ensure that your street legal golf cart is safe to use on California roads, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance and care.
Regular Maintenance Checks
Here are some of the regular maintenance checks you’ll need to perform:
- Check the tires for wear and damage.
- Check the brakes for wear and tear.
- Inspect the lights to make sure they’re working correctly.
- Check the windshield wipers for wear and tear.
- Check the battery to make sure it’s fully charged.
Tips for Taking Care of Your Street Legal Golf Cart
To keep your golf cart running smoothly, here are some tips for taking care of it:
- Keep your golf cart clean and free of debris.
- Store your golf cart in a dry, covered area when not in use.
- Keep the battery charged when not in use.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance and care.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your street legal golf cart is safe to use on California roads for years to come.
In the next sections, we’ll cover the conclusion and additional resources.
Conclusion
Making a golf cart street legal in California may seem like a daunting task, but by following the steps outlined in this article, you can have a street legal golf cart that’s safe to use on California roads. Remember that golf carts are considered “low-speed vehicles” and must meet specific requirements to be considered street legal.
Upgrading your golf cart to meet these requirements, obtaining insurance and registration, obtaining a VIN, and scheduling a CHP inspection are all necessary steps to make your golf cart street legal.
Once you have completed all the necessary steps, you can start driving your golf cart on California roads. However, it’s essential to remember that you’ll need to follow the same rules of the road as other vehicles and perform regular maintenance and care on your golf cart.
Additional Resources
If you need more information about making a golf cart street legal in California, here are some additional resources that may be helpful:
- California Department of Motor Vehicles: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/
- California Vehicle Code: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&division=16.&title=&part=&chapter=1.&article=
- Low-Speed Vehicle Regulations: https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/lsrv/lsrv.htm
- National Golf Cart Association: https://www.ngca.us/
By following the steps outlined in this article and utilizing these additional resources, you can have a street legal golf cart that’s safe to use on California roads.
