In June 1978, the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA), Department of Transportation (DOT) made a final rule for
the definition and use of Low Speed Vehicles.
As such, a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 500 (49 CFR
571.500) was established by this final rule.
From this, California applied the DOT requirements and adopted statutes
in its own Vehicle Code.
The California Vehicle Code defines “neighborhood electric
vehicles” NEVs and “low speed vehicles” LSVs as follows (from www.dmv.ca.gov):
Design
NEVs/LSVs have very specific features and operating
parameters to qualify for registration and use, including:
• Four wheels.
• Within one mile can reach a speed of more than 20 miles
per hour (mph) but not more than 25 mph on a paved level surface.
• Has a 17–digit conforming vehicle identification number
(VIN)
• Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than
3,000 pounds.
• Must be certified to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards (FMVSS) to be registered and operated on public streets, roads, or
highways.
• May look like a golf–cart to the casual observer, but is
actually a motor vehicle requiring a valid California driver license,
registration, and insurance.
Operation of NEVs/LSVs
Local authorities, by ordinance or resolution, may restrict
or prohibit the use of NEVs/LSVs. An NEV/LSV may:
• Not be operated on any roadway with a speed limit above
35 mph.
• Cross state highways only at controlled intersections.
Crossing at uncontrolled intersections is permitted with approval of the local
authority governing that intersection.
• Cross at intersections that have a speed limit above 35
mph, if the crossing begins and ends on a road of 35 mph or less.
• Be operated as a golf cart within a distance of one mile
or less from a golf course or on roads designated for such operation by
ordinance or resolution by a local authority.
Modified/Altered NEVs/LSVs
NEVs/LSVs must be able to operate at a minimum of 20mph and
no more than 25mph. If you modify or
alter your NEV/LSV to go faster than 25 miles per hour, the vehicle no longer
qualifies for the relaxed FMVSS established for NEV/LSVs. Your vehicle will be
required to meet the same FMVSS established for passenger vehicles… like
air-bags. Failure to comply with all necessary regulations may result in a
citation.
So what makes a
NEV/LSV different than a Golf Cart?
Following is the Vehicle Code statues that define Golf Cart design and
operation.
Golf Carts Design
• Carry no more than two persons, including the driver.
• Carry golf equipment.
• Have no less than three wheels in contact with the
ground.
• Operate at a maximum speed of 15 mph.
• Weigh no more than 1,300 pounds unladen (empty).
Registration is not required if you operate your golf cart
on a highway designated for such use by ordinance or resolution within one mile
of a golf course. You may not operate on
a road with a speed limit above 25 mph except by ordinance or resolution by a
local authority.
Modified Golf Carts
A golf cart cannot be converted for registration purpose as
an NEV/LSV. If you modify your golf cart to go faster than 15 mph or seat more
than two persons, the vehicle is considered a regular motor vehicle and must
comply with FMVSS for passenger vehicles.
FMVSS include additional vehicle equipment, appropriate FMVSS labels,
applicable emission standards, and a 17–digit conforming VIN. Failure to comply
with all necessary regulations may result in a citation.
Golf Cart Equipment Requirements
Golf carts must comply with certain equipment standards established
by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to be registered for on–road use.
Equipment requirements are outlined in the Motorcycle, Motor Driven Cycle, and
Motorized Bicycle Requirements (CHP 888) form available at www.chp.ca.gov.
If you drive your golf cart on the road it must be equipped
with:
• At least one headlamp, tail lamp, and stop lamp
• A rear reflector
• Front/rear turn signals
• Front/side reflectors
• A mirror (located in a position to allow the driver a
rear view of at least 200 feet)
• A horn
• Fenders
• A safety glazed windshield
• Windshield wipers
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