Revisiting Low-Speed Vehicle Safety Reminders
As defined by the California Vehicle Code, a low-speed vehicle is “a motor vehicle that meets all of the following requirements: (1) has four wheels, (2) can attain a speed, in one mile, of more than 20 miles per hour and not more than 25 miles per hour, on a level paved surface and (3) has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 pounds.” Low-speed vehicles in the Village mean golf carts and golf cars.
All drivers of low-speed vehicles must have a valid California driver’s license, and the low-speed vehicle must be registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles prior to any use on public roadways or shopping centers.
Drivers may be held civilly and criminally liable for collisions or other injuries or damage caused by or related to their use of golf carts or low-speed vehicles.
Driving a low-speed vehicle in the City of Laguna Woods
DRIVERS CAN
- Cross the city’s designated golf cart passage
- Eastbound and westbound on El Toro Road between Avenida Sevilla (Laguna Woods Village Gates 1 and 5) and the Valencia Center
- Homeowner’s associations and private property owners may have their own low-speed vehicle use regulations, including access, license and registration requirements. Please check with the appropriate parties prior to using a low-speed vehicle on private property.
DRIVERS CANNOT
- On the city’s designated golf cart paths (a golf car cannot drive on the golf course)
- On any sidewalk on El Toro Road, Moulton Parkway, Santa Maria Avenue or Ridge Route Drive
- On El Toro Road, except for eastbound and westbound between Avenida Sevilla (Laguna Woods Village Gates 1 and 5) and the Valencia Center
- On Moulton Parkway, Santa Maria Avenue or Ridge Route Drive In City Centre Park, “A Place for Paws” Dog Park, or Woods End Wilderness Preserve/Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
