Low-speed vehicles (LSV) are small, usually electric vehicles that travel at lower speeds than regular automobiles. Many have a range of about 30 miles on a charge. They should register a gross vehicle weight rating of 3,000 pounds or less.
LSVs generally go faster than golf carts and include more safety features so they can legally travel on roads.
They are often used by the residents of neighborhoods to travel from house to house for social or recreational purposes. But LSVs are allowed on some California streets. Some people in smaller communities use them to travel to stores and to make other short trips.
LSV vehicles are only made to go so fast, and knowing the state’s restrictions and safety requirements for an LSV can keep owners out of legal trouble and prevent accidents.
California Requirements for Low-Speed Vehicles
California considers your LSV a motor vehicle. They are street-legal and come with a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and a title. The Federal government refers to LSVs as Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV). Our state follows federal guidelines about how much these street-legal carts can weigh, how fast they can go, and where they can travel.
- You must have a California Driver’s License or a learner’s permit to drive an LSV on public roads.
- You must have auto insurance to drive an LSV on public roads.
- Your LSV will have a California license plate.
According to the California Driver’s Handbook, Neighborhood Electric Vehicles, including Low-Speed Vehicles will have a maximum speed of 25 mph and can only travel on streets with a speed limit of 35mph or less. That’s unless local authorities have ruled otherwise.
The handbook asks drivers to show caution when they see signs or markings like:
- NEV USE ONLY
- NEV ROUTE
California Vehicle Codes also deal with LSVs that come upon an intersection that crosses over a road with a speed limit beyond 35mph.
CVC 21260.
“(b) (1) The operator of a low-speed vehicle may cross a roadway with a speed limit in excess of 35 miles per hour if the crossing begins and ends on a roadway with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less and occurs at an intersection of approximately 90 degrees.”
NEV drivers are also prohibited from crossing a California state highway unless local traffic enforcement officials have specially approved it.
Other California Laws on Modified Low-Speed Vehicles
Many LSV owners modify their vehicles to go faster than 35 miles per hour, but that only leads to more complicated restrictions in California. The NEV is instantly considered a full-fledged vehicle and must meet far stricter standards.
CVC 21254.
“A motor vehicle that was originally designated as a low-speed vehicle and that has been modified or altered to exceed 25 miles per hour shall not qualify for the relaxed federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards established for low-speed vehicles and instead shall meet all federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for a passenger vehicle.”
Vehicle dealers selling LSVs in California are legally required to give buyers a disclosure statement explaining California’s requirements regarding the operation of these vehicles.
Additional Federal Requirements for LSVs
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also requires that several features be found on all Neighborhood Electric Vehicles:
- Headlamps
- Front and Rear Turn Signal Lamps
- Taillamps
- Stop lamps
- Red reflex reflectors on each side and on rear
- Driver’s side mirror and passenger side mirror
- Parking Brake
- Windshield
- Seat Belts
LSV Safety Comes First
Low-speed vehicles can offer a fun and efficient way for California residents to travel around a golf or retirement community or make a simple trip down the road.
But owners and operators must remember that safety standards have been relaxed for NEVs. That means there’s less protection for drivers and passengers in these electric carts. You may be following all the traffic laws, but that doesn’t mean drivers in cars, SUVs, and trucks will be. A careless driver can overlook your vehicle and cause a devastating collision.
LSV drivers must stay alert to avoid the reckless mistakes of other California motorists. Drivers in cars should remain alert when they are in areas where LSVs can be expected. When everyone is paying full attention to the road, it allows more travelers to get home safely each night.
Additional Resources:
Can an LSV drive on California Roads?
Can an LSV drive on sidewalks?
Do I Need a Driver’s License to Drive an LSV?
