Laguna Woods Municipal Code Ch. 8.18 Golf Carts and Low-Speed Vehicles

The purpose of this chapter is to provide reasonable regulations for the use of golf carts and low-speed vehicles on specifically designated golf cart paths and across specifically established golf cart crossings. This chapter is intended to protect and promote the health, safety, and welfare of the public. In adopting and implementing the regulatory provisions of this chapter, it is the intent of the City Council to further the objectives specified above, and to create reasonable regulations in conformance with the California Vehicle Code.

(Ord. No. 06-03, § 1, 5-17-2006; Ord. No. 19-03, § 3(Exh. A), 4-17-2019)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 19-03, § 3(Exh. A), adopted April 17, 2019, changed the title of section 8.18.010 from "Purpose" to read as herein set out.

The following definitions shall govern the meaning of words and phrases used in this chapter, except that definitions from the California Vehicle Code shall have the meaning of the then-current effective statute, as may be amended from time to time or replaced by a successor statute:

(05) Golf cart means, as defined in California Vehicle Code § 345, a motor vehicle having not less than three wheels in contact with the ground, having an unladen weight less than 1,300 pounds, which is designed to be and is operated at not more than 15 miles per hour and designed to carry golf equipment and not more than two persons, including the driver.

(10) Golf cart crossing means a crossing on a portion of a highway that has been specifically established by a resolution of the City Council for use by golf carts, in accordance with California Vehicle Code § 21115.1.

(15) Golf cart path means a path on a portion of a highway, other than the roadway, that has been specifically designated by a resolution of the City Council for use by golf carts. Golf cart paths are identified by posted signs and are set apart from the roadway by curbs, barriers, markings, or other delineation.

(20) Highway means, as defined in California Vehicle Code § 360, a way or place of whatever nature, publicly maintained and open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel, including streets.

(25) Low-speed vehicle means, as defined in California Vehicle Code § 385.5, a motor vehicle, other than a motor truck, having four wheels on the ground and an unladen weight of 1,800 pounds or less, that is capable of propelling itself at a minimum speed of 20 miles per hour and a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour, on a paved level surface. A low-speed vehicle is not a golf cart, except when operated pursuant to the California Vehicle Code §§ 21115 or 21115.1.

(30) Sidewalk means, as defined in California Vehicle Code § 555, that portion of a highway, other than the roadway, set apart by curbs, barriers, markings, or other delineation for pedestrian travel.

(Ord. No. 06-03, § 1, 5-17-2006; Ord. No. 19-03, § 3(Exh. A), 4-17-2019)

(a) Golf carts may be operated on golf cart paths and across golf cart crossings in accordance with the California Vehicle Code. It shall be a violation of this chapter to operate a golf cart (1) on any sidewalk unless such sidewalk has been specifically designated a golf cart path in accordance with this chapter or (2) on any portion of a highway unless such portion has been specifically established as a golf cart crossing in accordance with this chapter.

(b) It shall be a violation of this chapter for anyone to operate a low-speed vehicle on a golf cart path or sidewalk.

(c) Any violation of this chapter shall be deemed an infraction, subject to the provisions of chapters 1.04 and 1.06 of this Code.

(d) Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to prohibit the use of golf carts and low-speed vehicles that are operated in accordance with the California Vehicle Code or that are operated on private property.

(Ord. No. 06-03, § 1, 5-17-2006; Ord. No. 19-03, § 3(Exh. A), 4-17-2019)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 19-03, § 3(Exh. A), adopted April 17, 2019, changed the title of section 8.18.030 from "Regulations for golf carts and low-speed vehicles" to read as herein set out.

The City Manager is authorized to erect and maintain signs, markers, and lighting adjacent to or on golf cart paths, golf cart crossings, and sidewalks, as deemed necessary, to (1) comply with the California Vehicle Code or (2) explain the regulations set forth in the California Vehicle Code or this chapter.

(Ord. No. 19-03, § 3(Exh. A), 4-17-2019)

(a) The presence, absence, maintenance condition, or visibility of signs, markers, or lighting authorized pursuant to Section 8.18.040 shall not excuse noncompliance with this chapter nor with any other local laws or regulations, or federal or state laws or regulations.

(b) This chapter is not intended to be exclusive and compliance with its provisions shall not excuse noncompliance with any other local laws or regulations, or federal or state laws or regulations.

(Ord. No. 19-03, § 3(Exh. A), 4-17-2019)