California is home to some of the most vibrant golf cart communities in the country, where community golf carts are a common mode of transportation for both leisure and daily errands.
From sun-drenched coastal towns to gated desert retreats, California offers a variety of golf cart communities designed for comfort, mobility, and eco-friendly living. In these communities, residents often rely on community golf carts to access golf courses, shopping areas, restaurants, and social amenities without ever needing a full-size vehicle.
One of the largest active adult communities in the U.S., Laguna Woods Village is a premier golf cart-friendly neighborhood. With over 12,000 residents and multiple golf courses, residents commonly use golf carts to move around the gated community and its surrounding retail zones.
This expansive retirement community is built around golf and recreational living. Residents enjoy dedicated golf cart lanes, and most garages are designed to fit both a vehicle and a golf cart. The warm desert climate makes year-round cart use convenient and enjoyable.
Nestled in the San Francisco Bay Area, Rossmoor is a gated senior community offering over 2,000 acres of golf, trails, and residential living. With an internal shuttle and widespread golf cart use, it's a peaceful enclave for those who want mobility and security.
This resort-style gated community is popular among retirees and semi-retired professionals. The layout encourages the use of community golf carts for reaching the golf course, clubhouse, pool, and even nearby shops.
Del Webb communities are known nationwide for being golf cart-accessible, and the Rancho Mirage location is no exception. With warm weather, scenic mountain views, and abundant outdoor amenities, it's perfect for golf cart commuting within the neighborhood.
In California, traditional golf carts (defined as having a maximum speed of 15 mph and weighing less than 1,300 pounds) do not require a license plate if they are only driven within a mile of a golf course on roads posted at 25 mph or less. These areas are often marked as golf cart zones.
However, if your community allows or encourages driving a golf cart beyond those limits, your cart may need to be registered as a regular vehicle, which involves title issuance and license plates. It’s essential to follow local city or county ordinances to determine if your golf cart needs registration for extended use.
Insurance is not legally required for golf carts operated solely within private property or golf cart-approved communities. However, once your golf cart is driven on public roads—even within a limited golf cart zone—California law may require you to carry minimum liability insurance. This protects both you and others in the event of an accident.
Additionally, many communities or homeowners' associations (HOAs) recommend or mandate golf cart insurance as part of their safety standards. It's a good idea to check with your HOA or local DMV office to ensure compliance.
Whether you're enjoying the vibrant coastal life of Orange County or the desert charm of Palm Desert, California’s golf cart communities offer convenience, comfort, and sustainability. These communities are perfect for those who want to embrace a lifestyle built around community golf carts. If you're ready to explore a new way of getting around, visit Tara Electric Vehicles for a range of modern golf carts tailored to California living.
