Vehicle Code section 385.5

(a)

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 paved level surface.

(3)

Has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 pounds.

(b)

(1)For the purposes of this section, a “low-speed vehicle” is not a golf cart, except when operated pursuant to Section 21115 or 21115.1.

(2)

A “low-speed vehicle” is also known as a “neighborhood electric vehicle.”

Source: Section 385.5, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=385.­5.­ (updated Jul. 12, 2006; accessed Jul. 14, 2025).

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Verified:
Jul. 14, 2025

§ 385.5's source at ca​.gov