2010 California Code
Vehicle Code
Article 5. Operation Of Low-speed Vehicles

21250.  For the purposes of this article, a low-speed vehicle means
a vehicle as defined in Section 385.5. A "low-speed vehicle" is also
known as a "neighborhood electric vehicle."



21251.  Except as provided in Chapter 7 (commencing with Section
1963), Chapter 7.1 (commencing with Section 1964), Chapter 8
(commencing with Section 1965), and Chapter 8.1 (commencing with
Section 1966) of Division 2.5 of the Streets and Highways Code, and
Sections 4023, 21115, and 21115.1, a low-speed vehicle is subject to
all the provisions applicable to a motor vehicle, and the driver of a
low-speed vehicle is subject to all the provisions applicable to the
driver of a motor vehicle or other vehicle, when applicable, by this
code or another code, with the exception of those provisions that,
by their very nature, can have no application.



21252.  A vehicle dealer, selling a low-speed vehicle, shall provide
to the buyer a disclosure statement regarding the operation of the
vehicle that is in compliance with existing provisions of the
California Code of Regulations.


21253.  A low-speed vehicle operated or parked on the roadway shall
at all times meet federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards established
for low-speed vehicles in Section 571.500 of Title 49 of the Code of
Federal Regulations.


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.



21260.  (a) Except as provided in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b),
or in an area where a neighborhood electric vehicle transportation
plan has been adopted pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section
1963), Chapter 7.1 (commencing with Section 1964), Chapter 8
(commencing with Section 1965), or Chapter 8.1 (commencing with
Section 1966) of Division 2.5 of the Streets and Highways Code, the
operator of a low-speed vehicle shall not operate the vehicle on any
roadway with a speed limit in excess of 35 miles per hour.
   (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.
   (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the operator of a low-speed
vehicle shall not traverse an uncontrolled intersection with any
state highway unless that intersection has been approved and
authorized by the agency having primary traffic enforcement
responsibilities for that crossing by a low-speed vehicle.



21266.  (a) Notwithstanding Section 21260, local authorities, by
ordinance or resolution, may restrict or prohibit the use of
low-speed vehicles.
   (b) Notwithstanding Section 21260, a local law enforcement agency
with primary traffic enforcement responsibilities or the Department
of the California Highway Patrol may prohibit the operation of a
low-speed vehicle on any roadway under that agency's or department's
jurisdiction when the agency or the department deems the prohibition
to be in the best interest of public safety. Any such prohibition
shall become effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof
are erected upon the roadway.