Utv rules for glamis
- Are seat belts required to be used on all the seats, front and rear on UTV's, Golf Carts, and Sandcars to be legal when riding off road in Calif. or Ariz.?
Seatbelts are required to properly fastened in the front seats when originally equipped by the manufacturer. Seatbelts in the rear are not specifically required; however, if the passengers are not wearing seatbelts, the officer has the discretion to cite the driver for a violation of CVC 38330.
CVC 38330. It is unlawful to operate any vehicle or combination of vehicles which is in an unsafe condition, which is not equipped as required by this chapter or the equipment regulations of the governmental agency having jurisdiction over public lands, or which is not safely loaded.
43 CFR 8365.1-3(b) (1) The operator of a motor vehicle is prohibited from operating a motor vehicle in motion, unless the operator and each front seat passenger is restrained by a properly fastened safety belt that conforms to applicable United States Department of Transportation standards, except that children, as defined by State law, shall be restrained as provided by State law.
What is required by law to have people ride in the back of UTV's (Rhino's, Golf Carts, Side X Side’s) at the ISDRA? Are Golf Carts in this category?
You need to have a properly mounted seat and use properly mounted seat belts to ride in the back of a UTV or golf cart. UTVs and golf carts are different types of vehicles under the definitions in the California Vehicle Code, however you should have properly mounted seats and use properly mounted seat belts, in both types of vehicles, or you may be cited under CVC 38330 which states it is unlawful to operate any vehicle or combination of vehicles which is in an unsafe condition, which is not equipped as required by this chapter or the equipment regulations of the governmental agency having jurisdiction over public lands, or which is not safely loaded.
43 CFR 8365.1(b) (1) The operator of a motor vehicle is prohibited from operating a motor vehicle in motion, unless the operator and each front seat passenger is restrained by a properly fastened safety belt that conforms to applicable United States Department of Transportation standards, except that children, as defined by State law, shall be restrained as provided by State law.
Golf carts are not UTVs; however if modifications are made to a golf cart, it could be included in the same category as an OHV. A golf cart by definition (CVC Division 1, section 345) is, "a 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 mph and designed to carry golf equipment and not more than two persons including the driver".
- Are UTVs regulated by ATV laws/regulations or by laws/regulations relating to sand buggies at ISDRA? Are there laws/regulations that pertain to UTV’s? Is there a difference between laws/regulations in Calif. and Ariz. for UTV's?
UTVs are regulated under the laws/ regulations relating to Off-Highway Vehicle use in the CVC 38000 section. Arizona and California have different OHV laws, citizens need to follow California laws while recreating in the Imperial Sand Dunes. Go back to list of topics.
- Are there any age restrictions for driving a UTV off road in Ariz. or Calif.? What are the driving age rules for UTVs? Are the age rules different from golf carts or ATV’s?
There is no age requirement to operate a UTV or golf cart in California, however, CVC 38304 states that the operator of an off-highway motor vehicle shall be able to reach and operate all controls necessary to safely operate the vehicle.
There are ATV age rules in California related to safety training. They are as follows:
CVC 38503. No person under the age of 18 years, on and after January 1, 1990, shall operate an all-terrain vehicle on public lands of this state unless the person satisfies one of the following conditions: (a) The person is taking a prescribed safety training course under the direct supervision of a certified all-terrain vehicle safety instructor. (b) The person is under the direct supervision of an adult who has in their possession an appropriate safety certificate issued by this state, or issued under the authority of another state. (c) The person has in possession an appropriate safety certificate issued by this state or issued under the authority of another state.
CVC 38504. No person under 14 years of age, on and after January 1, 1990, shall operate an all-terrain vehicle on public lands of this state unless the person satisfies one of the conditions set forth in Section 38503 and, in addition, is accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian or is accompanied by and under the direct supervision of an adult who is authorized by the parent or guardian.
CVC 38504.1. (a) Neither a parent or guardian of a child who is under 14 years of age, nor an adult who is authorized by the parent or guardian to supervise that child shall grant permission to, or knowingly allow, that child to operate an all-terrain vehicle in a manner that violates Section 38504. Go back to list of topics.
- Are roll cages required for rear seat passengers?
Roll cages are recommended but not required at this time.
- Are helmets required to ride a UTV’s?
Helmets are recommended but not required at this time.
- Are there any distinctions made between golf carts and UTVs? Like engine size etc. Some Golf Carts have replaced high horsepower engines.
Yes. UTVs are regulated under the CVC 38000 section and Golf carts are defined in CVC Division 1, section 345. A "golf cart" is 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. CVC 21716 states except as provided in Section 21115.1 and Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 1950) of Division 2.5 of the Streets and Highways Code, no person shall operate a golf cart on any highway except in a speed zone of 25 miles per hour or less. CVC 24001.5. Also states that a golf cart as defined in Section 345 shall only be subject to the provisions of this division which are applicable to a motorcycle.
CVC 21115. (a) If a local authority finds that a highway under its jurisdiction is located adjacent to, or provides access to, a golf course and between the golf course and the place where golf carts are parked or stored or is within or bounded by a real estate development offering golf facilities and is designed and constructed, so as to safely permit the use of regular vehicular traffic and also the driving of golf carts on the highway, the local authority may, by resolution or ordinance, designate the highway or portion of the highway for combined use and prescribe rules and regulations that shall have the force of law. No highway shall be so designated for a distance of more than one mile from the golf course if the highway is not located within a development or beyond the area of a development, provided, the finding of the local authority in this respect shall be conclusive. Upon the designation becoming effective it shall be lawful to drive golf carts upon the highway in accordance with the prescribed rules and regulations. The rules and regulations may establish crossing zones and speed limits and other operating standards but shall not require that the golf carts conform to any requirements of this code with respect to registration, licensing, or equipment, except that if operated during darkness the golf cart shall be subject to the provisions of Section 24001.5 regarding equipment. Go back to list of topics.
- Is there reciprocity between Calif. and Ariz. regarding street legal ATV’s, UTV’s, and Golf Carts?
Most of these vehicles do not meet CA requirements to be street legal, therefore they are illegal to operate on the street in CA. For requirements, please visit the CVC at www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/vctoc.htm and review Division 12.
Imperial Sand Dunes - Frequently Asked Questions - Laws and Safety
|
01-17-2010, 09:53 PM
Lower Navigation
Linear Mode
