Where can you drive a golf cart or LSV in Newport Beach & Balboa, CA?
Roads posted 35 mph or less. May cross faster roads at intersections. Plain golf carts: roads posted 25 mph or less. May cross faster roads at intersections. Golf Cart Maps (golfcartmap.com) maps every road in Newport Beach & Balboa, CA and plans routes that stay on legal ones. Rules last checked Oct 2026.
The rules in Newport Beach & Balboa, CA
| Vehicle | Where it may drive | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Street-legal LSV | Roads posted 35 mph or less. May cross faster roads at intersections. | CVC 21260 |
| Golf cart | Roads posted 25 mph or less. May cross faster roads at intersections. | CVC 21716 (golf carts only on highways posted ≤25 mph, within a business/residence district); CVC 21115 + Streets & Highways Code §1950-1965 golf cart transportation plans may designate other routes |
Coverage
Newport Beach's coast (Balboa Peninsula, Balboa Island, Lido, Newport Heights and Corona del Mar) only. Pick another city in the menu above.
FAQ
Where can I drive an LSV in Newport Beach?
Roads posted 35 mph or less. May cross faster roads at intersections. Source: CVC 21260. Golf Cart Maps shows allowed roads in green and roads to avoid in red.
Can I drive a golf cart on the street in Newport Beach?
Roads posted 25 mph or less. May cross faster roads at intersections. Source: CVC 21716 (golf carts only on highways posted ≤25 mph, within a business/residence district); CVC 21115 + Streets & Highways Code §1950-1965 golf cart transportation plans may designate other routes.
What is the difference between a golf cart and an LSV in California?
A low-speed vehicle (LSV) is a street-legal vehicle with a VIN, plate and insurance that meets federal FMVSS 500 (top speed over 20 and at most 25 mph). A plain golf cart has none of that, so most states limit it to fewer roads.
Where do the rules come from?
State vehicle codes and local ordinances, plus posted speed limits from city speed lists, street-level sign imagery (Mapillary) and OpenStreetMap. Unsigned small residential streets are assumed to be 25 mph. Posted signs always win.
Is Golf Cart Maps legal advice?
No. It's a map to help you plan; always follow posted signs.
Local resources
- Balboa Island's community site explains golf cart rules on the island's narrow streets. See Balboa Island golf cart guide.