This time of year we see golf carts, low speed vehicles (LSV) and all-terrain vehicles (ATV) used to commute around our neighborhoods, open space, hiking trails and on city streets.
To do your part in helping keep our residents safe and avoid unnecessary traffic violations, please review the rules to the road while driving an ATV, e-scooter, a golf cart or any LSV in the City of Castle Pines.
What Are The Rules?
The City of Castle Pines adopted the Model Traffic Code for Colorado, where golf carts fall into the category of low speed electric vehicles.
Rules of golf carts must follow:
- Golf carts are not allowed on public roadways unless expressly authorized. The City of Castle Pines currently does not allow the use of golf carts on City roadways.
- Golf carts are not permitted on hiking trails, in open spaces, in parks nor on public sidewalks.
The rules to ATVs and off-road vehicles are slightly different:
- ATVs are NOT allowed on public roadways or any property that is not designated as off-road trails
- The City of Castle Pines has NO off-road trails
- Dual sport motorcycles can be street legal but MUST follow Department of Transportation (DOT) and Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) guidelines
- Motocross bikes are not allowed on public streets or roadways or any Castle Pines trails
- ATVs must be registered with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife
- ATVs must be insured
- ATVs are not allowed on any public streets, roads, highways, trails, open space, parks and sidewalks in Castle Pines and Douglas County without an off-highway use permit
- The off-highway use permit must be displayed on your ATV
E-scooter, e-bikes and gas-powered scooter rules of the road and streets
Electric bicycles and electric scooters are exempt from motor vehicle registration and license requirements. However, the classification of the vehicle determines where it is allowed. E-scooters and electric bicycles are classified in three categories:
- Class 1 & 2: E-scooters have a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour on a paved level surface when powered solely by the electric motor
- Class 3: does not exceed 28 miles per hour
Class 1 & 2 electric bicycles and scooters are allowed on bicycle and pedestrian paths—the same as conventional bicycles. However, they are not allowed on hiking trails, in open space, or in parks. Castle Pines does not have designated hiking trails, open space or parks for electric or gas-powered scooters or bikes.
Class 3 electric bicycles are not allowed on a bicycle or pedestrian paths, hiking trails, in open spaces and sidewalks. Castle Pines does not have designated hiking trails, open space or parks for electric or gas-powered scooters or bikes.
Can I Drive My Golf Cart in Other Local Areas?
All areas of unincorporated Douglas County near Castle Pines are patrolled by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and also adhere to the Model Traffic Code for Colorado.
If the roadway is on private property, drivers must follow the rules stipulated by the property owner. Regulations relating to private property are governed by the owner of that property, and the owner must be contacted directly.
We are asking that you be courteous of those around you while enjoying the outdoors. If you have additional questions about safely operating your LSV in our community, contact us at:
Phone: 303.705.0200
Email: information@staging.castlepinesco.gov or
Deputy Jason Blanchard with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
Phone: 303-660-7510
Email: jblancha@dcsheriff.net
