Powered Cart Safety Training
(8CCR 3203)
Reference California Vehicle Codes Sections 345, 385.5, 2115, and 2115.1
Policy
It is the policy of California State University,
San Marcos to establish a program that
provides the operator of electric or fuel
powered carts with the following:
Adequate training so that the vehicle may
be operated in a safe manner; and
A vehicle that is mechanically safe to
operate on a university campus.
Upon completion of this course you
should be able to identify:
 The design and basic limitations of your
powered cart.
 Safety rules and regulations that pertain to your
powered cart.
 How to operate a powered cart in a safe
manner.
 Inspections and maintenance requirements
relevant to your powered cart.
 How powered cart accidents and safety
violations are handled on campus.
Purpose
The purpose of this program is to provide the University
community with a program that can be used to educate
vehicle operators in the proper and safe driving practices
for powered carts.
This program will highlight minimum safety equipment
standards for carts falling under the NHSTA, DOT,
OSHA, CCR Title 8, and the CSUSM IIPP.
This program also outlines the personal safety
inspections required of all operators prior to
driving an electrical or fuel powered cart on the
Campus.
Reference California Vehicle Codes Sections 345, 385.5, 2115, and 2115.1
Scope
All departments and their employees who
operate powered carts on the California State
University San Marcos campus, including
student employees are required to complete
the training. This program is available to
auxiliary organizations to help promote safe
driving habits for their powered carts.
Currently, auxiliary organizations are not
allowed to rent, use or lease University
owned vehicles.
You will not receive credit for completion
of this training if you have not;
o Obtained a valid drivers license.
o Had your driving records reviewed by Risk Management
and Safety under the Pull Notice Program.
o Completed a CSUSM sponsored Defensive Driving class
with Risk Management and Safety
o Provided all proper documentation (copies of STD 261,
Valid Drivers License, current certificate of Insurance)
o Sent a copy of Completion of this Course (found in the
Self Administered Training portion, 2nd link) to RM&S
Departments (Supervisors) Responsibilities
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Direct all purchases and requests to purchase
vehicles through the Director of Facility Services.
Ensure that all vehicle operators complete the
training prior to operating a powered cart.
Annually review "Rules for Safe Operation of
Powered Carts" with all powered cart operators.
Ensure that your department’s carts are
routinely inspected and maintained. Contact
CSUSM’s Auto Shop 760-750-4607 for cart
repair or maintenance.
Departments (Supervisors) Responsibilities continued…
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Ensure a cart needing maintenance is tagged “Out of
Service. DO NOT OPERATE” until Facilities Services
Vehicle Shop has inspected, and/or repaired the cart,
and returns the cart to you in a safe operating
condition.
Immediately report any accidents or injury involving a
cart, or theft of a cart to University Police 760-7504567 or 911 on a campus phone in case of an
emergency.
Within 24 hours of occurrence report all accidents
using Standard Forms 270 and 274 (downloadable)
http://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/osp/pdf/std270.pdf
http://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/osp/pdf/std274.pdf
Monitor the driving habits of employees.
Employees (Drivers) Responsibilities
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Abide by all the rules and regulations specified in this
program including;
Successfully complete the University Defensive Driver
course.
Successfully complete the initial and refresher
Powered Cart Safety Program training.
Obtain a valid drivers license.
Immediately report any accident or injury (NO
MATTER HOW MINOR THE ACCIDENT OR INJURY
APPEARS) involving a cart to your immediate
supervisor.
Immediately report ALL cart maintenance problems to
your immediate supervisor.
Pre-Trip Safety Inspection
 Check all tires for proper air pressure - use air
pressure gauge if you are unsure.
 Check all lights (if equipped).
 Check accelerator pedal for a smooth and nonbinding motion.
 Test brakes for proper operation.
 If any of the tested items are not functioning
properly, take the cart out of service until repairs
are completed.
GEM Cart
Note: GEM is not the
only brand of electric
cart we have on
Campus. Check with
FS Automotive for
details.
Cart Basics (Hands on review)
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Lights, turn signal, and horn location.
Emergency Brake location and operation.
Accelerator and brake pedal operation.
Forward-Reverse switch location and operation.
I wonder
What this
Does??
This activity will be set
up and completed at a
later time wit Facility
Services Automotive
Team .
Rules of the Road
•
Please refer to the “do’s and don’ts” located at
the end of the Powered Cart Program for “Rules
of the Road.”
Rules for Safe Operation of Powered Carts:
The following operating rules apply to both electric and
gasoline powered carts.
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Only drivers authorized by the university and trained in the safe
operation of carts shall be permitted to operate such vehicles.
All new cart operators must receive training before being allowed to
operate a cart.
Visually inspect cart for problems before use.
Seatbelts must be worn by all vehicle occupants at all times if
equipped. The maximum number of passengers is equal to the
number of seatbelts in the vehicle. All passengers must be in a seat
while the cart is moving - no exceptions. Drivers violating this safety
rule will have their driving privileges suspended.
Operators and passengers shall keep arms and legs inside the cart
at all times and shall not jump on or off of moving vehicles.
Operators will not use cell phones, radios, or other electronic
devices while the vehicle is moving.
Rules for Safe Operation of Powered Carts
continued:
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Cart operators shall not use cell phones while driving.
Carts shall be driven on campus streets whenever
possible. If a sidewalk must be used, the vehicle speed
should not exceed that of the normal pedestrian traffic.
Carts should not block or limit pedestrian access on
sidewalks.
Carts shall not be driven through pedestrian crosswalks.
Carts shall not be driven on lawns at any time.
Carts cannot be driven off campus unless they have
been registered with the California Department of Motor
Vehicles.
Rules for Safe Operation of Powered Carts
continued:
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Carts shall not be driven outside the boundaries of the
Campus.
Carts shall observe posted speed limits on all campus
roadways. Carts shall not exceed 10 mph in parking lots.
Operators shall be familiar with, and observe all
established traffic laws. Citations will be issued for
violations of traffic laws.
Materials and equipment shall be properly secured so
that they will not shift or fall off of moving carts.
Carts shall not be operated at night without properly
working head and tail lights. (Exception: the propane
powered cart does not have nor was equipped with tail
lights)
Rules for Safe Operation of Powered Carts
continued:
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Carts are particularly subject to tipping - be extremely
cautious while making turns and while driving on uneven
surfaces.
Parking is prohibited in the following areas: Red zones,
disabled access spaces, and near building entrances
and exits.
If /when charging electrical carts, wind up the power cord
so it is out of operator’s way.
A three pronged electrical cord should be used to charge
electrical carts.
Before releasing hand brake, make sure the key is
turned to the full on position.
Make sure the cart is engaged in the direction you intend
to travel (i.e. forward/reverse).
Make sure your foot is on the foot pedal brake prior to
releasing hand brake.
Rules for Safe Operation of Powered Carts
continued:
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Release the hand brake prior to using the accelerator
pedal.
If taillights or directional equipment has failed, use hand
signals for stopping, turning left, and turning right.
Be especially cautious when rounding blind corners and
backing up.
Obey Stop signs and be cautious at entrances to main
streets.
Drive with lights on at dusk, dawn, night, and heavy fog.
Drive to the right side of the road so other vehicles may
safely pass.
Make left turns from roadways with caution and good
judgment.
Drive on cement/asphalt areas whenever possible.
Rules for Safe Operation of Powered Carts
continued:
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Come to a complete stop before changing directions
from forward to reverse.
Remove the key(s) and set parking brake when away
from the cart.
Use extreme caution when operating carts on uneven or
non-level surfaces.
Drive slowly and cautiously at all times.
Allow a safe distance between the cart and pedestrians
when passing.
Allow pedestrians the right-of-way.
Cross the campus on designated streets.
Report all accidents, injuries, or violations to University
Police at x4567.
Report all mechanical problems to the Facilities
Services Vehicle Shop x4607.
Rules for Safe Operation of Powered Carts
continued:
DO NOT:
o Leave your keys in the ignition.
o Allow yourself or passengers to hang feet, legs, or arms,
o
o
o
o
out of the cart.
Drive while using headphones, cell phones/radios etc..
Drive with more than two people on front seat or anyone
in the back of the cart without sitting in a seat meant for
passengers.
Cut corners. Cutting corners can lead to a roll over, it
also damages property. (e.g. breaks sprinklers, ruins
grass, shrubbery, etc.)
Make abrupt directional changes.
Rules for Safe Operation of Powered Carts
continued:
DO NOT:
o Drive with material loaded on the back of the cart without
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
tightened down straps or appropriate netting, or other
means of securing the load.
Skid unless under emergency situations because this
greatly strains brake components.
Use the accelerator to hold the cart on an incline.
Drive or park on grass, unless it is absolutely essential.
Operate carts off of University property.
Drive carts under the influence of alcohol.
Park carts in areas that would obstruct fire exits from
buildings.
Play or “rough house” on carts.
Yell or scream while operating a cart.
NO PARKING ZONES
Kellogg Library Raised Tile Area
There are some areas on
Campus where parking is
restricted, please look for
signage; one of the areas of
concern is the 3rd level of
Kellogg Library at the entry
and side corridor areas,
These areas contain
removable tile and can be
damaged or cause a safety
hazard if parked on.
DETAIL
What are the leading causes of
bicyclist and pedestrian related cart
accidents?

Speeding
 Failure to yield at a cross
walk.
 Driving under the influence
of alcohol, illegal, or
prescription drugs.
What are the leading causes of
powered cart operator injury?
 Quick turns.
 Inability to recognize changes in
terrain. (e.g. dips, oil, water)
 Not wearing seatbelts.
Reporting and follow up for powered cart
accidents and safety violations on campus.
•
Please report all cart accidents and observed cart
violations to University Police by calling 760-750-4567 or
911 on a campus phone in case of an emergency.
•
Provide University Police with: The cart identification
number, which can be found on either sides of the cart,
the location of the accident/violation, the type of
accident/violation, date, and approximate time the
accident/violation was observed.
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University Police will relay violation information to the
Department Supervisor that is responsible for that
particular cart. A copy of the notice to the supervisor
regarding the cart violation will be maintained in the Risk
Management & Safety Office.
Reporting powered cart accidents and
safety violations continued…
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The supervisor will investigate the referred cart violation
and speak to both the driver and any witness(es) to look
for the root cause of the violation.
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RM&S will be notified by University Police in the case of
an accident. A subsequent investigation may take place
to identify root cause and assist in eliminating similar
accidents from occurring in the future.
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Depending on the results of the investigation, the
supervisor will take appropriate disciplinary actions. Any
corrective action following a violation will be documented
and notification sent to the Risk Management and Safety
Office.
Last but certainly not least…
Powered Cart Refresher Training is
required when:
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An employee has an accident involving a cart.
An employee has received notice of a cart
violation.
Every four years per the Department of
Governmental Services (DGS) State
Administrative Manual (SAM).
When you have completed this program contact
your supervisor and send an e-mail copied to
your supervisor (MPP) and the form from the
Self Administered/Paper training signed by you
and your supervisor and send a copy to RM&S.
Contact Facility Services Automotive to arrange
for an orientation on the best operation practice
and maintenance overview. If you have
questions contact Risk Management and Safety
at Ext. 4502.
The keys to cart safety are in your
hands!!!
Please Drive
Safely!!!