Newlife in Sun City in Maricopa County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Golf Car Oddities...Only In Arizona
Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, January 19, 2026
1. Golf Car Oddities...Only In Arizona Marker
The Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) watched in horror as those electric cars so popular on golf courses migrated to the streets. They often became second cars for residents and in some cases, their only mode of transportation.
Knowing the state revenue base would be impacted, they adjusted by attempting creative new ways to register, regulate and license them. Sun City historian Ben Roloff has spent an amazing amount of time scouring local community newspapers and he found these gems in the state archives:
• Golf cars needed to be taken in for an annual safety check. The rub was there were no testing sites in Sun City so the MVD offered to do it for a $1 fee.
• More silliness ensued when the MVD required golf car operators to have a motorcycle license and wear goggles and a helmet. Really?
• Next they mandated any golf car operated on the streets needed a safety glass windshield (not plexiglass) and an operating windshield
this page online
• Finally, the MVD claimed all golf cars were in the motorcycle class and were billed a $5 emission test fee annually. They backed off on the non-emission test for electric cars but stated they still needed to pay the $5 fee.
Through it all, Sun City residents remained vigilant and argued strongly against these foolish claims. Eventually the MVD grew tired of being stupid and simply sold golf cars reduced price license plates which remains in place today.
Owning and operating a golf car in Sun City is less expensive than an automobile, more fun to drive and sometimes less safe. That said the trials and tribulations of living in the first golf car community in the country is always an exciting exercise in returning to our roots and feeling the joy of being a kid on their first motorized chug. Nice!
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles.
Location. 33° 36.063′ N, 112° 17.535′ W. Marker is in Sun City, Arizona, in Maricopa County. It is in Newlife. It can be reached from West Oakmont Drive east of North 108th Avenue. Located at Sun Cities
Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, January 19, 2026
2. Golf Car Oddities...Only In Arizona Marker
Marker is 3rd sign from the left side of the photo
Regionally, this marker is in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, and in the Tohono O’odham Nation. It is also in the American Southwest. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Gadsden Purchase, and Mexico’s Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Another First for Sun City (here, next to this marker); Welcome (a few steps from this marker); Sun City, Arizona (a few steps from this marker); The Town of Marinette, Arizona (a few steps from this marker); GFWC Peoria Woman's Club (approx. 3.4 miles away); Peoria Central School (approx. 3½ miles away); First Presbyterian Church of Peoria (approx. 3½ miles away); North American AT-6 Texan (approx. 5.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sun City.
Also see . . . Sun City, Arizona The Community That Changed A Nation!. (Submitted on January 22, 2026, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 22, 2026, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 57 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 22, 2026, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
