How to Operate a Golf Cart on a Texas Public Roadway

Golf carts may be driven on some public roads in Texas.

In Texas, golf carts are no longer classified and treated the same as low speed vehicles and neighborhood electric vehicles. Since September 1, 2009 it has not been possible for golf carts to be registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. As such, they may be driven on certain public roads. Texas cities may also pass ordinances that allow golf carts to be driven on streets within their jurisdiction, but the golf cart must be insured and be equipped with head and tail lamps, reflectors, mirrors and a parking brake. Additionally, you do not need a driver's license to operate a golf cart.

Instructions

1. Verify that your vehicle is classified as a golf cart by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. For it to fall into this category, it must have three or more wheels, be able to achieve a maximum speed of 15 to 25 miles per hour, and be manufactured primarily for use on a golf course.

2. Affix an emblem on the rear of your cart that confirms it is a slow-moving vehicle. The emblem should be three to five feet above the road surface and must comply with Texas Transportation Code which specifies that is has a "reflective surface designed to be clearly visible in daylight or at night from the light of standard automobile headlamps at a distance of at least 500 feet." These emblems can be purchased at auto part or home improvement stores and are also available from regional affiliates of the American Automobile Association (AAA) or from online vendors.

3. Familiarize yourself with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles regulations that specify where you are permitted to operate your golf cart. Once it displays the required slow-moving vehicle emblem, you may drive it during day light hours in master planned communities; on beaches; no more than two miles from the cart's usual parking spot; to travel to and from a golf course; and across an intersection.

4. Contact your local municipality to check if there are any local ordinances pertaining to the manner in which golf carts may be operated.

5. Comply with all road rules in accordance with the Texas Drivers Handbook. At all times you must follow the rules of the road that apply to all vehicles.

References

• Texas Department of Motor Vehicles: ATVs and Golf Carts
• Texas Transportation Code: Slow-Moving Vehicle Requirements

Resources

• Home Depot: Slow-Moving Vehicle Emblem
• Texas Drivers Handbook