Texas Golf Cart Laws

Understand how golf cart and neighborhood electric vehicles are legally defined and used on Texas roads, including equipment, insurance, and operation rules.

Definition of a Golf Cart in Texas

According to Texas law, a golf cart is a vehicle that meets all the following requirements:

• Has at least three wheels on the ground
• Operates at speeds between 15 and 25 miles per hour
• Primarily designed for use on golf courses

Unlike other motor vehicles, standard golf carts in Texas do not require registration with the Department of Motor Vehicles for limited use scenarios, as outlined by state law.

Where Golf Carts Can Be Driven in Texas

State law permits golf carts to operate on certain roads under specific conditions. These include:

• Within master-planned communities with a uniform set of restrictive covenants
• On public or private beaches
• During daylight hours only, and within a two-mile radius of the owner’s residence for the purpose of traveling to and from a golf course
• Crossing intersections, including roads with posted speed limits up to 35 mph

City-Level Ordinances

Municipalities across Texas may pass local ordinances allowing golf carts on public streets. However, certain conditions must be met:

• The road must lie within the city’s jurisdiction
• The speed limit of the road must not exceed 35 miles per hour
• The city must pass a specific ordinance to legalize golf cart operation on that road

Required Equipment for Legal Operation

When operating under a city ordinance or crossing public roads, golf carts must be equipped with the following safety gear:

• Headlamps and tail lamps
• Reflectors
• Mirrors
• Parking brake
• A slow-moving vehicle emblem

These features are essential to ensure the vehicle is visible to other drivers and meets basic road safety standards.

Insurance Requirements

Even though golf carts are not required to be registered, Texas law does mandate that golf cart owners carry minimum liability insurance if the vehicle is used on public roads as permitted by local ordinance. This typically includes:

• $30,000 for injury or death to one person
• $60,000 for injury or death to two or more people
• $25,000 for property damage

Golf Carts vs. Neighborhood Electric Vehicles

It’s crucial to differentiate between standard golf carts and neighborhood electric vehicles. While golf carts are limited to specific local use cases, NEV are regulated under both state and federal law. NEV are defined as vehicles that:

• Have four wheels
• Reach speeds over 20 mph but not more than 25 mph
• Are equipped with full safety features, including seat belts, windshield, mirrors, lights, and VIN

NEV must be registered and titled and may be operated on public roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less.

Conclusion

Texas offers flexibility for using golf carts in certain areas, provided you follow local ordinances and safety standards. If you require broader road access, converting your vehicle into a neighborhood electric vehicles and complying with federal and state laws is a viable option.