Yes, Texas law does allow golf carts to use some public roads, but it’s not automatic. You’ll need to meet several requirements, your local city or county must allow it, and you must follow the specific equipment and location rules. So while the idea of cruising your neighborhood in a golf cart is becoming more popular, you still need to check the law and your local rules to make sure you’re doing it legally.
Golf carts are no longer just for the golf course or resort communities. In Texas, many neighborhoods, master-planned communities, and even some beach towns allow them on local streets. But the law sets clear boundaries — the streets must often have a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less, the cart may need a special license plate (or be converted to a “Neighborhood Electric Vehicle” or “Low Speed Vehicle” in some cases), and you must have the required safety equipment. Also, the state gives cities and counties the power to add further rules. So just because you see carts on the road in one town doesn’t mean you can immediately do it in yours. You’ll want to check your city’s ordinance, your county’s tax-office rules, and possibly the homeowners-association if you live in a gated community.
What Texas Law Actually Says
At the state level, the relevant law is found in the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) regulations and the Texas Transportation Code. According to the TxDMV, golf carts may receive a Golf Cart license plate if they are to be operated on public roads (Texas Transportation Code, §551.402–551.403).
Here are the main state-level requirements:
- The road must have a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less for the golf cart to operate under the standard golf-cart rules.
- Operation may be allowed during daylight hours (in many areas) unless the municipality allows otherwise.
- The driver must have a valid driver’s license to operate on public roads.
- The golf cart must have the required equipment when used on public roads: headlights, tail lamps, mirrors, reflectors, parking brakes — at minimum.
- A golf cart is defined as a vehicle “designed by the manufacturer primarily for use on a golf course.” The law differentiates golf carts from Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) or Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs).
Also, many sources point out that the TxDMV does not title golf carts the way normal vehicles are titled—but a license plate indicating “Golf Cart” is required if used on authorized public roads.
Where You Can Drive a Golf Cart
Because cities and counties can pass ordinances, the exact roads where golf carts are allowed vary by location. Here’s a general guide of where it’s usually permitted in Texas:
- Streets with speed limits 35 mph or less. If a road is posted at 40+ mph, you generally cannot use a golf cart under the standard law.
- Inside master-planned communities that are built with the right plat/covenants approved by the city or county. These neighborhoods often adopt golf-cart‐friendly rules.
- Public or private beach roads where vehicles are permitted, in communities that specifically allow golf carts.
- To cross intersections even if the intersecting road has a higher posted speed limit (but you must still comply with the slower road’s access rules).
Because of local rules, a golf cart may be allowed on one neighborhood’s roads but prohibited on another’s. Always check your city or county ordinance.
What You Need to Do to Be Legal
To legally drive a golf cart on public roads in Texas, here are things you’ll want to check or arrange:
- Apply for the Golf Cart license plate through your county tax assessor-collector’s office. Use Form 130-U and select the “Golf Cart” plate option. (Note: standard title/registration for vehicles doesn’t apply).
- Make sure the cart has required equipment: working headlights, tail lights, reflectors, mirrors, parking brake. Some jurisdictions may require additional equipment.
- Have a valid driver’s license when operating the cart on public roads. Anyone driving must meet that requirement.
- Drive only on approved roads: check that your road has a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less, and that your city or county ordinance allows golf carts.
- Daylight operation (in many cases) unless local rules allow nighttime use. Also, insurance is recommended—even if not always legally required.
- Follow all traffic laws: When driving the cart on the public road, you abide by the same rules of the road as other vehicles (stop signs, yield signs, etc.).
What Happens If You Don’t Comply
Driving a golf cart illegally on public roads may cause:
- Fines or citations under municipal or state traffic laws.
- Increased liability in the event of an accident. If your cart is not legally approved for the road, you may face greater legal exposure or lose insurance protection.
- Restriction or prohibition by your homeowners’ association or local government, which could limit your ability to use the cart on roads.
Final Word
Yes, golf carts can be street legal in Texas, but only if you meet the specific conditions set by state law and your local city or county approves their use on the roads you intend to use. The key requirements are: valid driver’s license, proper license plate/registration (as permitted), use on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less, required safety equipment, and compliance with local ordinances. Without all of that, you’re likely operating in violation of the law.
