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1. Is it legal to operate a golf cart on a public street?

Under certain circumstances, it is legal to operate a golf cart on a. public street. Golf carts may be driven on a public highway when the following conditions are met:

• The posted speed limit is no more than 35 MPH
• The golf cart is being operated in a master planned community that has a uniform set of restrictive covenants in place (this includes any neighborhood with an HOA.)
• If going to a golf course, a golf cart may not travel more than two miles from where the golf cart is usually parked
• The golf cart is being operated during the daytime

2. Does Texas law require the operator of a golf cart to have a driver's license?

Yes. In 2019, the state of Texas classified golf carts as motor vehicles. Operators of golf carts are now considered operators of a motor vehicle. Texas requires all operators of a motor vehicle to have a driver's license. (Texas Transportation Code Section 521.021)

3. What provision in Texas law requires golf carts to have a license plate?

TC 551.402 requires that golf carts driven on a public street have a state-issued license plate. Texas DMV does not title and register golf carts, but golf carts are required to receive a golf cart license plate.

4. Can a driver with a learner's permit operate a golf cart on a. public street?

Yes, so long as they are accompanied in the front seat by a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old. This is the same as for the operation of any motor vehicle on a. public street.

5. Are golf carts subject to any other Texas motor vehicle laws?

Yes. When on a public street, the driver of the golf cart must obey all traffic laws including stop or yield signs, speed limits, and other posted warnings. They must pull to the side of the road to yield to emergency vehicles and are required to use turn signals either with blinker signals or hand signals.