Guide to Street-Legal Golf Cars

A golf cart is a motor vehicle that is traditionally designed for use on a golf course or for sporting or recreational purposes. The vehicles can only travel at low speeds, however, they can be used to travel along public roads, giving people more convenience to reach destinations without needing a car. In warmer climates such as Texas, and especially in smaller neighborhoods, golf cars may be the preferred mode of transportation for many. Not only are they fun to ride around in, but they are cost-effective and easy to operate. Since many people might have questions, here is a guide to everything you need to know to drive a golf car on Texas roads legally. 

WHAT MAKES A GOLF CAR STREET-LEGAL IN TEXAS?

Golf cars are street-legal in the state of Texas, but there are strict rules that must be followed at all times. There are requirements for equipment to be installed and local laws to keep in mind. The vehicle can only be operated in a master-planned community with a uniform set of restrictive covenants, on a public or private beach, on a highway with a speed limit of 35 mph, during daytime hours, not more than 2 miles from where the golf car is typically parked for transportation from a golf course, and to cross intersections. This includes intersections with highways with a speed limit of over 35 mph. Closely following these rules is essential to ensure your golf car is always street-legal. Remember that all laws pertaining to regular motor vehicles must also be adhered to when operating a golf car on public roads. 

Like any other vehicle, a golf car requires liability insurance to operate on a public road. You want to ensure you are protected in case of an accident, and minimum liability coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for property damage is recommended. 

ARE ELECTRIC GOLF CARS STREET-LEGAL?

Most will be pleased to know that electric golf cars are also street-legal in Texas. These vehicles are wonderful for riding around the neighborhood, and if the golf car has an automatic transmission, it will operate efficiently on the street. 

HOW TO MAKE YOUR GOLF CAR STREET-LEGAL

To ensure that your golf car is street-legal, there are specific requirements to follow. The vehicle must adhere to 25 miles per hour or less speeds and prominently display a slow-moving vehicle emblem in the rear. Any golf car on a public road must have working headlights, taillights, reflectors, parking brakes, and rear-view mirrors. This ensures that the golf car meets state regulations and is as safe as possible. Next, you need to make sure that you obtain a VIN or vehicle identification number. This is the official documentation of ownership and history. Once you have the VIN, it is time to get a license plate from your county tax assessor collector's office.  They will handle the registration and titling of the car and the license plate will be the official documentation 

that the golf car is street-legal.

WHERE TO BUY A STREET-LEGAL GOLF CAR IN TEXAS?

Whether you plan on using a golf car as a convenient way to get around without using a car, or you just want to enjoy a nice, slow-paced ride around the neighborhood, Aggieland Golf Cars is here for you. Contact us today or visit our dealership for more information or our wonderful golf car selection.