Where golf carts and low-speed vehicles can be driven in Texas, and what you need to use yours safely and legally.
Important: this notice is general information to help you use your vehicle safely and legally. It is not legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary, so always confirm the current requirements with your city, county, homeowners association and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) before driving on public roads. Buyers outside Texas should check the laws of their own state or country.
1. Golf Carts vs. Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs)
Texas law treats these as different types of vehicles:
Golf cart: a vehicle designed primarily for use on a golf course. Golf carts may use public roads only in limited situations and are not titled like standard motor vehicles.
Low-speed vehicle (LSV), also called a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV): a vehicle built to meet federal LSV safety standards, with equipment such as seat belts, lights, mirrors and a windshield, and a top speed of 20 to 25 mph. LSVs are titled, registered and insured like other motor vehicles.
Each product listing states whether a vehicle is sold as an LSV. If a listing does not say so, treat the vehicle as a golf cart. Ask us if you are unsure.
2. Where Golf Carts May Be Driven in Texas
Under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 551, a golf cart may generally be operated on public roads only in these situations:
In a qualifying master planned community, on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less.
On a public or private beach that is open to vehicle traffic.
During the daytime, on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less, within five miles of where the golf cart is usually parked, when traveling to or from a golf course.
On roads where a city or county has authorized golf cart use by local rule.
Cities, counties and the Texas Department of Transportation can also prohibit golf carts on certain roads for safety reasons. Private communities and homeowners associations may set their own rules.
3. Golf Cart License Plates and Equipment
A golf cart license plate, issued through your county tax assessor-collector’s office, is generally required to drive on public roads, except within a qualifying master planned community.
When driven on public roads, a golf cart must have headlamps, taillamps, reflectors, a parking brake and mirrors.
A valid driver’s license is generally required to operate a golf cart on a public road.
4. Driving an LSV in Texas
An LSV must be titled, registered and insured, and the driver must hold a valid driver’s license.
LSVs may generally be driven on streets with a posted speed limit of 45 mph or less, and may cross roads with higher limits at intersections, unless a local rule prohibits it.
We provide the ownership documents supplied with the vehicle, such as the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) or title, to help you register it.
5. Modifications
Lift kits, speed upgrades, oversized tires and other modifications can change how a vehicle is classified, may affect whether it can be driven on public roads, and may affect the manufacturer’s warranty. Check with your local authorities and the manufacturer before modifying a vehicle.
6. Safe Operation
Never carry more passengers than there are seats, and keep hands and feet inside the vehicle.
Use seat belts where fitted, and follow all posted signs and traffic laws.
Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired driving laws apply to golf carts and LSVs.
Children should not operate a golf cart or LSV, and should ride only when properly seated and supervised.
Follow the manufacturer’s operating, charging, fueling and maintenance instructions.
7. Your Responsibility
By purchasing a vehicle from Golf Carts King, you agree that you are responsible for its lawful and safe operation, including any registration, license plate, insurance and equipment required where you use it. See our Terms and Conditions for more information.
8. Questions
If you are not sure which type of vehicle suits how you plan to use it, contact us before you order and we will help you choose.
You can also send us a message through our contact page.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
