Golf Cart Regulations

LCPD Golf Cart Ordinance Now Reflects Texas State Laws

Recently, the City of League City revised its golf cart regulations to align with State of Texas golf cart laws. As of November 2020, the League City Police Department will no longer be conducting golf cart inspections or requiring City golf cart permits. However, golf carts need to have a golf cart license plate to operate on roads.

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Golf cart ordinances are in place to keep everyone safe on the road

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What types of motorized carts are allowed on the roadway?

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  • Golf carts
  • Side-by-side vehicles
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  • 4-wheelers
  • ATVs
  • Dirt bikes 
  • Dune buggies 
  • Sand rails 

Where can motorized carts be driven?

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  • Golf carts can only drive on a road with a speed limit of 35 mph or less (they can cross a road that has a higher speed limit only at an intersection).
  • Golf carts may be operated at golf courses, private clubs, or on private property, with the consent of the owner.
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  • Motorized carts CANNOT be operated on any sidewalk, pedestrian walkway, jogging path, park trail, or any location normally used for pedestrian traffic.

Golf-Cart Related Injuries

With the growing popularity of golf cart ownership, there has also been an increase in accidents—some involving serious injuries to children. In 2020, a 9-year-old League City boy sustained severe leg injuries in a golf cart accident in the Meadow Bend subdivision. A young teen was driving the cart around the neighborhood when it rolled over, subsequently inuring the boy. Also in 2020, a 12-year-old Magnolia boy was killed in a similar golf cart accident when the golf cart rolled over, resulting in fatal head injuries.

Golf cart on its side after being involved in an accident.

Rules to Remember

  • A motorized cart must follow all traffic laws.
  • Every person riding in the cart must have a seat. No lap riding or standing on the side of the vehicle is allowed.
  • Children must be seated in the motorized cart and use a safety belt if under 8 years old.
  • A motorized cart driver MUST have a valid driver license AND valid liability insurance covering the cart.
  • A motorized cart operated on the road must have the minimal safety equipment required by the Texas Transportation Code: headlamps, tail lamps, reflectors, parking brake, and mirrors.
  • The motorized cart must have a license plate issued by your county tax assessor-collector's office.

Violations

Any person who operates or allows another person to operate a motorized cart in a manner that violates the Ordinance, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, fined not more than $500.