Golf carts are no longer just for golf courses—they're now seen in neighborhoods, master-planned communities, and even small-town roadways. But in Texas, there are strict rules that determine where, when, and how you can legally operate one on public streets.
At Francis Injury, we’ve represented clients injured in golf cart accidents where drivers failed to follow the law. This guide covers the most updated 2025 Texas golf cart laws so you can protect your rights—and stay legal.
Why These Laws Matter
Golf carts may only reach 20–25 mph, but in a crash, the injuries can be devastating. When operated illegally or without proper equipment, liability can shift entirely to the cart operator. That’s why following Texas golf cart laws isn’t just about avoiding fines—it could mean the difference between recovering compensation or losing your case.
Texas Transportation Code §551.403
In Texas, golf carts can be operated on public roads only if the following conditions are met:
- Speed limit on the road is ≤ 35 mph
- Golf cart is equipped with Texas golf cart license plates
- Local ordinance permits golf cart operation
- Daytime operation only
- Driver holds a valid driver’s license
Source: Texas Transportation Code §551.403
Required Safety Equipment
Before operating on public roads, golf carts must have:
- Headlights and taillights
- Turn signals
- Reflectors
- Rear-view mirrors
- Parking brake
Where Can You Legally Drive?
Texas law allows carts on:
- Master planned communities with ordinance approval
- Public beaches and private beach roads
- Streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less
Note: You must remain within 2 miles of your home or golf course to qualify under some exemptions.
Driver’s License and Age Requirements
Only licensed drivers may operate golf carts on public roads in Texas. No permits, learners licenses, or unlicensed minors are allowed—even in private neighborhoods with road access.
Risks of Non-Compliance
- Fines: Up to $200 per offense
- Insurance denials: For unauthorized road use
- Legal liability: Negligence per se in injury lawsuits
Common Accident Scenarios We See
- Golf cart collides with vehicle after crossing a road outside legal zones
- Driver veers onto high-speed road causing a rear-end crash
- Cart tips during a turn due to overloading or lack of stability
Case Study: Golf Cart Crash Lawsuit
In one case, a golf cart entered a 40 mph street at dusk, without headlights. It was hit by an SUV. Our client, a passenger in the cart, suffered a spinal injury. The operator had no plates, no lights, and no permit. We secured a $325,000 settlement after proving multiple violations and liability under negligence per se.
Golf Cart vs. LSV (Low-Speed Vehicle)
Golf carts and LSVs are not the same. LSVs meet federal safety standards (FMVSS 500), have VINs, and are legal up to 25 mph. Most golf carts are not—and must comply with stricter Texas local-use rules.
Street-Legal Golf Cart Compliance Checklist
- ✅ 35 mph or lower road
- ✅ Texas golf cart license plate
- ✅ Headlights, taillights, indicators
- ✅ Valid Texas driver’s license
- ✅ Daytime use only
- ✅ Local ordinance approval
What to Do After a Golf Cart Crash
- Call 911 and file a police report
- Photograph the cart, crash site, road signs, and inspection tags
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Contact Francis Injury for a free case evaluation
FAQs
Can I drive a golf cart at night in Texas?
No. Golf carts may only be operated during daylight hours, even if they have lights.
Can golf carts cross highways?
Only if the crossing is within a designated golf cart area and permitted by a local ordinance.
Is a learner's permit valid for golf cart operation?
No. You must have a full driver’s license to operate a golf cart on Texas public roads.
Why Choose Francis Injury
We’re not just injury lawyers—we’re Texas road law specialists. We’ve handled golf cart crashes involving:
- Equipment failure
- Unauthorized road use
- Unlicensed or negligent drivers
Let our team investigate your crash and pursue the maximum compensation you're owed.
📞 Call 817-329-9001 | 💬 Chat 24/7 | 📅 Book Your Free Consultation
Driving Golf Carts on The Road by State
| State | Summary of Laws | Official Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Allowed only on private property or golf courses unless permitted locally; headlights/taillights required after dusk. | Act 2021‑80 |
| Alaska | Golf carts treated as off-highway vehicles/LSVs; operators must be at least 16 with a driver’s license. | 13 AAC 04.420 |
| Arizona | Allowed on roads ≤35 mph, cart speed ≤25 mph; full lighting and road laws apply. | A.R.S. §28‑777 |
| Arkansas | Permitted on city streets except state/federal highways, with municipal approval. | §14‑54‑1410 |
| California | Allowed on designated streets ≤25 mph with lights/mirrors; local jurisdiction must approve. | CVC §21115 |
| Colorado | Must be registered as LSV, max 25 mph; operators must have valid license. | CRS §42‑4‑111 |
| Connecticut | Prohibited on public roads unless registered and insured as LSV ( | CGS §14‑12(a) |
| Delaware | Not street legal; can only be used on private property. | Tit.21 §2113A |
| DC | Allowed only on streets ≤25 mph between sunrise-sunset; operators must be ≥16 with license. | DC Law Synopsis |
| Florida | Allowed on streets ≤30 mph with registration, insurance, and driver’s license. | §316.2126 |
| Georgia | Golf carts | §40-1-1 |
| Hawaii | Allowed on roads ≤25 mph during daylight with full lighting and belts. | §708‑836.1 |
| Idaho | LSV registration/insurance required if >20 mph; road speed ≤35 mph; full safety gear required. | §49‑426 |
| Illinois | Only allowed via local ordinance on roads ≤35 mph; otherwise illegal on public roads. | 625 ILCS 5/11‑1426.1 |
| Indiana | Municipal permission required on county roads ≤35 mph; lights and mirrors required. | IC §9‑13‑2‑69.7 |
| Iowa | City-level permission, roads allowed sunrise to sunset; driver’s license required. | §321.247 |
| Kansas | City ordinance required; roads ≤30 mph, daytime-only operation. | §8‑15,108 |
| Kentucky | Allowed by local resolution on roads ≤35 mph; licensed driver required. | §189.286 |
| Louisiana | Allowed on parish/municipal roads per local ordinance; registration required. | §32:299.4 |
| Maine | Municipal allowance only; roads must be ≤35 mph. | Tit.29-A §10103 |
| Maryland | Only on private property. City of Crisfield allows street use via local ordinance. | §21‑1125 |
| Massachusetts | Allowed only on private roads or roads between golf facilities under municipality approval. | Ch.90 §1 |
| Michigan | Allowed on roads ≤30 mph; golf carts ≤15 mph; driver’s license required. | §257.657a |
| Minnesota | Requires permit for designated roadways, valid up to 3 years; daytime-only use. | §169.045 |
| Mississippi | Registry required, max 20 mph; headlights, mirrors, seat belts needed. | SB 2284 |
| Missouri | Allowed via municipal ordinance; roads ≤45 mph except crossing highways. | §304.034 |
| Montana | Titled as OHV, speed limit rules apply; no registration or insurance required. | §61‑8‑391 |
| Nebraska | Allowed adjacent to golf courses and via local ordinance; cannot cross highways except intersections. | §60‑6381 |
| Nevada | Street legal with local approval on ≤35 mph roads; owner must track approved roads. | NRS §482.150 |
| New Hampshire | OHV registration required; drive on right, yield to cars. | RSA 215-A:29 |
| New Jersey | Classified as LSV with full safety equipment, ≤25 mph, roads ≤25 mph only. | §39:4‑31.2 |
| New Mexico | OHV rules apply; driver ≥15; usable during daylight only with safe tires and steering. | §66‑3‑1001.1 |
| New York | Allowed only by local municipality on roads ≤35 mph; operator ≥14 with license. | NYS Golf Cart Law |
| North Carolina | Roads ≤35 mph; driver’s license required; local ordinance approval. | GS §20‑121.1 |
| North Dakota | Roads ≤35 mph; operator ≥16 with license; daytime-only rules enforced. | §40‑05‑01 |
| Ohio | Roads ≤35 mph; full lighting and safety gear required. | §4511.214 |
| Oklahoma | Allowed on roads ≤25 mph; daytime-only operation; local ordinance required. | OK Stat §47-11-1116 |
| Oregon | Permitted only on private roads; public street operation prohibited—even during daylight. | ORS §810.070 |
| Pennsylvania | Allowed on public roads; operator ≥12, ≥16 to cross highways; municipal regulation. | 75 Pa.C.S. Ch. 34 |
| Rhode Island | LSVs restricted to roads ≤25 mph; golf carts not classified as LSVs under state law. | R.I. Gen. Laws §31‑19.6 |
| South Carolina | Roads ≤35 mph; daytime-only; driver’s license required; permit may be required in some areas. | S.C. Code §56-2-105 |
| South Dakota | Municipal/township permission required; insurance and driver’s license mandatory. | SDCL §32-14-14 |
| Tennessee | Golf carts allowed on roads ≤40 mph only if converted to LSV status under federal regs. | §55-8-191 |
| Texas | Allowed on roads ≤35 mph in planned communities; must have plates, lighting, valid driver’s license. | §551.403 |
| Utah | Golf carts not allowed on public streets by general law; private roads only. | §41-6a-1510 |
| Vermont | Classified as NEVs; allowed on roads ≤35 mph only; safety features required. | 23 VSA §1033 |
| Virginia | Allowed on roads ≤25 mph; driver’s license required; local ordinance needed. | §46.2-916.3 |
| Washington | Roads ≤20 mph; daytime-only; full driver’s license required. | RCW §46.08.175 |
| West Virginia | LSV classification; must be registered & ≤25 mph. | SB 254 |
| Wisconsin | Allowed on roads ≤25 mph with municipal or county ordinance; LSV-like rules. | §346.10(7) |
| Wyoming | Classified as Multipurpose Vehicle; must meet equipment standards, no interstate use. | §31‑5‑102 |