Are golf carts street legal in Texas?

Many Texans use golf carts for more than just cruising around the greens. Whether navigating beach towns, large properties, or master-planned communities, golf carts provide affordable, convenient transportation. But are golf carts street legal? That’s one of the most common questions we hear at Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, especially after an accident involving these vehicles. From traffic law concerns to personal injury liability, understanding how Texas regulates golf carts can make a huge difference for drivers and pedestrians alike.

What Makes a Golf Cart Street Legal?

Standard golf carts are not street legal. They’re designed for recreational use, usually limited to speeds of 15 mph and lacking essential safety features.

To qualify as a street-legal golf cart, or more accurately, a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV), the vehicle must undergo several modifications. This includes:

• Headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals
• Windshield and rearview/side mirrors
• Horn and speedometer
• Seatbelts for all passengers
• A unique 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Additionally, these vehicles must comply with local and state regulations, which often restrict usage to roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.

Texas-Specific Street‑Legal Golf Cart Requirements

In Texas, specific regulations define how and where golf carts can be legally operated:

• Golf carts cannot be registered for full highway use, regardless of any alterations made to them (Texas Transportation Code Sec. 551.402(a)).
• License plates are mandatory for any street operation and must be issued by the Texas DMV (Sec. 551.402(b)).
• License plate fees may apply, and the plate does not expire. A new owner must obtain a new plate rather than using the old one (Sec. 551.402(d)).

Permitted usage includes:

• Roads within master-planned communities
• Public or private beaches open to traffic
• Roadways with a posted speed limit of 35 mph, only during the daytime and within two miles of the cart’s home or the golf course
• Crossing intersections, including those with speed limits over 35 mph

Benefits of a Street‑Legal Golf Cart

Street-legal golf carts offer several advantages:

• Cost-effective transportation for short distances
• Eco-friendly with electric models
• Ideal for gated communities, campuses, or resort towns
• Low maintenance compared to standard vehicles

For Texans with short commutes or property access needs, these vehicles can be practical—but only when used legally.

How to Convert & Insure a Golf Cart in Texas

To convert your standard cart into a street-legal one, you must:

1. Install the required safety equipment listed above.
2. Ensure it meets the legal definition of an LSV (capable of speeds between 20-25 mph).
3. Apply for a golf cart license plate through the Texas DMV.

Insurance is also critical. Some cities require liability coverage even for modified golf carts. It’s best to contact your insurer and verify minimum required coverage under Texas law.

Common Penalties & Consequences in Texas

Operating a non-compliant golf cart on public roads can result in:

• Fines or citations
• Liability for civil damages in the event of a crash
• Vehicle impoundment

If you’re in an accident involving an improperly operated golf cart, even as a pedestrian or bystander, legal consequences can escalate quickly.

What To Do If You’re Injured in a Golf Cart Crash

Injury from a golf cart crash often falls under car accident law in Texas, especially when the negligence of another driver contributes to the incident. These cases are treated seriously under state law and can result in substantial compensation, depending on the circumstances.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a golf cart-related collision, it’s important to understand your rights. Victims may be eligible to recover compensation for a wide range of losses:

• Medical expenses for emergency care, surgery, or rehabilitation
• Lost income due to missed work
• Pain and emotional suffering
• Property damage to personal belongings or the cart itself

Every accident is unique, and the path to compensation can depend on details like the golf cart’s street-legal status, where the crash occurred, and who was at fault. Speaking with an experienced attorney early can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.

Statute of Limitations

In Texas, you typically have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. Missing this window could bar your right to compensation, so acting fast is vital.

Why Choose Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn for Your Case?

The attorneys at Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn have deep experience handling motor vehicle and golf cart crash claims across Texas. Whether you’re facing hospital bills or insurance disputes, our team will guide you through every step of the process. We know how to investigate street-legal violations and build strong claims tailored to your unique situation.

Contact us at 817-920-9000 to schedule a free consultation and learn how Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn can help you move forward after a golf cart-related injury.