Is it legal to drive a golf cart on Fort Worth streets? Here’s what the law says
A recent Texas law made a change on how golf carts may be used. But does that mean the vehicle is street-legal?
Golf carts are primarily used by golfers to go from hole to hole, and are either powered by gas or electricity. Golf carts are slow moving vehicles and most max out around 12-15 mph.
As of May 2021, golf carts can be driven on Texas streets under certain circumstances. During the 87th Texas Legislative session, House Bill 1281 was passed certifying the new golf cart rules.
Here’s what Texas law says about driving golf carts on streets
Golf carts with a golf cart license plate are allowed to drive on roads under these conditiond, according to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles:
- In a master planned community with a uniform set of restrictive agreements and approved land, such as housing developments.
- On a public or private beach that is open to vehicle traffic.
- On a highway with a posted speed limit of 35 mph, during the daytime and no more than two miles from where its usually parked.
- To cross intersections, including an intersection with a highway that has a posted speed limit over 35 mph.
Here’s how to register for a golf cart license plate
The TDMV does not title or register golf carts like regular vehicles, but they do offer golf cart license plates. Here’s how to purchase a golf cart license plate:
- Fill out the 130-U Application for Texas Title/Registration.
- Schedule an appointment with the Tarrant County Tax Accessor-Collector office. Tarrant County has eight locations across the area.
- Pay fee for license plate.
What you need to know to make a golf cart street-legal
Along with purchasing a golf car license plate, there are a few other cosmetic items that are required:
- Headlamps
- Tail lamps
- Reflectors
- Parking brake
- Mirrors
