Discussion regarding the operation and regulation of golf carts on City street.
Executive Summary & Impact
City staff have received questions regarding the operation of golf carts within residential neighborhoods. Staff reviewed applicable provisions of the Texas Transportation Code to determine when golf cart operation is permitted and what authority municipalities have to expand their use.<br><br>Texas Transportation Code §551.403 authorizes golf cart operations in limited circumstances, including qualifying master-planned communities and travel to and from a golf course under specific conditions. However, §551.404 allows a municipality to authorize golf cart operations on all or designated portions of City streets with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less.<br><br>A few Texas cities have adopted ordinances under this authority with varying requirements related to eligible streets, permits, safety equipment, insurance, hours of operation, and other safety considerations.<br><br>Staff is presenting this item to receive City Council direction regarding whether the City should pursue an ordinance allowing and regulating golf cart operations on qualifying City streets.
Legislative Enactment & Roll-Call History
Official Legal Text & Codified Sections
OFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE DOCKET RECORD — CITY OF CROWLEY Instrument / Docket Number: Ord. 2026-10-01-1. (Agenda Item 1.) Meeting: City of Crowley City Council Work Session Meeting Date Enacted: 2026-10-01 Roll-Call Outcome: PASSED (7 YES - 0 NO) Category: Traffic & Thoroughfares Source Document: https://crowleytx.civicclerk.com/Web/Gen/MeetingDetails?meetingId=305 VERBATIM DOCKET TEXT & SUMMARY: City staff have received questions regarding the operation of golf carts within residential neighborhoods. Staff reviewed applicable provisions of the Texas Transportation Code to determine when golf cart operation is permitted and what authority municipalities have to expand their use.<br><br>Texas Transportation Code §551.403 authorizes golf cart operations in limited circumstances, including qualifying master-planned communities and travel to and from a golf course under specific conditions. However, §551.404 allows a municipality to authorize golf cart operations on all or designated portions of City streets with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less.<br><br>A few Texas cities have adopted ordinances under this authority with varying requirements related to eligible streets, permits, safety equipment, insurance, hours of operation, and other safety considerations.<br><br>Staff is presenting this item to receive City Council direction regarding whether the City should pursue an ordinance allowing and regulating golf cart operations on qualifying City streets.