The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this article
shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where
the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Golf cart.
A motor vehicle designed by the manufacturer primarily for
transporting persons on a golf course, and has a normal maximum speed
between 15 and 25 mph.
Motor carrier.
An individual, association, corporation, or other legal entity
that controls, operates, or directs the operation of one or more vehicles
that transport persons or cargo over a road or highway in this state.
Public street.
A publicly owned or dedicated road, street, drive, or other
right-of-way for the use of vehicles within the corporate boundaries
of the town; this definition does not include public sidewalks or
trails.
Undersized motor vehicle.
A golf cart and all those classes of vehicles qualifying
for issuance of license plates from the Texas Department of Motor
Vehicles under Texas Transportation Code sec. 551.452, including all-terrain
vehicles, neighborhood electric vehicles, recreational off-highway
vehicle, or utility vehicle.
(Ordinance 2017-22 adopted 10/4/17)
A person may operate a golf cart or other undersized motor vehicle
on a public street if all of the following conditions are met:
(1) The time when the undersized motor vehicle is being operated is after
sunrise and before sunset;
(2) The maximum posted speed limit on the public street is thirty (30)
miles per hour or less (or the undersized motor vehicle is on a public
street that has a posted speed limit of more than thirty (30) miles
per hour and the undersized motor vehicle is otherwise legally crossing
at an intersection of such public street); except for motor carriers
picking up or delivering mail, parcels, or packages, who may operate
undersized motor vehicles on roads having speed limits of thirty-five
(35) miles per hour or less;
(3) The person has a valid drivers license;
(4) The person maintains current financial responsibility for the undersized
motor vehicle, as required of other passenger vehicles in Texas Transportation
Code section 601.051;
(5) The person complies with all applicable federal, state, and local
laws and ordinances governing the operation of the undersized motor
vehicle;
(6) The person is the holder of an undersized motor vehicle permit duly issued by the town under section
12.02.094 of this division and has said permit on the undersized motor vehicle;
(7) The undersized motor vehicle has the following equipment in good
working condition:
(G) A slow moving vehicle emblem;
(H) For undersized motor vehicles purchased after the effective date
of this division, brake lights; and
(8) The vehicle bears a valid license plate issued by the Texas Department
of Motor Vehicles if required under applicable state law; and
(9) Vehicles owned and operated by the town are exempt from the requirements
of this division.
(Ordinance 2017-22 adopted 10/4/17)
(a) While a golf cart or undersized motor vehicle is in motion on a public
street, the driver and every passenger in the vehicle must be seated
in a seat designed to hold passengers. No person may stand, or ride
in the lap of the driver and/or other passenger of a golf cart while
it is moving on a public street. The number of passengers riding in
an undersized motor vehicle may not exceed the number of riders that
the vehicle is designed to transport.
(b) Animals riding in an undersized motor vehicle that is operated on
a public street must be reasonably secured (i.e. safety harness, crate,
passenger’s lap).
(c) Any person operating an undersized motor vehicle on a public street
must use proper hand signaling to illustrate intent of direction being
traveled, or the undersized motor vehicle must be equipped with turn
signal lamps.
(d) In any park containing playground equipment, undersized motor vehicles
are not permitted to be operated or parked more than 6 feet from paved
sidewalks or hike and bike trails.
(Ordinance 2017-22 adopted 10/4/17)
(a) Before operating a golf cart or undersized motor vehicle on a public
street a person must possess an unexpired town-issued undersized motor
vehicle permit. An initial permit fee of sixty dollars ($60.00) must
be paid to the town for the issuance of a new permit, which shall
be valid for a period of two years. A biennial renewal fee of sixty
dollars ($60.00) is required to be paid to the town to maintain the
permit. The permit does not constitute a property right. In addition
to other applicable penalties, the town may suspend or revoke a town-issued
permit held by a person who has been convicted of a violation of any
of the requirements under this division. Persons who receive town-issued
permits will receive permit stickers that must be affixed to the front
and rear of the undersized motor vehicle as set forth in further detail
herein.
(b) The registration permit process includes the following specifics:
(1) The applicant shall complete the town-supplied registration permit
application form, which shall contain the:
(A) Name and address of the applicant and owner of the undersized motor
vehicle;
(B) Location where the vehicle is regularly stored overnight;
(C) Model, make, name and golf cart or undersized motor vehicle identification
number;
(D) Current driver’s license number of applicant;
(E) Statement that all operators are required to be licensed pursuant
to Texas Transportation Code sections 521.001(3) and 521.021, as amended,
and that all equipment required under division is installed and will
be kept current during the registration period;
(F) Statement that the registration permit holder and any user shall
indemnify and hold harmless the town, for any and all civil liability
associated with said registration, and waives any and all rights to
sue or allow subrogation by insurance company; and
(G) Other information the town may require.
(2) The permit application shall be:
(A) Accompanied by a fee of $60.00;
(B) Accompanied by proof of financial responsibility consistent with
the minimum requirements of Texas Transportation Code section 601.051,
as amended, for operation of motor vehicles. Applicant owner must
also show their original driver’s license and shall provide
copies of both the owner’s drivers license and proof of financial
responsibility; and
(3) Upon issuance, the permit stickers shall be attached and displayed
upon the right front panel (driver’s side) of the undersized
motor vehicle and upon the left rear panel so as to be clearly visible.
(Ordinance 2017-22 adopted 10/4/17)
The operation of a golf cart or undersized motor vehicle in
any area designated by the town as a public park or trail, or which
comprises a public sidewalk, is strictly prohibited.
(Ordinance 2017-22 adopted 10/4/17)