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:
Driver.
The person driving and having physical control over the golf cart.
Golf cart.
As defined in Transportation Code section 502.001. A motor vehicle designed by the manufacturer primarily for transporting persons on a golf course. Said vehicles usually have a minimum of three wheels and an attainable top speed not greater than 30 miles per hour on a paved level surface. Specifically excluded from this definition are those motorized vehicles commonly referred to as ATV’s and four-wheelers which usually exceed 30 miles per hour. Unless this type of vehicle is operated by/or on behalf of a government entity.
Owner.
The person holding title to the golf cart and the person required to register the golf cart with the city.
Parking area.
Those areas accessible to the public by motor vehicular traffic and which are designated for temporary parking of motor vehicles, usually in places referred to as parking lots.
Street.
The public roadways within the city by whatever name (e.g., road, alley, avenue, highway, route, boulevard, etc.) that:
(1) 
Has a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less; and
(2) 
Is not designated as part of either the state or federal highway system.
(Ordinance 161220-01 adopted 12/20/16)
(a) 
All golf carts operated on streets and parking areas of the city must be registered with the city on an annual basis in January of each year. The registration fee is $12.00 per year and a registration form will be available at city hall for residents to complete and provide the basic information requested.
(b) 
The registration form will require the following specifics:
(1) 
Name and address of owner.
(2) 
Brand, model number and golf cart identification number (VIN #).
(3) 
Type of golf cart (gasoline or electric), including proof in the owner’s manual that the golf cart does not exceed 30 mph.
(4) 
Insurance policy number.
(5) 
Signature of owner that golf cart meets equipment requirements.
(c) 
Residents will have 90 days to register and bring their golf carts into compliance upon the ratification date of this article and corresponding public notices.
(Ordinance 161220-01 adopted 12/20/16)
Upon transfer of ownership of the golf cart to a person who intends to operate it over authorized streets and parking areas, the new owner must register the golf cart as outlined in section 12.06.002 within 10 days.
(Ordinance 161220-01 adopted 12/20/16)
Every golf cart operating on a city street must be equipped as follows:
(1) 
Operational headlamps.
(2) 
Operational tail lamps.
(3) 
Reflectors.
(4) 
Operational parking brake.
(5) 
Rearview mirrors.
(6) 
Slow-moving vehicle emblem.
(Ordinance 161220-01 adopted 12/20/16)
(a) 
Golf carts may only be operated 30 minutes after sunrise until 30 minutes before sunset. Unless the golf cart is participating in a parade.
(b) 
Golf carts shall not be operated on sidewalks (unless designated as cart paths also).
(c) 
All golf carts are entitled to a full use of a lane on the authorized streets and parking areas of the city and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such a manner as to deprive any golf cart of the full use of a lane.
(d) 
No driver shall operate a golf cart between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines of rows of vehicles.
(e) 
Rider capacity: To comply with public transportation safety standards the driver of the golf cart is responsible for ensuring the safety of all passengers. The driver should adhere to the passenger load requirements as specified by the golf cart manufacturer owner’s manual and the stated seating capacity. All occupants are to be properly seated in properly designed passenger seats while the cart is in motion. No sitting or standing on the rear of a golf cart is allowed unless said golf cart is outfitted with the proper seats to accommodate rear passengers.
(f) 
All drivers must meet state law driver’s license requirements and age limit to operate a golf cart.
(Ordinance 161220-01 adopted 12/20/16)
Nothing in this article shall be construed as an assumption of liability by the city for any injuries to persons, pets or property which may result from the operation of a golf cart by a registered owner or authorized driver. Registered owners are fully liable and accountable for the actions of any individual that they provide permission to operate and drive said golf cart, both on personal and/or city and public properties. This described liability responsibility especially applies to personal injuries or property damage resulting from golf cart drivers who are minors under the age of 21 with or without a valid state driver’s license.
(Ordinance 161220-01 adopted 12/20/16)
Enforcement of this article and any traffic violations committed by the driver of a golf cart may be enforced by the county sheriff office and by any authorized city code enforcement official.
(Ordinance 161220-01 adopted 12/20/16)