The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning.
All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV).
Shall have the meaning assigned by the Texas Transportation Code, chapter 551A. Has a straddle seat and handlebars designed to propel itself with three or four tires in contact with the ground.
Golf Cart.
Shall have the meaning assigned by the Texas Transportation Code, § 551.401, as it exists or ay be amended and includes a motor vehicle designed by the manufacturer primarily for transporting persons on a golf course. Specifically excluded from this definition are those motorized conveyances commonly referred to as all-terrain vehicles, neighborhood electric vehicles, off-highway vehicles, four wheelers, mules, gators and riding lawnmowers.
Motor Driven Cycle.
Includes every motor cycle, scooter and mini bike, designed to propel itself with two or more tires in contact with the ground.
Motor Vehicle.
Means a device in, on, or by which a person or property is or may be transported or drawn on a highway, except a device used exclusively on stationary rails or tracks. For purposes of this article, the term includes golf cart but does not include an electric bicycle or an electric personal assistive mobility device.
Operator.
The person operating and having physical control over the golf cart, motor-driven cycle, ATV and ROV. An operator must carry a valid state driver's license.
Owner.
Shall have the meaning assigned by the Texas Transportation Code, § 502.001, and shall mean the person who has legal title to the golf cart, motor-driven cycle, ATV or ROV and has the legal right of possession, or has legal control of it.
Park or Parking.
To stand an occupied or unoccupied motor vehicle, other than temporarily while loading or unloading merchandise or passengers.
Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle (ROV)
Means a motor vehicle that is equipped with a seat or seats for the use of the rider and passengers and the vehicle is designed to propel itself with four or more tires in contact with the ground. Designed by the manufacturer for recreational off-highway use by the operator. Also known as side by sides or UTV's.
Residentially Zoned.
Any area zoned for residential use as defined and designated in the City's Zoning Ordinance.
Street.
The entire width between the boundary lines of a publicly maintained way any part of which is open to the use of the public for vehicular travel whether it be paved, dirt or gravel.
(Ordinance 131 adopted 10/14/2025)
If any motor vehicle, golf cart, motor-driven cycle, ATV or ROV is found upon a street in violation of any provision of this article regulating the use and the identity of the driver cannot be determined, the owner, or person in whose name is registered shall be held in prima facie responsible for such violation.
(Ordinance 131 adopted 10/14/2025)
(a) 
The prohibition on operating golf carts on a street in the City of Howardwick in some circumstances is necessary in the interest of public safety.
(b) 
The prohibition on operating a ROV on a street in the City of Howardwick is necessary in the interest of public safety.
(c) 
The prohibition on operating motor-driven cycles on a street in the City of Howardwick in some circumstances is necessary in the interest of public safety.
(d) 
The prohibition on operating an ATV on a street in Howardwick is necessary in the interest of public safety.
(Ordinance 131 adopted 10/14/2025)
(a) 
All operators of golf carts shall be licensed to operate a motor vehicle as provided by the Texas Transportation Code and shall carry a valid driver license while operating a golf cart.
(b) 
All operators of golf carts and motor-driven cycles shall abide by all traffic regulations applicable to vehicular traffic when using any street in the City.
(c) 
The operator and every occupant of a golf cart shall be limited to the seating and capacity as designed by the manufacturer and all occupants shall remain seated in a seat designated to hold passengers while the golf cart is in motion.
(d) 
Occupants less than six years of age must be restrained by a safety belt.
(e) 
No person may ride in the lap of a driver or any other occupant.
(f) 
All operators of a motor-driven cycle shall be licensed to operate the cycle as provided by the Texas Transportation Code and shall carry a valid driver license while operating the motor-driven cycle.
(Ordinance 131 adopted 10/14/2025)
Motor-driven vehicles, golf carts, motor-driven cycles, ATV's and ROV'S shall not trespass on privately owned property, including property owned by any developed company within the City limits.
(Ordinance 131 adopted 10/14/2025)
Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this article or the code as amended hereby, shall be subject to the same penalty as may be provided for the Code of Ordinances of the City, and upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $500.00 for each offense.
(Ordinance 131 adopted 10/14/2025)