TITLE: Relating to the operation of golf carts in certain areas.

SUMMARY: Relating to the operation of golf carts in certain areas.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the operation of golf carts in certain areas. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 551.403, Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 551.403. OPERATION AUTHORIZED IN CERTAIN AREAS. (a) An operator may operate a golf cart: (1) in a master planned community: (A) that is a residential subdivision as defined by Section 209.002(9), Property Code, or has in place a uniform set of restrictive covenants; and (B) for which a county or municipality has approved one or more plats [a plat];(2) on a public or private beach that is open to vehicular traffic; or (3) on a highway for which the posted speed limit is not more than 35 miles per hour, if the golf cart is operated: (A) during the daytime; and (B) not more than two miles from the location where the golf cart is usually parked and for transportation to or from a golf course. (b) Notwithstanding Section 551.402(b), a person may operate a golf cart in a master planned community described by Subsection (a) without a golf cart license plate on a highway for which the posted speed limit is not more than 35 miles per hour, including through an intersection of a highway for which the posted speed limit is more than 35 miles per hour. SECTION 2. Section 551.4031, Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 551.4031. PROHIBITION OF OPERATION ON HIGHWAY BY MUNICIPALITY, COUNTY, OR DEPARTMENT. (a) A county or municipality may prohibit the operation of a golf cart on a highway under Section 551.403 [551.404] if the governing body of the county or municipality determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety. (b) The Texas Department of Transportation may prohibit the operation of a golf cart on a highway under Section 551.403 [551.404] if the department determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.