GOLF CARTS AND ATVS CRIME PREVENTION TIPS

GOLF CART / ATV ON ROADWAY 

Effective July 18, 2024, the City of Lago Vista has enacted Ordinance No. 24-07-18-01, which amends Sections 12.501 and Sections 12.515 of Chapter 12 of the Lago Vista Code of Ordinance. This ordinance establishes new regulations governing the operation of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on city streets.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these regulations to ensure compliance and promote safety within the community. For detailed information, individuals can refer to the official Lago Vista Code of Ordinances or contact the city administration.

Requirements For Your Golf Cart

1. 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's license while operating a Golf Cart.  (Must present upon demand by a peace officer)

2. Golf Carts may only be operated on a Street or Highway with a posted speed limit of not more than 35 miles per hour, follow all rules of the road, carry only the number of passengers the cart is designed to carry, must move to the right and yield the right of way to faster-moving vehicles.

3. All operators of Golf Carts shall abide by all traffic regulations applicable to vehicular traffic when using any street in the City.

4. The cart must be equipped with the following: 

• Headlamps
• Tail Lamps
• Reflectors
• Parking Break
• Mirrors
• Slow-moving vehicle emblem  (big red  reflecting triangle- available at Amazon for $7 - $15, they vary in size from 7” x 8” to 14” x 16" )
• Golf carts and ATVs must display a license plate (Registration by the State (a) No golf cart may be operated in the City of Lago Vista unless it has been registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles according to Tx. Transportation Code 551.402.) 

What are considered Golf Carts, Neighborhoods Electric Vehicles, Recreational Off-Road Vehicles, and UTVS?

Golf Carts are motor vehicles 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, off-highway vehicles, side-by-sides, four-wheelers, mules, and gators. 

Off-Highway Vehicles and Golf Carts Allowed by This Ordinance 

Off Highway Vehicles Are Prohibited By This Ordinance & Includes 

Additionally, no person may stand or be seated in the lap of another while being operated on a public street. The golf cart can only be operated on a public street to and from the golf course. The golf cart must stay off the main roadways. These vehicles can only be driven on a public street with a maximum speed limit of 35 miles per hour. 

It cannot be operated on or in any public park, sidewalk, walkway, jogging path, park trail, or any other publicly owned or controlled property generally used for pedestrian traffic. 

 The driver shall move to the right of the public street and yield the right-of-way to faster-moving vehicles. 

 Shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken. 

 Shall not drive between lanes of vehicles or adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. A driver shall cross a multi-lane federal, county, or state route only at an intersection controlled by an official traffic-control device (stop signs/stop lights), which stops traffic from all directions. 

 Shall not operate with more occupants than several seats. It may not be used to tow another cart, trailer, vehicle, or a person on roller skates, skateboard, or bicycle.