Golf carts have become nearly as common as bicycles in parts of New Braunfels, especially around neighborhoods, parks and the Gruene area. But while they’re legal on many city streets, they’re far from a free pass to drive anywhere.
The City of New Braunfels allows golf carts and several other low-speed vehicles on designated roads, provided drivers meet licensing, insurance and equipment requirements. The rules are intended to balance convenience with safety as more residents use golf carts for short trips around town.
In general, golf carts are permitted on city streets with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less.
However, that doesn’t mean every neighborhood road is fair game.
The city prohibits golf carts on state highways and Farm-to-Market roads within city limits, including Interstate 35, Loop 337, FM 306, FM 725 and SH 46. They also aren’t allowed on portions of East Common Street, Landa Street, Walnut Avenue, McQueeney Road and West County Line Road. Drivers are also prohibited from using sidewalks, hike-and-bike trails and parking areas.
Just like driving a passenger vehicle, operators must have a valid driver’s license.
The city also requires liability insurance when golf carts are driven on public roads. Depending on where they’re operated, a license plate may also be required under Texas law.
Golf carts are limited to daylight hours, and drivers may travel only a limited distance from where the vehicle is normally parked.
A street-legal golf cart must be equipped with several basic safety features, including working headlights and taillights, a horn, rearview mirror, parking brake and a slow-moving vehicle emblem.
Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) and other approved low-speed vehicles have additional requirements, including seat belts, turn signals, brake lights and a windshield.
City ordinance prohibits passengers younger than 4 years old from riding in a golf cart on public roads. Everyone must remain seated while the vehicle is moving, and operators cannot exceed the manufacturer’s seating capacity or allow an unlicensed person to drive.
Violations can carry misdemeanor penalties. A first offense is punishable by fines ranging from $100 to $500, while allowing a passenger younger than 4 carries a minimum $250 fine for a first offense. Repeat violations carry minimum fines of $500, according to the city’s ordinance.
As golf carts continue to grow in popularity across New Braunfels, city officials encourage drivers to review the local ordinance and verify that both their vehicle and planned route comply with city regulations before heading onto public streets