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Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs), also known as Neighborhood Electric
Vehicles (NEVs), and golf carts are regulated by state and federal laws. Lawmakers are
reviewing the registration of golf carts and current state law.
Registered, titled and insured LSVs and NEVs may be legally driven at a
maximum speed of 25 mph on public roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or
less, unless a city or county ordinance prohibits their operation.
Utility-Type Vehicles (UTVs) are small vehicles generally used for
maintenance, hunting or recreation. State law classifies these as All-Terrain
Vehicles (ATVs), which prohibits them from being driven on any public roadway.
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Q: |
What are the rules regarding
Low-Speed and Neighborhood Electric Vehicles? |
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A: |
A vehicle is classified as an LSV or NEV if it has:
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 a
normal maximum speed of 20-25 mph,
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seat belts,
- head and tail lights,
- a windshield,
- a parking brake,
- turn signals,
- rear-view mirrors
- brake lights,
- reflectors, and
- a valid Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
To title and register your LSV or NEV, take the following
to your
county tax office:
- evidence of ownership, such as a Manufacturer
Certificate of Origin or title,
- a completed Form
VTR 130-U [pdf, 2 pages, 125kb], and
- proof of insurance.
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Q: |
What are the rules regarding
golf carts? |
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A: |
A vehicle is classified as a golf cart if it:
- has no less than three wheels,
- has a normal maximum speed of between 15-25 mph, and
- is manufactured primarily for operation on golf courses.
A golf cart may be driven without registration:
- within two miles of a golf course,
- on a public or private beach,
- inside city-designated areas of a master planned community, if a city or county
ordinance permits such usage, and
- during daylight hours.
A registered golf cart may be operated on
public streets if:
- it is manufactured with a maximum speed of 25 mph,
- displays a proper "Slow Moving" vehicle emblem, and
- is insured.
To title and register your golf cart, take the following to your
county tax office:
- Completed Form
VTR 471 [pdf, 1 page, 466kb], "Completed Affidavit of Fact to Support an
Application for Certificate of Title for Slow-moving vehicle,"
- Evidence of ownership, such as a Manufacturer Certificate of Origin (MCO),
title, bill of sale or invoice.
- Completed Form
VTR 130-U [pdf, 2 pages, 125kb], "Application for Texas Certificate of
Title," and
- proof of insurance.
If your golf cart does not have a valid VIN, one may be assigned from a
regional VTR office.
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Q: |
What are the rules regarding
All-Terrain Vehicles? |
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A: |
All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are regulated by state and
federal laws.
A vehicle is classified as an ATV if it:
- has a saddle, bench or bucket seat,
- has three or more wheels,
- is designed for off-highway use, and
- is not designed by the manufacturer for farm or lawn
care.
ATVs may not be driven on public roads unless the driver
is:
- a farmer or a rancher traveling no more than 25
miles,
- a public utility worker, or
- a law enforcement officer.
All ATVs driven on a public road must have a triangular
orange flag on top of an eight-foot pole attached to the
back of it.
To be operated on public property, ATVs must have:
- a brake system,
- a muffler system,
- a United States Forest Service qualified spark
arrester,
- head and tail light, and
- an Off Highway Vehicle decal issued by the
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
ATVs are required to be titled, but not registered. To
title your ATV, take the following to your
county tax office:
- Evidence of ownership, such as a Manufacturer
Certificate of Origin (MCO) or title,
- completed form
VTR 130-U [pdf, 2 pages, 125kb].
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