Do you need insurance on a golf cart in Texas?
Sarah Smith
Published Jan 11, 2026
If you plan to drive your golf cart on public roads, your insurance requirements will depend on your state, county, city or town. For example, Arizona requires all golf cart owners to have liability insurance. And Texas does not have a statewide requirement, although certain cities mandate insurance.
Is golf cart insurance required in Texas?
An owner must have liability insurance, the same as for a car, if his cart is driven on a city street pursuant to a city ordinance that authorizes the cart to be operated on any street in the city that has a posted speed limit of not more than 35 miles per hour under Transportation Code Section 551.404.
Is a golf cart street legal in Texas?
A golf cart may be legally driven on streets with a speed limit of no more than 35 miles per hour as long as it is properly registered and built to attain a maximum speed of no more than 25 miles per hour.
Do you need insurance on a golf cart?
Most clubs require you to have Public Liability when using a Golf Buggy. All Golf Care insurance policies come with Public Liability when using a buggy. If you want to protect your buggy for theft, loss or damage you should add Golf Buggy Insurance to your policy.
What are the rules for driving a golf cart in Texas?
The Golf Cart must display a Golf Cart license plate when operated on roads authorized by the city or county. Operation may be authorized only on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. If operated on the roads at a speed of 25 mph or less, a Golf Cart is required to display a slow-moving vehicle emblem.
31 related questions foundCan I drive a golf cart without a license in Texas?
A golf cart is not considered a motor vehicle as defined in the Transportation Code. A Texas driver's license is not required to operate a golf cart."
Do golf carts need license plates in Texas?
Changes to golf cart operation requirements: Golf carts operating on public roadways MUST display a special license. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles does not register golf carts, but a “golf cart” license plate can be obtained from the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector office.
How old do you have to be in Texas to drive a golf cart?
In most states (including Florida), a child has to be at least 14 years of age to be able to drive a golf cart. In other places such as Texas, the driver has to be around 16 years old. Then there are states such as California and South Carolina that allow children to drive golf carts at the age of 13.
How much does golf cart batteries cost?
The general consensus for battery replacement ranges from $800 on the low end to $1500 on the high end. Some packs cost as much as $2000 when you start dealing with 72 Volt systems and sealed batteries. But, for the typical lead acid battery pack, $900 to $1500 is about the norm.
Do you need insurance for a golf cart in Georgia?
Georgia LSV drivers must be 16 or older and hold a valid state-issued driver's license. LSV drivers must carry a license with them while operating the vehicle. Finally, the vehicle must be registered in the state and insurance must include liability coverage for property damage and personal injury.
Are golf carts allowed on sidewalks in Texas?
Driving on a sidewalk or public trail is strictly prohibited. Failure to adhere to these laws is a ticketable offense. If the speed limit is more than 35 miles per hour, golf carts are not allowed.
Can you drive a golf cart at night in Texas?
TC 551.403 permits golf carts to be driven on a public highway for which the posted speed limit is not more than 35 miles per hour, and “during the daytime.” Note that this provision of state law does not permit driving a golf cart on public streets at night.
Can you drive a golf cart on the road?
It's often illegal to drive a golf cart on public roads unless it has a license plate, and before you set about making your golf cart street legal it's important to understand the legal definition of a golf cart and what distinguishes a golf cart from a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV).
Do Texas state parks allow golf carts?
According to the Texas State Park Rules & Regulations, motorized vehicles, including golf carts, are prohibited. A motorized wheelchair is the only exception.
Are golf carts legal in The Woodlands?
THE WOODLANDS, TX - Recent changes in Texas law now allow golf carts and most off-highway vehicles to be operated on public roadways.
Do you need insurance for ATV in Texas?
In the state of Texas, ATV insurance is not required by law nor do you have to register your ATV vehicle, but you do need a title. However, some state-owned places and parks will allow ATV riders if they carry ATV liability insurance.
How many years do golf cart batteries last?
That all being said, properly maintained battery packs in fleet carts tend to last about 4-6 years while private owners tend to get about 6-10 years out of their battery packs. Other major factors include the type of options on the cart that may increase the draw from the battery pack.
Can you put car batteries in a golf cart?
Can You Use Regular Car Batteries in a Golf Cart? The short answer is yes. Standard car batteries are 12-volts, and you could connect three or four of them in series to provide the required 36 or 48 volts to your golf cart motor.
Can you leave a golf cart plugged in all the time?
Manufacturers suggest leaving your golf cart plugged in all of the time while using an auto battery charger, as it will keep the batteries fully charged and always available. If batteries are not charged for prolonged storage, they may damage over time and deliver less capacity.
Can a kid drive a golf cart in Texas?
Texas. Legal age of the driver is 16 years. In Texas, golf carts can be driven on local roads when permitted by the local or country government.
How fast do golf carts go?
What is the Average Golf Cart Speed? The average top speed of a typical golf cart without any upgrades is between 12 and 14 miles per hour. Without any sort of modification or upgrade on a golf cart, the top speed that you will be getting on a golf cart is about 14mph.
Can a 13 year old drive a golf cart in Georgia?
Those 12, 13 & 14 years old must be accompanied in front seat by a parent, grandparent, or guardian. No one under 12 years old may drive a cart. Golf Cart Safety Reminders: Golf carts are not toys. Golf cart collisions with cyclists or pedestrians can be deadly.
Can you drive golf carts in Galveston?
Rules for Golf Carts in Galveston
Golf carts must be registered with the city before operating. Golf carts are allowed on streets with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. Golf carts are allowed on Seawall Blvd between 6th Street on the east end and 61st Street on the west. Don't drive or park on sidewalks.
Are ATVs street legal in Texas?
Generally, ATV use is not permitted on the public roads of Texas. The exceptions are for (1) a farmer or rancher travelling less than 25 miles; (2) a public utility worker; or (3) a law enforcement officer.
Are UTVs street legal in Texas?
In Texas, UTVs and other off-highway vehicles are only allowed to use public roads that have been approved for OHV use by a city, town, or county. Smaller jurisdictions like planned communities can also approve roads.