How to Make Your Golf Cart Street Legal in Texas: A Step-by-Step Guide

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How to Make a Golf Cart Street Legal in Texas

Golf carts are a popular mode of transportation for many people, but they are not street legal in all states. In Texas, there are a few specific requirements that golf carts must meet in order to be driven on public roads.

This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make your golf cart street legal in Texas. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from the required safety equipment to the legal process.

By the end of this article, you’ll be able to confidently drive your golf cart on the open road, without fear of getting a ticket.

Step 1: Determine if Your Golf Cart is Street Legal

The first step is to determine if your golf cart is even street legal in Texas. There are a few different factors that determine whether or not a golf cart is street legal, including:

  • The age of the golf cart: Golf carts that were manufactured before 1997 are not street legal in Texas.
  • The weight of the golf cart: Golf carts that weigh more than 2,500 pounds are not street legal in Texas.
  • The speed of the golf cart: Golf carts that cannot reach a speed of 20 miles per hour are not street legal in Texas.

If your golf cart meets all of these requirements, then it is street legal in Texas. However, you will still need to complete the following steps in order to make it legal to drive on public roads.

Step 2: Add the Required Safety Equipment

In addition to meeting the age, weight, and speed requirements, golf carts that are driven on public roads in Texas must also be equipped with certain safety features. These features include:

  • Headlights: Golf carts must have headlights that are visible from at least 500 feet away.
  • Taillights: Golf carts must have taillights that are visible from at least 300 feet away.
  • Turn signals: Golf carts must have turn signals that are visible from at least 100 feet away.
  • Brake lights: Golf carts must have brake lights that are visible from at least 100 feet away.
  • Horn: Golf carts must have a horn that can be heard from at least 200 feet away.
  • Mirrors: Golf carts must have mirrors on both sides of the vehicle that allow the driver to see behind them.
  • Seat belts: Golf carts that seat more than one person must have seat belts for all passengers.

Step 3: Register Your Golf Cart

Once you have added the required safety equipment to your golf cart, you will need to register it with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To register your golf cart, you will need to provide the following information:

  • Your name and address
  • The VIN number of your golf cart
  • The make and model of your golf cart
  • The year your golf cart was manufactured
  • The odometer reading of your golf cart

The registration fee for a golf cart is $50.

Step 4: Obtain Insurance

In order to drive your golf cart on public roads, you will also need to obtain insurance. The minimum amount of insurance coverage required for a golf cart is $15,000 for bodily injury and $30,000 for property damage.

You can obtain insurance for your golf cart through a variety of different companies. Be sure to compare rates and policies before you decide on a policy.

Step 5: Obey the Law

Once you have completed all of the steps above, you will be legally allowed to drive your golf cart on public roads in Texas. However, it is important to remember that golf carts are still considered vehicles, and you must obey all of the same laws that apply to other vehicles. This includes obeying the speed limit, stopping for stop signs, and yielding to pedestrians.

By following these steps, you can make your golf cart street legal in Texas and enjoy the freedom of driving it on public roads.

Step Requirement Instructions
1 Must have a VIN Obtain a VIN from the manufacturer or a VIN supplier.
2 Must have headlights Install headlights that meet DOT standards.
3 Must have taillights Install taillights that meet DOT standards.
4 Must have turn signals Install turn signals that meet DOT standards.
5 Must have brake lights Install brake lights that meet DOT standards.
6 Must have a horn Install a horn that meets DOT standards.
7 Must have a rearview mirror Install a rearview mirror that meets DOT standards.
8 Must have seatbelts Install seatbelts for all passengers.
9 Must have a license plate Obtain a license plate from your local DMV.
10 Must be insured Purchase insurance for your golf cart.

Requirements for Making a Golf Cart Street Legal in Texas

In order to make a golf cart street legal in Texas, it must meet the following requirements:

  • Type of Golf Cart

Golf carts that are designed for off-road use only cannot be made street legal. Only golf carts that are specifically designed for on-road use can be registered and driven on public streets.

  • Engine Size

The engine size of a golf cart must be no larger than 50cc. This is because golf carts are classified as low-speed vehicles (LSVs) in Texas, and LSVs are limited to a maximum engine size of 50cc.

  • Speed Limit

The speed limit for golf carts on public streets in Texas is 25 mph. Golf carts that exceed this speed limit can be ticketed and/or impounded.

  • Brakes

Golf carts must have working brakes in order to be street legal. The brakes must be able to stop the golf cart from a speed of 20 mph in 20 feet.

  • Turn Signals

Golf carts must have working turn signals in order to be street legal. The turn signals must be visible from at least 100 feet away.

  • Headlights

Golf carts must have working headlights in order to be street legal. The headlights must be bright enough to illuminate the road ahead at a distance of 500 feet.

  • Taillights

Golf carts must have working taillights in order to be street legal. The taillights must be visible from at least 500 feet away.

  • Horn

Golf carts must have a working horn in order to be street legal. The horn must be loud enough to be heard from at least 100 feet away.

  • Mirrors

Golf carts must have at least one mirror on each side of the vehicle. The mirrors must be positioned so that the driver can see behind the golf cart without turning their head.

  • License Plate

Golf carts must have a license plate in order to be street legal. The license plate must be issued by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

  • Insurance

Golf carts must be insured in order to be street legal. The insurance policy must cover liability for bodily injury and property damage.

How to Make a Golf Cart Street Legal in Texas

In order to make a golf cart street legal in Texas, you must follow these steps:

Step 1: Check Your Local Laws

The first step is to check your local laws to make sure that golf carts are allowed to be driven on public streets. Some cities and counties in Texas have different regulations for golf carts, so it is important to make sure that you are aware of the rules in your area.

Step 2: Install the Required Equipment

Once you have checked your local laws, you will need to install the required equipment on your golf cart. The required equipment includes:

  • A working horn
  • A working brake system
  • A working turn signal system
  • A working headlight system
  • A working taillight system
  • A rearview mirror
  • A license plate

Step 3: Get Your Golf Cart Licensed and Insured

The final step is to get your golf cart licensed and insured. To do this, you will need to visit the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and bring the following documents:

  • Your golf cart’s VIN number
  • A copy of your driver’s license
  • A proof of insurance

The DMV will issue you a license plate and a registration sticker for your golf cart. You will also need to purchase insurance for your golf cart.

Once you have completed these steps, your golf cart will be street legal in Texas.

Making a golf cart street legal in Texas is a relatively simple process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can have your golf cart ready to hit the road in no time.

Here are some additional tips for making your golf cart street legal:

  • Make sure that your golf cart is in good working order. All of the required equipment must be working properly, and the golf cart must be in a safe condition to drive.
  • Be aware of the speed limit for golf carts in your area. Golf carts are not allowed to exceed the posted speed limit.
  • Obey all traffic laws. Golf carts are considered vehicles, and you must obey all traffic laws when driving your golf cart.
  • Be courteous to other drivers. Golf carts are smaller than cars, and they can be difficult

3. Cost of Making a Golf Cart Street Legal in Texas

The cost of making a golf cart street legal in Texas will vary depending on the make and model of the cart, as well as the location where you are registering it. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500 for the necessary parts and paperwork.

Here is a breakdown of the costs involved in making a golf cart street legal in Texas:

  • Title and registration fees: The cost of titling and registering a golf cart will vary depending on the county where you are registering it. However, you can expect to pay around $100 for the title and registration fees.
  • Inspection fees: You will need to have your golf cart inspected by a qualified mechanic before it can be registered. The inspection fee will typically range from $25 to $50.
  • Parts and accessories: You will need to purchase a few parts and accessories to make your golf cart street legal, such as headlights, taillights, turn signals, and a horn. The cost of these parts and accessories will vary depending on the make and model of your cart. However, you can expect to pay around $100 to $200.

In addition to the costs listed above, you may also need to pay for towing and storage if your golf cart is not street legal. If you are caught driving a golf cart that is not street legal, you could be fined and your cart could be impounded.

4. Benefits of Making a Golf Cart Street Legal in Texas

There are several benefits to making a golf cart street legal in Texas. These include:

  • Increased convenience: Being able to drive your golf cart on public roads gives you more freedom to travel. You can use your golf cart to run errands, go to the store, or visit friends and family.
  • Improved safety: When your golf cart is street legal, it is more likely to be seen by other drivers. This can help to reduce the risk of accidents.
  • Increased value: A street legal golf cart is worth more than a non-street legal golf cart. This is because a street legal golf cart can be used for a wider variety of purposes.
  • Peace of mind: Knowing that your golf cart is street legal can give you peace of mind. You can drive your golf cart without worrying about being fined or having it impounded.

If you are considering making your golf cart street legal in Texas, there are a few things you need to do. First, you will need to obtain a title and registration for your cart. You can do this by visiting your local county tax office. Second, you will need to have your golf cart inspected by a qualified mechanic. The inspection will ensure that your cart meets all of the state’s safety requirements. Finally, you will need to purchase the necessary parts and accessories to make your cart street legal.

Making your golf cart street legal in Texas is a relatively simple process. However, it is important to follow all of the necessary steps in order to avoid any problems. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can make your golf cart street legal and enjoy all of the benefits that come with it.

Making a golf cart street legal in Texas is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few steps. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can make your golf cart street legal and enjoy all of the benefits that come with it.

How To Make A Golf Cart Street Legal In Texas?

Q: What are the requirements for making a golf cart street legal in Texas?

A: To make a golf cart street legal in Texas, it must meet the following requirements:

  • It must have a VIN number.
  • It must be equipped with headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights.
  • It must have a horn.
  • It must have a rearview mirror.
  • It must have a seat belt for the driver.
  • It must be registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
  • It must be insured.

Q: How do I get a VIN number for my golf cart?

A: You can get a VIN number for your golf cart by contacting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). You can do this online at their website or by calling them at 1-800-422-4357.

Q: What kind of headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights do I need?

A: You need to install headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights that meet the following requirements:

  • They must be DOT-approved.
  • They must be mounted in the proper location.
  • They must be visible from a distance of 500 feet.

Q: What kind of horn do I need?

A: You need a horn that meets the following requirements:

  • It must be loud enough to be heard from a distance of 200 feet.
  • It must be capable of producing a continuous tone.

Q: What kind of rearview mirror do I need?

A: You need a rearview mirror that meets the following requirements:

  • It must be mounted on the driver’s side of the golf cart.
  • It must provide a clear view of the road behind the golf cart.

Q: What kind of seat belt do I need?

A: You need a seat belt that meets the following requirements:

  • It must be installed in the driver’s seat.
  • It must be capable of restraining the driver in the event of a crash.

Q: How do I register my golf cart with the Texas DMV?

A: To register your golf cart with the Texas DMV, you will need to provide the following information:

  • Your name and address.
  • The VIN number of your golf cart.
  • The make, model, and year of your golf cart.
  • The odometer reading of your golf cart.
  • The type of license plate you want (golf cart or regular).

Q: How do I insure my golf cart?

A: You can insure your golf cart through a variety of insurance companies. When shopping for insurance, make sure to compare rates and coverage options. You should also make sure that your insurance policy covers the specific type of golf cart you own.

Additional Resources

  • [Texas Department of Motor Vehicles](https://www.dps.texas.gov/motorvehicle/)
  • [National Highway Traffic Safety Administration](https://www.nhtsa.gov/)
  • [American Association of Golf Cart Manufacturers](https://www.aaggcm.org/)

    In this article, we discussed how to make a golf cart street legal in Texas. We covered the steps involved in the process, as well as the costs and requirements. We also provided tips for making the process go smoothly.

We hope that this article has been helpful. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Matthew Woods
Matthew Woods
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