# Texas Golf Cart Laws | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Texas Law Regarding Golf Carts 2. Liability for Golf Cart Accidents in Houston, TX 3. Causes of Houston Golf Cart Accidents 4. What Damages Can I Recover After a Houston Golf Cart Accident? 5. Contact the Houston Personal Injury Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help ![Texas Golf Cart Laws](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Texas-Golf-Cart-Laws-300x200.jpg) Many people in Houston use golf carts as a means of transportation. Changes to the Texas golf cart laws allow people to use golf cars on roads with restrictions. It is important to understand the Texas golf car laws to protect yourself from [liability](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/whats-liability/) in case of a golf car accident. ## Texas Law Regarding Golf Carts Golf carts are included in the description of [unique vehicles](https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle/unique-vehicles) by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. The state does not register or title golf carts. However, a golf cart can receive a golf cart license plate. If you have a golf cart license plate and the golf cart meets the equipment requirements, you can drive your golf cart: - On roads in a community with a master plan, a county or municipality-approved plat, and restrictive covenants. - On a private or public beach that is open to vehicular traffic. - On a highway with a speed limit of 35 mph during daytime hours within two miles of the location where the golf cart is parked for transportation to and from a golf course. - To cross intersections, including intersections with highways that have a speed limit of more than 35 mph. If you operate your golf cart going less than 25 mph on a road, you must display a slow-moving vehicle emblem in addition to the golf car license plate. Cities and counties can authorize golf carts to operate on roads within their boundaries with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. Golf carts must have headlamps, mirrors, tail lamps, parking brakes, and reflectors.  Additionally, all traffic laws pertaining to motor vehicles pertain to golf carts operating on roads. The Texas Attorney General issued an [opinion](https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/opinion-files/opinion/2021/kp-0364.pdf) interpreting the laws pertaining to driver’s licenses for golf cart operators. According to the applicable [Texas Transportation Code](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.551.htm) sections, the requirement to have a driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle on a public roadway applies to golf carts. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Liability for Golf Cart Accidents in Houston, TX Unfortunately, golf carts can be involved in accidents both on and off the road. Because Texas is a tort-based liability state, the party responsible for causing the golf cart accident could be liable for damages.  Common defendants in golf cart accidents include: - The golf cart driver - Passengers in the golf cart - Motor vehicle drivers - Golf courses - Property owners A golf cart manufacturer could be liable if a defective golf cart caused an accident. Likewise, if the [negligence](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-is-negligence/) of a maintenance or repair shop contributed to the cause of a golf cart accident, they could be liable for damages. Unfortunately, Texas does not require golf cart owners to purchase liability insurance. Therefore, if the golf cart owner is liable for an accident, the options for recovering compensation could be limited. It is important to seek legal advice from an experienced Houston golf car accident lawyer as soon as possible. ## Causes of Houston Golf Cart Accidents Negligence is a common cause of accidents involving golf carts. The at-fault party is reckless or makes mistakes that lead to an accident. However, other causes involve product liability and premises liability. Common causes of golf cart crashes include: - Negligent motor vehicle drivers that are distracted, speeding, intoxicated, or reckless. The driver could be liable if they hit a golf cart, and the crash is the driver’s fault. - Golf cart drivers can also be negligent in operating a golf cart. Misusing the golf cart, speeding, driving recklessly, and operating the golf cart while intoxicated are examples of golf cart operator negligence.  - Defects in the golf cart or its part could lead to an accident. For example, faulty brakes could result in the golf car crashing into another vehicle or object. - Dangerous premises can lead to golf cart crashes. Potholes, uneven ground, and other property defects can be hazardous for golf carts. Sadly, golf cart accidents can cause [catastrophic injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/catastrophic-injury-lawyer/). The golf cart does not have seatbelts, doors, or windows. Therefore, occupants are easily thrown from the vehicle during an accident. A golf cart accident victim can sustain permanent impairments that prevent them from working or returning to normal activities. Common golf cart [injuries include broken bones](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/broken-bones/), paralysis, brain damage, internal organ damage, loss of limbs, and disfigurement.  [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## What Damages Can I Recover After a Houston Golf Cart Accident? The at-fault party could be liable for your [economic damages](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-are-economic-damages/), including [out-of-pocket expenses](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/out-of-pocket-expenses/), lost wages, and medical bills. You could also receive compensation for your [non-economic damages](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-are-non-economic-damages-in-texas/), such as pain and suffering. However, you must prove that the other party caused the accident and the accident caused your injuries. The amount you receive for damages could be reduced if you are [partially to blame](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/how-a-personal-injury-lawyer-can-help-if-youre-being-blamed-for-an-accident/) for causing the accident. A Houston golf car accident attorney can review your case and tell you [how much your case is worth](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/how-much-is-my-personal-injury-case-worth/) during a free consultation. Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Contact the Houston Personal Injury Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrianWhiteLawFirm%2F/) / [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdkDcGkbY2GFTzpeTWypFQ) / [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/attorneybrianwhite/?hl=en) / [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/brian-white-and-associates-houston) / Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Personal Injury Blog Posts: [![New Year's Eve Fireworks Safety Tips And Your Legal Rights At Kemah Boardwalk](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/New-Years-Eve-Fireworks-Safety-Tips-And-Your-Legal-Rights-At-Kemah-Boardwalk-1-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/new-years-eve-fireworks-safety-tips-and-your-legal-rights-at-kemah-boardwalk/) [New Year's Eve Fireworks Safety Tips and Your Legal Rights at Kemah Boardwalk](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/new-years-eve-fireworks-safety-tips-and-your-legal-rights-at-kemah-boardwalk/) As Houston residents prepare for New Year’s at Kemah Boardwalk, ensuring your safety during the fireworks show is [![Texas Marijuana Laws – What You Need to Know](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Texas-Marijuana-Laws-What-You-Need-to-Know-300x169.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/texas-marijuana-laws-what-you-need-to-know/) [Texas Marijuana Laws: What You Need to Know](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/texas-marijuana-laws-what-you-need-to-know/) Over the past few years, there's been a notable shift in how the U.S. views marijuana. States like California and New [![Texas Drone Laws](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Texas-Drone-Laws-300x225.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/texas-drone-laws/) [Texas Drone Laws](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/texas-drone-laws/) As technology for drones (UAEs or unmanned aerial vehicles) has advanced, so have the laws governing their use. More [![Breaking Down Attorney-Client Privilege](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/breaking-down-attorney-client-privilege/) [Breaking Down Attorney-Client Privilege](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/breaking-down-attorney-client-privilege/) When you meet with a personal injury attorney to discuss your case, you may disclose sensitive personal information. --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/texas-golf-cart-laws/