• A golf cart has many useful applications.golf cart image by Earl Robbins from Fotolia.com
  
  At first glance a golf cart is a pretty harmless vehicle, with only one purpose: To drive golfers around on a course. Many people have discovered that it is a very useful vehicle--and started using them on the roads. Realizing this the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TDMV) has regulations in place for golf carts, and these should be followed closely to avoid getting yourself in a legal bind (see reference 1).
  
  

Classification

• According to the TDMV, a vehicle is classified as a golf cart if the following criteria are in place: Has no less than three wheels, has a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour (MPH), and its main purpose was for the golf course. A vehicle is classified as a Low Speed Electric Vehicle (LEV) or a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) if the following criteria are present: It has seat belts, lights, turn signals, windshield or any other device that makes it a car. It also has a a valid 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). A golf cart can be converted to an LEV or an NEV. To title and register your LEV or NEV, your local county tax office can assist you.
  
  

Registration and Allowance on Roads

• The TDMV does not register golf carts, and no registration is needed to operate them on public roads (see reference 1). Golf carts are allowed on public roads with a slow-moving emblem in back under the following conditions: In master-planned communities, on public or private beaches, during the day and no more than two miles from the owner's residence to the golf course, and to cross intersections. It can also be driven on any public street that has a posted speed limit of no more than 35 MPH.
  
  

Local Ordinances

• A city or township is allowed to pass a local ordinance regarding golf carts. However, the golf cart cannot be used on any road with a speed limit of over 35 MPH. If the township wishes, it may require the cart to have proof of insurance, lights, taillights, turn signals, seat belts, parking brake, mirrors and bumpers (see reference 1). In essence it is a slow-moving car, and all the laws for cars apply.
  
  

Grayson County

• Grayson County allows for the issuance of license plates for golf carts. The plate is available at the county tax office. The owner must provide Manufacturer Certificate of Origin (MCO), a title or bill of sale. If your golf cart does not have a VIN, you have to apply for one at the Dallas regional VTR office. After obtaining the documentation and the VIN, apply for a license at your local county tax office using Form VTR 130-U. (see reference 1).