Golf carts come under scrutiny

PALM VALLEY — A new golf cart regulation that went into effect on Sept. 1 may be relevant in other parts of the state, but it’s a curiosity in local golf communities.

The legislation to regulate golf carts was sponsored by the Texas Department of Transportation, an agency spokeswoman said.

"Too many people were assuming if they had their cart registered, then it functioned like a passenger car," TxDOT spokeswoman Kim Sue Lia Perkes said, adding that the new law does not change how golf carts can be used.

State law has always required golf carts used on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or lower to have headlamps, tail lamps, reflectors, parking brakes, mirrors and a slow-moving vehicle emblem. The problem had been with enforcement, Perkes said.

Now the word is out to local law enforcement to regulate golf cart use, she said.

"Cities also can allow golf carts with the proper equipment on certain roads, but you need to check with your city government to find out where or if they are permitted," Rebecca Davio, director of TxDOT’s Vehicle Titles and Registration Division, said.

The City of Palm Valley, which surrounds the Harlingen Country Club, makes the community a prime location for golf carts.

"We see our share of golf carts," Palm Valley Police Chief Paul Campbell said.

But Campbell said he has never seen a golf cart registered with a license plate. And he rarely has problems with golf carts.

An employee at Treasure Hills Golf Club in Harlingen said about 10 club members who own their carts use them for commuting between home and the course.

"Basically I see them just driving to and from the course," said James Payton, an assistant golf pro at Treasure Hills. He has never noticed a cart with a license plate at the club either.

Attempts to reach the Rancho Viejo police chief were unsuccessful. An employee at the Rancho Viejo Country Club said the residents use the golf carts primarily for driving between home and the course.

TxDOT will be notifying golf cart owners that have registered their vehicles to inform them of the new law, Perkes said. Those carts will ride out the remainder of their registration, but will be required to have the proper equipment.

Carts are required to be insured as well, a news release from TxDOT stated.

Texas has about 3,200 registered golf carts, said Joel Morales, head of the Cameron County tax office on Wilson Road.

"We don’t get a lot of golf cart registrations here," Morales said.