By Eleanor Skelton
The Port Neches Police Department (PNPD) frequently gets calls from citizens about whether or not operating golf carts on City streets is legal, the Department posted on their Facebook page. The answer is “yes” but with restrictions, PNPD said.
On June 2, 2011, The City of Port Neches City Council approved Ordinance 2011-07, regulating the operation of golf carts within the City.
An operator may drive a golf cart on a City Street for which the posted speed limit is not more than 35 miles per hour under the following circumstances:
- Driver must be licensed to operate a vehicle,
- The golf cart is covered with liability insurance,
- All passengers must be seated while the golf cart is in motion,
- No more passengers than the golf cart is designed to seat. (No passengers in lap), and
- Can cross highway or street with speed limit greater than 35 miles per hour only at an intersection.
Allowing someone to operate a golf cart in violation of state law or city ordinance is a violation, subject to fine. A golf cart operated under these guidelines must have headlamps, tail lamps, reflectors, parking brake, mirrors, display a slow-moving-vehicle emblem.
Vehicles such as Polaris Rangers, Razors, Kawasaki Mules and other recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) cannot be operated on city streets or highways. As always, you can contact the Port Neches Police Department at (409) 722-1424 if you have additional questions. If you need to report a violation, call Central Dispatch at (409) 722-3122. ❂
– Port Neches Police Department
