Golf Carts Are Now Allowed on Colleyville Neighborhood Roads

Colleyville streets are getting a little more neighborly. At the May 12 council meeting, the Colleyville City Council officially approved an ordinance allowing golf carts on neighborhood streets.

Before you grab your keys, here is your ultimate guide to staying legal and safe on the road.

Driver & Vehicle Requirements

• Operators must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid Texas driver's license. 
  
  
• Golf carts must be tagged and insured with liability insurance, just like regular motor vehicles.

Required Safety Equipment

• Headlamps and tail lamps
  
  
• Front and rear blinkers
  
  
• Side reflectors
  
  
• A parking brake and a horn
  
  
• Mirrors and a windshield
  
  
• Seat belts for all occupants

Operating & Traffic Rules

• Operation is strictly restricted to daytime hours. No nighttime cruising allowed.
  
  
• You may not have riders who exceed the designated seating capacity. Every passenger must wear a seat belt, and absolutely no riders, including pets, are permitted in the driver’s lap.
  
  
• Golf carts may not be used to tow another vehicle, a trailer, or a person on a skateboard, roller skates, or a bicycle.
  
  
• Carts must obey all standard traffic signals and park in standard motor vehicle spaces. To ensure safety on narrow roads, golf carts cannot pass other cars, nor can they be passed by other cars using the same lane.
  

Where Can You Legally Drive?

• Carts are permitted only on neighborhood roads with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less, designated as "Local Streets" in the City's Master Thoroughfare Plan (shown in black on the city's official map).

Map courtesy of Colleyville.com

• Golf cart operation is strictly prohibited on all sidewalks, walking paths, and jogging trails.
• Crossing non-local streets is allowed at standard intersections. If crossing a larger non-local street (more than one lane in each direction), you may only do so at intersections managed by a traffic signal or a 4-way stop sign.
  

Exceptions to the Rule

The strict new street rules do not apply if you are driving a cart under the following conditions:

• Exclusively on golf courses.
  
  
• Within gated or private communities.
  
  
• By city personnel conducting official city business.
  
  
• As part of a city-authorized parade or community festival.
  
  

If a golf cart operator breaks any of these rules, they will be subject to a fine of up to $500 for each offense. This is in addition to any separate penalties or citations you might face under Texas State law.

This ordinance is a fantastic nod to our tight-knit, community-first lifestyle, but it relies on everyone playing by the rules. Take some time to ensure your cart is properly equipped, check the city's thoroughfare map, and let's keep Colleyville roads safe for everyone!