Marble Falls City Council recently approved an ordinance to permit operation of privately- owned golf carts, recreational offhighway vehicles, neighborhood electric vehicles and utility vehicles on designated streets within the city.
“The adoption of the golf cart ordinance will likely increase traffic enforcement demands, in- cluding the investigation of golf cart-related collisions and the issuance of citations when violations are observed,” Assistant Marble Falls Police Chief Trisha K. Ratliff told To be sure, the ordinance the council approved March 17 does not authorize golf cart transportation in every circumstance.
According to Ratliff, the ordinance regulates golfcart traffic as follows:
• Golf carts are prohibited from operation between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• Golf carts are permitted on public streets with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less, which includes all residential roadways within the city.
• Golf carts are not authorized to motor freely through U.S. 281, FM 1431 or any other part of the Texas highway system.
• On a temporary basis, golf carts may cross Texas highways at intersections controlled by an official traffic control signal except FM 1431 at Avenue N, Bluebonnet Drive and U.S. 281 at Mormon Mill Road and Mission Hill Drive.
Also, the ordinance declares:
• Operators of each vehicle must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain liability insurance meeting state minimum requirements;
• Each vehicle must display a Texas Department of Motor Vehicles golf cart or off-highway vehicle license plate; and • Implement the minimum of safety equipments per each vehicle, including lights, mirrors, reflectors, seat belts and a slow-moving vehicle emblem.
Also, the ordinance mandates each driver must complete a safety form and display a cityissued safety-sticker on each vehicle.
Due to traffic concerns, golf carts rented from a commercial source within city limits are prohibited on public streets.
Also, all-terrain vehicles and sand rails from operation on public streets or recreational areas are prohibited within the city.
Violations of the ordinance are punishable by fines up to $500 per offense, and up to $2,000 for violations involving public health and safety.
