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In short, in Texas you (not us) can tag a golf cart so that you can drive it on any street where the posted speed limit is 35 and slower. You may cross a street of a higher speed limit. Neighborhood Electric Vehicle and Motor Assisted Scooter Information
The 78th Legislature addressed the issue of new transportation technology. The law now recognizes motor assisted scooters and Neighborhood Electric Vehicles for limited street usage. The law can be found in the Texas Transportation Code (TRC) as Subchapter D, Sections 551.301 and 551.302. Subchapter D became effective on September 1, 2003. Cities and counties may prohibit operation of these scooters on particular streets or highways for safety reasons, as can the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT). Along with the "motor assisted scooter," the Legislature legalized the "neighborhood electric vehicle." The "neighborhood electric vehicle" is any vehicle subject to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 500. They generally resemble a golf cart, but are larger-usually capable of carrying four passengers-with a top speed between 20 M.P.H. and 25 M.P.H. Vehicles such as the John Deere Gator and Kawasaki Mule are not neighborhood electric vehicles because they are not subject to Federal Standard 500 in that they are designed to primarily carry cargo rather than passengers. Like the motor assisted scooter, neighborhood electric vehicles can be driven on any street or highway with a posted speed limit of 35 M.P.H. or less, and may cross streets or highways with a higher posted speed limit. However, unlike the motor assisted scooter, a neighborhood electric vehicle must be registered and have a license plate. The operator must have a driver license and the vehicle or operator must be covered with the required liability insurance or acceptable substitute. In addition, these vehicles meet the TRC Section 547.001 definition of a "slow moving vehicle," and must carry a low speed vehicle emblem. Finally, as with the motor assisted scooter, a city or county may prohibit their operation on a street or highway for safety reasons, as can TXDOT.
Texas Transportation Code Subchapter D
551.301. Definitions. In this subchapter: (1) "Neighborhood electric vehicle" means a vehicle subject to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 500 (49 C.F.R. Section 571.500). (2) "Motor assisted scooter" means a self-propelled device with: (A) at least two wheels in contact with the ground during operation; (B) a braking system capable of stopping the device under typical operating conditions; (C) a gas or electric motor not exceeding 40 cubic centimeters; (D) a deck designed to allow a person to stand or sit while operating the device; and (E) the ability to be propelled by human power alone.
551.302. Operation on Roadway. (a) A neighborhood electric vehicle or motor assisted scooter may be operated only on a street or highway for which the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. The vehicle may cross a road or street at an intersection where the road or street has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour. (b) A person may operate a motor assisted scooter on a path set aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles or on a sidewalk. Except as otherwise provided by this section, a provision of this title applicable to the operation of a bicycle applies to the operation of a motor assisted scooter. (c) A county or municipality may prohibit the operation of a neighborhood electric vehicle or motor assisted scooter on any street or highway if the governing body of the county or municipality determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety. (d) The department may prohibit the operation of a neighborhood electric vehicle or motor assisted scooter on a highway if it determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety. (e) A provision of this title applicable to a motor vehicle does not apply to a motor assisted scooter.
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