09/11/2008

Golf Carts, Gators, Mules

Rebecca Davio, Ph. D.

Director

Vehicles Titles and Registration Div, TxDOT

09/11/2008

Slow Moving Vehicles

Golf Cart Neighborhood Electric Vehicle All Terrain Vehicle (ATV)

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Slow Moving VehiclesIssue Golf Carts NEV / LSV ATV

Legal Speed 25 mph max 25 mph max N/A

Time Restrictions

Daylight only No No

Operation Place Restrictions

• Master Planned Community

• Public Beach

• Within 2 miles of Golf Course

• Roads posted 35 mph or less

• City or County ordinance can prohibit

• Off Road only

• For farm or ranch within 25 miles

• Utility Companies

• Law Enforcement

Safety Equipment

No Safety equipment required

No

Titled Optional TBD* Required

Registered Optional Yes Not Allowed

* Rules to be proposed

09/11/2008

Safety Concerns

• Vehicle weight and speed differentials

• Operating at speeds over 25 mph

• Underage drivers common

• Operating outside usage restrictions

• Disregard requirements for:– No Drivers License– No Liability Insurance– No Equipment Standards

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Increased Use• Cheaper to buy

• Rising fuel prices

• Green initiatives

• Rebates / incentives

• Increased advertising / media attention

– Advertised as street legal

– No mention of 25 mph restriction

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Current Situation• Inconsistent / confusing definitions and

restrictions

• Registration evolved over time

• Inconsistent administration of TxDOT guidelines

09/11/2008

Law Enforcement Feedback

• Don’t like the current situation

• Don’t want inconsistent local regulations

Properly applied registration regulations could

potentially reduce confusion

09/11/2008

Legislative Direction ?