By: Wilson H.B. No. 1281
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the operation of certain low-powered vehicles.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 551.304(a), Transportation Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(a) An operator may operate a neighborhood electric
vehicle:
(1) in a master planned community:
(A) that is a residential subdivision as defined
by Section 209.002(9), Property Code;
(B) that has in place a uniform set of
restrictive covenants; or
(C) [and
[(B)] for which a county or municipality has
approved one or more plats [a plat];
(2) on a public or private beach; or
(3) on a public highway for which the posted speed
limit is not more than 35 miles per hour, if the neighborhood
electric vehicle is operated:
(A) during the daytime; and
(B) not more than five [two] miles from the
location where the neighborhood electric vehicle is usually parked
and for transportation to or from a golf course.
SECTION 2. Section 551.403, Transportation Code, is amended
to read as follows:
Sec. 551.403. OPERATION AUTHORIZED IN CERTAIN AREAS. (a) An
operator may operate a golf cart:
(1) in a master planned community:
(A) that is a residential subdivision as defined
by Section 209.002(9), Property Code;
(B) that has in place a uniform set of
restrictive covenants; or
(C) [and
[(B)] for which a county or municipality has
approved one or more plats [a plat];
(2) on a public or private beach that is open to
vehicular traffic; or
(3) on a highway for which the posted speed limit is
not more than 35 miles per hour, if the golf cart is operated:
(A) during the daytime; and
(B) not more than five [two] miles from the
location where the golf cart is usually parked and for
transportation to or from a golf course.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 551.402(b), a person may
operate a golf cart in a master planned community described by
Subsection (a) without a golf cart license plate.
SECTION 3. Section 551.4031, Transportation Code, is
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 551.4031. PROHIBITION OF OPERATION ON HIGHWAY BY
MUNICIPALITY, COUNTY, OR DEPARTMENT. (a) A county or municipality
may prohibit the operation of a golf cart on a highway under Section
551.403 [551.404] if the governing body of the county or
municipality determines that the prohibition is necessary in the
interest of safety.
(b) The Texas Department of Transportation may prohibit the
operation of a golf cart on a highway under Section 551.403
[551.404] if the department determines that the prohibition is
necessary in the interest of safety.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2021.