With summer approaching and school breaks on the horizon, golf carts are emerging once again as a favorite way for families to explore Memorial Parkway. From quick rides to the pool to evening cruises with neighbors, these small vehicles offer a fun and convenient way to get around. But many residents may not realize that there are important state laws—and neighborhood-specific safety concerns—that come with driving a golf cart in a single-family residential community.

Here’s what every resident in Memorial Parkway should know before turning the key.

Golf Carts in Texas: Not Just a Joyride

In Texas, golf cart use is regulated under the Texas Transportation Code, and it’s more complex than many homeowners realize. Under Section 551.403, golf carts may be operated on public roads in limited circumstances—such as within master-planned communities with a homeowners association, or on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less, and within two miles of a golf course for the purpose of accessing it.

But here’s the catch: a golf cart cannot be legally driven on public streets unless it has been issued a special license plate by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV).

Other must-know requirements under Texas law include:

• The golf cart must display a slow-moving vehicle emblem.
• It cannot be driven at night, unless it has proper lighting and has been modified to meet specific equipment standards.
• Operators must be licensed drivers—minors without a driver's license are not permitted to drive golf carts on public streets.

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What About Private Roads in Memorial Parkway?

If Memorial Parkway is a private, gated community, the rules can vary slightly. In many cases, neighborhood HOAs set their own internal policies about golf cart use. Even then, safety should remain the top priority. It's important to remember:

• Private property rules don’t override state law regarding operator age and safety equipment.
• If roads within the community connect to or cross over public roads, state laws still apply in those areas.

Residents are strongly encouraged to check with their HOA for specific neighborhood guidelines before assuming golf cart usage is permitted across the entire community.

Summer Safety Risks and a Growing Trend

The summer spike in golf cart activity also brings a concerning rise in injuries—especially involving children. According to a 2021 report published in the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, nearly 6,500 children are injured annually in the U.S. due to golf cart accidents, many of them occurring in neighborhood settings.

Common causes of accidents include:

• Sharp turns at high speeds
• Unrestrained passengers falling out
• Tipping over on uneven surfaces
• Youths operating carts without adult supervision

“Parents may assume golf carts are harmless because they seem slow or small,” said Dr. William Hennrikus, lead author of the study. “But these vehicles can cause serious harm when used improperly.”

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Tips for Safer Golf Cart Use in Memorial Parkway

To ensure everyone enjoys a safe summer in Memorial Parkway, here are a few essential tips for golf cart safety:

1. Only licensed drivers should operate the cart.
2. Never overload the cart with more passengers than it was built for.
3. Always use seat belts if your golf cart is equipped with them.
4. Avoid distractions—drivers should not be using phones or playing loud music while in motion.
5. Respect speed limits and stop signs within the neighborhood.
6. Do not allow children to drive or operate a golf cart, even within private areas.

A Community Responsibility

As the golf cart trend continues to grow in suburban neighborhoods like Memorial Parkway, the responsibility to maintain a safe and respectful environment lies with each resident. Ensuring that every golf cart operator knows the law and follows common-sense safety rules can help prevent serious injuries and maintain the peaceful atmosphere neighbors love.

So before you rev up and ride out, take a moment to brush up on the rules—and make sure your fun doesn’t come at the cost of safety or legality.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.