Galveston Golf Cart Laws (2026)

Galveston has one of the more detailed city golf cart programs in Texas. Residential and commercial golf carts need city registration, a golf cart license plate, seat belts, and inspection before they can operate on public roadways. The city also splits Galveston Island at 103rd Street: carts registered for the west end cannot drive east of 103rd Street because the east-end rules require additional safety equipment. Beach use depends on whether the beach allows motor vehicles under Galveston's Beach Access Plan.

• Annual city registration is required before a golf cart may operate on authorized streets
• Residential permits are $25 annually; commercial rental operators pay $150 annually
• Residential and commercial carts require registration, a license plate, seat belts, and inspection
• Only licensed drivers may operate a golf cart on Galveston Island
• Carts may operate on public roadways with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less, no more than two traffic lanes per direction, and not part of the state or federal highway system
• Galveston distinguishes 103rd Street and east from the west end; west-end registered carts may not drive east of 103rd Street
• Carts are not allowed on sidewalks
• Carts may not tow trailers, boats, jet skis, other objects, or people on public streets or rights-of-way
• Beach operation is allowed only on beaches where motor vehicles are allowed, unless a disability placard exception applies
• Open-container and DWI laws apply

• 103rd Street - boundary between east-end and west-end golf cart rules
• Avenue O between 53rd and 15th Streets - prohibited under the city FAQ
• Avenue P between 19th and 53rd Streets - prohibited under the city FAQ
• Pelican Island Causeway - state highway route and prohibited for golf carts
• State and federal highway system roads - off-limits
• Vehicle-access beaches - allowed only where the beach access plan permits motor vehicles

• The 103rd Street boundary matters. If your cart is registered for the west end, do not drive it east of 103rd Street
• If renting, check whether the cart is marked for east-end or west-end operation and whether it has the required decals
• East-end operation requires more safety equipment, including turn signals, horn, brake lights, and seat belts
• Do not drive on pedestrian-only beaches. A golf cart is treated as a motor vehicle for beach access
• Carry proof of insurance and registration details, especially if you own the cart rather than renting