Golf Cart Information

Golf Cart Rules and Safety | Village of Surfside Beach

Village of Surfside Beach

Golf Cart Rules and Safety

Golf carts are a popular way to get around Surfside Beach. Before driving on Village streets or the beach, please review the safety requirements, beach rules, and equipment checklist below.

View Village Golf Cart Ordinance Texas DMV Golf Cart Information Beach Rules and Permits Contact Police Department

Before You Drive

Make sure the golf cart is legal, properly equipped, and operated by a licensed driver.

Licensed Driver Required

Golf cart drivers must possess a valid driver's license. Children and unlicensed drivers should not operate a golf cart.

Plate and Equipment

Golf carts must display a Texas golf cart license plate and have all required safety equipment.

Beach Pass Required

If the golf cart is driven on the beach, it must display the required Surfside Beach permit or pass.

Required Golf Cart Equipment

Use this checklist before operating a golf cart in Surfside Beach.

Equipment Checklist

  • Headlamps - must have to drive at night
  • Tail lamps
  • Slow-moving reflective placard or triangle on the rear
  • Parking brake
  • Mirrors
  • Texas golf cart license plate
  • Surfside Beach pass if driving on the beach 

Required Safety Triangle

The slow-moving vehicle triangle or reflective placard should be displayed on the rear of the golf cart so it is visible to other drivers.

Required Texas Golf Cart License Plate

Golf carts operated where authorized must display a Texas golf cart license plate.

Golf Carts on the Beach

Golf carts driven on the beach must follow Village beach rules and all posted signs.

  • Beach permit required. All vehicles driven on the beach, including golf carts, must display the required beach permit or pass.
  • Drive-on beach only. Golf carts must stay in authorized vehicle areas.
  • Pedestrian beach restrictions. The pedestrian beach is closed to vehicular traffic, including golf carts, unless an applicable mobility-related exception applies.
  • Beach speed limit. The speed limit on the beach is 15 MPH.
  • Stay off the dunes. Dunes are protected and are off-limits to vehicles and pedestrians.
  • Follow all posted signs. Beach conditions, access points, and closures may change. Always follow posted directions.

Safety Reminders

Help keep residents, visitors, pedestrians, and emergency responders safe.

Driver Responsibilities

  • Obey traffic laws, posted signs, and speed limits.
  • Yield to pedestrians, cyclists, and emergency vehicles.
  • Do not drive recklessly or aggressively.
  • Do not operate under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or impairing medication.
  • Use extra caution around children, pets, beach entrances, and parking areas.

Passenger Safety

  • Do not overload the golf cart.
  • Passengers should remain seated while the cart is moving.
  • Do not allow passengers to ride on laps, steps, backs, or sides.
  • Keep arms, legs, and personal items inside the golf cart.
  • Secure loose items before driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about golf cart use in the Village of Surfside Beach.

Do I need a driver's license to operate a golf cart?

Yes. All drivers must possess a valid driver's license.

Does my golf cart need a license plate?

Yes. Golf carts operated where authorized must display a Texas golf cart license plate.

Does my golf cart need a beach pass?

Yes, if the golf cart is driven on the beach. All vehicles on the beach, including golf carts, must display the required Surfside Beach permit or pass.

Can I drive a golf cart on the pedestrian beach?

The pedestrian beach is closed to vehicular traffic, including golf carts, unless an applicable mobility-related exception applies.

What are the golf cart hours?

Golf cart hours of usage are from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Who enforces golf cart violations?

Violations may be addressed by the Surfside Beach Police Department.

Questions?

For questions regarding golf cart rules, enforcement, or safety requirements, please contact:

Village of Surfside
1304 Monument Drive
Surfside Beach, Texas 77541
Phone:979-233-1531

For beach permits and general Village information, please contact City Hall.

This page is intended as a helpful summary. Please refer to the Village Code of Ordinances and official Village rules for complete requirements.

Village of Surfside Beach, Texas | Golf Cart Rules and Safety