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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the operation of a golf cart or utility vehicle on a |
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public highway in certain counties. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. The heading to Subchapter F, Chapter 551, |
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Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows: |
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SUBCHAPTER F. GOLF CARTS AND UTILITY VEHICLES |
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SECTION 2. Section 551.401, Transportation Code, is amended |
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to read as follows: |
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Sec. 551.401. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: |
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(1) "Golf [, "golf] cart" and "public highway" have |
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the meanings assigned by Section 502.001. |
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(2) "Utility vehicle" means a motor vehicle that is |
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not a golf cart or lawn mower and is: |
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(A) equipped with side-by-side seating for the |
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use of the operator and a passenger; |
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(B) designed to propel itself with at least four |
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tires in contact with the ground; |
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(C) designed by the manufacturer for off-highway |
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use only; and |
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(D) designed by the manufacturer primarily for |
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utility work and not for recreational purposes. |
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SECTION 3. The heading to Section 551.404, Transportation |
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Code, is amended to read as follows: |
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Sec. 551.404. OPERATION IN MUNICIPALITIES AND CERTAIN |
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COUNTIES. |
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SECTION 4. Section 551.404, Transportation Code, is amended |
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by adding Subsection (a-1) and amending Subsection (b) to read as |
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follows: |
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(a-1) In addition to the operation authorized by Section |
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551.403, the commissioners court of a county that borders or |
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contains a portion of the Guadalupe River and contains a part of a |
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barrier island that borders the Gulf of Mexico may allow an operator |
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to operate a golf cart or utility vehicle on all or part of a public |
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highway that: |
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(1) is located in the unincorporated area of the |
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county; and |
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(2) has a speed limit of not more than 35 miles per |
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hour. |
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(b) A golf cart or utility vehicle operated under this |
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section [Subsection (a)] must have the following equipment: |
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(1) headlamps; |
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(2) taillamps; |
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(3) reflectors; |
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(4) parking brake; and |
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(5) mirrors. |
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SECTION 5. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2011. |