Bill Text: TX HB2790 | 2011-2012 | 82nd Legislature | Engrossed

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Bill Title: Relating to the operation of a golf cart or utility vehicle on a public highway in certain counties.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2011-05-05 - Referred to Transportation & Homeland Sec. [HB2790 Detail]

Download: Texas-2011-HB2790-Engrossed.html

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82R14429 AJZ-D
By: Hunter H.B. No. 2790

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