Golf carts now legal on some streets in Marble Falls
Golf carts will now be allowed on Marble Falls streets with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. Staff photo by Maci Cottingham.
A new ordinance, approved during the Tuesday, March 17, meeting of Marble Falls City Council, allows golf carts, utility vehicles and recreational off-highway vehicles on city streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less. The ordinance also establishes specific rules governing cart usage and the requirement of a permit.
The council made its decision following a September 2025 meeting in which they discussed allowing golf carts on city streets to enhance tourism, encourage local spending downtown, and to strengthen the city’s identity as a walkable, visitor-friendly community.
“(Golf cart use) is already happening in Marble Falls,” Downtown and Marketing Manager Erin Burks told the council during a September 2025 presentation. “People are already using them. They’re coming downtown, they’re parking in regular parking spots, they’re using them at events. There have been several requests by residents to allow golf carts in the (downtown) area, and some of our businesses have made that request.”
Drivers must have a valid drivers license, carry state-minimum insurance, and obtain a Texas Department of Motor Vehicles-issued license plate for the cart. Vehicles must display a city-issued permit sticker, which residents receive by completing a free safety acknowledgment form confirming they will follow safety rules, including seat belt use. Carting is only allowed between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m..
The vehicles are prohibited from traveling on state highways or farm-to-market roads, except to cross at signalized intersections. Crossings are not allowed at Mormon Mill Road and U.S. 281 or at RR 1431 at Bluebonnet Drive and Avenue N.
Violations may result in fines of up to $500 per offense, or up to $2,000 for violations involving public health and safety.
Assistant Police Chief Trish Ratliff said officials expect an increase in crashes and citations, though she said prohibiting rentals should limit potential problems.
“For the most part, your crash volume and your citation volume will go up,” Ratliff said in the meeting.
Mayor John Packer said the city could revisit the ordinance if issues arise.
“It’s important for the community to know that everybody needs to be responsible or we’ll take the privilege away,” Packer said in the meeting.
For more information, view the ordinance online or contact the city at 830-693-3615.
2 thoughts on “Golf carts now legal on some streets in Marble Falls”
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I can see it now–motorized bikes and scooters up on the sidewalks causing mayhem for the foot traffic, no place to park, and as the Asst Police Chief pointed out “your crash volume will increase”. I really can’t believe that any business downtown thought this was a good idea. I’ve talked to a few of them and they think it’s nuts. Worst idea the city council has approved since I’ve lived here.
What part of “your crash volume will increase” is good news for Marble Falls?