Golf carts may soon cruise downtown Marble Falls streets

MARBLE FALLS, Texas (KXAN) -- The downtown area of Marble Falls could soon see more golf carts. City Council is currently reviewing a proposal that would allow them in certain areas near the popular tourist areas.

While golf carts on city streets are nothing new, the city is looking to capitalize on them. In a meeting on Sept. 2, the council introduced a plan to consider a special zone where they'd be allowed and how the carts might actually make downtown even more walkable.

The carts would not be allowed everywhere. They would be limited to west of US 281 and south of RR 1431.

Council added carts would likely also have to have a special permit from the city, along with registration. Like any vehicle already on the road, a driver's license would also be needed to operate it.

Council said it was also considering special parking areas specifically for the carts.

Under Texas law, carts are allowed on roadways if the speed limit is 35 mph or less, they have a license plate, and there is no city ordinance already prohibiting them on the street. The biggest rule is that the driver must be headed to a golf course within five miles of home.

As of now, the proposal remains just that. Council is currently reviewing more of the proposed changes, as well as safety concerns of having more carts on the road.