Off-Road Vehicles and Golf Carts: What’s Allowed on Streets in The Groves

September 18, 2025 11:01 am

Off-road vehicles such as ATVs and UTVs may look like fun, but they’re not street-legal in Texas. For everyone’s safety, please remember these vehicles are prohibited on public roads in The Groves.

Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 504 (HCMUD 504) would like to remind residents of the rules regarding ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts on neighborhood streets. These guidelines are in compliance with Texas law and designed to keep our community safe.

Off-Road Vehicles: ATVs and UTVs

  • ATVs (4-wheelers) and UTVs (side-by-sides/“buggies”) are not allowed on public roads.

  • These vehicles are not street-legal, lack required safety equipment, and cannot be registered for roadway use.

  • If you see ATVs or UTVs being operated on neighborhood streets, please call the constable’s office immediately at 281-376-3472.

Golf Carts

Golf carts may be driven on public roads only if they meet the following requirements:

  • The road must have a posted speed limit of 35 mph or lower. Golf carts are prohibited on roads with speed limits above 35 mph.

  • The driver must be a licensed driver.

  • An orange hazard triangle must be prominently displayed on the back of the golf cart.

  • The golf cart must be registered and permitted through the Harris County Tax Office.

How to Register a Golf Cart

To obtain the mandatory off-highway license plate for a golf cart, you must:

  1. Complete Form 130-U (mark the “non-title registration” box and write in “Off Highway”).

  2. Provide ownership documents (manufacturer certificate of title, bill of sale, or invoice).

  3. Pay a fee of $14.75 (check payable to Annette Ramirez).

You can apply by mail or schedule an appointment online:

Mail applications to: Annette Ramirez Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector PO Box 4089 Houston, TX 77210-4089 Attn: Title Dept. 2nd Floor Auto

Certified mail: Annette Ramirez Tax Assessor-Collector 1001 Preston, 2nd Floor Auto Houston, TX 77002

Community Reminder

By following these rules, residents can help keep our streets safe for drivers, bikers, and pedestrians in The Groves. Thank you for doing your part to protect our community.

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