Alpine council discusses draft ordinance to allow golf carts on low‑speed streets

Council member Portillo presented a proposal to allow golf carts and similar low‑speed recreational vehicles on Alpine streets with posted speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less, describing recommended equipment requirements, driver minimums and a city registration program.

Portillo said the proposal would “officially designate Alpine as a golf cart friendly community and to pass a local ordinance under the authority of Texas Transportation Code chapter 551.403.” She read proposed provisions that would permit operation on roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less, allow crossings of higher‑speed roads only at designated intersections and impose equipment and registration requirements.

The draft rules Portillo read aloud included headlights and taillights, reflectors, a rearview mirror, a slow‑moving‑vehicle emblem, a horn or audible warning device, proof of insurance, a city‑issued permit sticker, a suggested annual registration fee of $25.40 and a driver minimum age of 16 with a valid driver’s license. Hours of operation were proposed as sunrise to sunset unless the vehicle had working lights.

Police Chief Lasoya told council he supports a locally tailored ordinance and could have the department perform vehicle inspections similar to ordinances in nearby communities. “I can leave that to my golf guys at the police department to take care of that,” Lasoya said, noting inspection, insurance and driver requirements would be enforceable.

Council members discussed where carts should be allowed, whether side‑by‑side off‑road vehicles (Polaris style) would be permitted and how to restrict use on major thoroughfares. Portillo and Lasoya emphasized limiting routes to residential and lower‑traffic streets and keeping carts off main streets such as Holland Avenue and Fifth Street. Council agreed the city should exclude larger side‑by‑side recreational vehicles from the ordinance as currently written.

Several council members supported continuing the discussion while staff draft an ordinance. Portillo said she would bring model ordinances from Roanoke, New Braunfels and Port Aransas and a street map showing proposed permitted routes. The item was continued for further ordinance drafting and review at a future meeting.