The Clute City Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 2025-001 on Jan. 9, 2025, to allow golf carts and certain motorized carts on city streets where the posted speed limit is not more than 35 miles per hour, subject to safety and insurance requirements.

The ordinance defines permitted vehicles to include golf carts and specific types of utility or recreational off-highway vehicles (excluding ATVs and four-wheelers). It requires drivers to be licensed and at least 18 years old, mandates liability insurance, and requires proper lighting for night operation. The ordinance also directs operators to use regular traffic lanes (not sidewalks) and prohibits side-by-side driving in a single travel lane.

Police Chief (name not specified at the meeting) told the council that the city convened two public meetings and that the community response was generally supportive. “We kinda opened it up to the citizenry. We had everybody forward, nobody against, for this,” the chief said, adding that staff deliberately avoided overly burdensome inspection or permitting requirements and instead focused on basic safety standards.

City Attorney Duncan and other staff reviewed the draft for legal sufficiency; Duncan confirmed the ordinance contains the necessary provisions and enforcement mechanisms. Council members discussed geographic limits — for example, some roads fall under neighboring Lake Jackson’s jurisdiction, and carts would be limited to neighborhoods and city streets with allowable speed ratings.

The ordinance will take effect after it is published twice in the Brazosport Facts, as required by the ordinance’s publishing clause. Councilmembers said they expect the rule to accommodate residents who already use carts while providing enforcement options for irresponsible operators.

The vote was unanimous.