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Groves police defend social-media warning on golf carts as residents urge ordinance
Summary
City staff said a social-media post was a proactive safety reminder that Texas law generally bars golf carts and similar vehicles from public streets; multiple residents asked the council to adopt a local ordinance allowing properly equipped carts and complained about enforcement and personal cost.
Groves officials told the council on Tuesday that a departmental social-media notice clarifying the limits on golf carts, ATVs and similar vehicles on city streets was intended as a proactive safety message, not a response to a single incident. Marshall (speaker 6) said the post reminded residents that, absent a local ordinance, such vehicles are not legal on public roadways under the Texas Transportation Code and that officers were instructed to enforce the law while exercising compassion.
The reminder drew immediate public comment. Hannah Myers (speaker 7) said she spent substantial money to equip her golf cart with required equipment — lights, blinkers, horn and seat belts — and is now unable to drive a vehicle she bought to use around town. "Everybody gets punished for it," she said, arguing the city should adopt an ordinance similar to Midland’s or Port Angeles’ so law-abiding owners can legally operate properly equipped carts for short neighborhood trips.
Regina Kelly (speaker 9) echoed that position, saying she was told by the police department before purchase what was required and that it would be "a shame" to be forced to sell a compliant cart because others have abused the practice. Harold Alvarez (speaker 3) said enforcement should not punish residents who rely on carts for mobility and also raised separate concerns about street conditions and a proposed dog park.
In describing the department’s post, Marshall (speaker 6) emphasized safety risks—particularly children and unlicensed operators—citing observations of carts driven by minors, ATVs darting between intersections and e-bikes traveling against traffic or in darkness. "We will not tolerate the operation of any of these types of vehicles by underage drivers, not on our streets and not in this city," he said, adding that the department seeks to prevent injuries through education and enforcement.
No ordinance vote occurred during the meeting. Residents at the podium urged the council to consider creating a local framework that would allow properly equipped carts while enabling officers to cite or stop unsafe behavior. The council did not announce a specific next step on an ordinance during the session.
