Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves ordinance allowing golf carts and NEVs on Bertram streets, excludes ATVs and sandrails
Summary
Council adopted an ordinance permitting specified 'unique vehicles'—golf carts, neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs), ROVs and UTVs—on city streets with state-required licensing and equipment; ATVs and sandrails were explicitly excluded.
The City of Bertram adopted an ordinance clarifying which ‘‘unique vehicles’’ may operate on public roadways inside city limits, narrowing the definition to exclude ATVs and sandrails.
Council reviewed state exemptions and a proposed local ordinance that would allow golf carts, NEVs, recreational off‑highway vehicles (ROVs) and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) under specified conditions. Staff and council emphasized that drivers must meet state requirements (valid driver’s license, registration/plate, slow-moving-vehicle placard where required) and that vehicles are restricted from roads with speed limits above state-specified thresholds. The mayor noted the ordinance follows state guidance to allow municipal authorization within city limits.
Council amended the draft to remove ATVs and sandrails from the list of permitted vehicles, saying those vehicle types are not appropriate for town streets. The amended motion was seconded and the council passed the ordinance.
The ordinance imposes equipment and licensing requirements consistent with state rules (plates, lights, mirrors, slow-moving signage) and retains enforcement options for the police department; council members said the intent is to reduce nuisance calls and provide clear, enforceable rules for residents.
