General Description
Purpose:
The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safe operation of golf carts and utility vehicles on Trinity University property while supporting pedestrian safety and minimizing conflicts within Pedestrian Priority Zones (PPZ). Because golf carts operate in pedestrian-rich environments and present unique safety risks, their use shall be limited to circumstances in which an operational necessity exists.
Scope:
This policy applies to all University-owned, leased, rented, or authorized golf carts operated on Trinity University property by employees, contractors, volunteers, and approved vendors policy.
Exceptions:
None.
Responsible Department:
- Environmental Health & Safety
- Risk Management
Policy Content
Golf carts may be operated on campus only when necessary to support University operations. Golf carts may enter PPZ areas only when operational necessity exists. Operational necessity may include, but is not limited to:
Golf carts shall not be assigned or operated solely for personal convenience, to reduce walking distance, or as a substitute for personal transportation.
- Maintenance, repair, or construction activities,
- Transporting equipment or supplies for business purposes,
- University-approved campus tours,
- Transporting individuals with temporary or permanent disability-related needs,
- Event setup and breakdown,
- Emergency response
Golf carts shall not be assigned or operated solely for personal convenience, to reduce walking distance, or as a substitute for personal transportation.
Only authorized drivers may may operate a Golf Cart on the Trinity University campus. Please refer to the Authorized Driver Policy for steps to become an authorized driver.
Operators shall use the shortest practical route when travelling on campus. Carts shall be operated in accordance with the following specific rules:
- Carts shall be operated with the utmost courtesy, care and consideration for the safety and convenience of other vehicles and pedestrians. In congested pedestrian areas, operators must reduce speed and proceed at a pace consistent with that of nearby pedestrians (3-5 mph).
- Pedestrians shall be afforded the right-of-way at all times. This includes persons walking, jogging, bicycling, and those in wheelchairs or mobility assistance devices.
- Cart operators shall never operate the cart while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Carts must be inspected before each use; a pre-trip inspection of the lights, brakes, steering, horn, back-up alarm and tire inflation shall be conducted. Inoperable equipment identified during the inspection must be repaired before operating the cart.
- All occupants in the cart shall keep hands, arms, legs and feet within the confines of the cart while it is in motion.
- While driving carts through parking lots, special care shall be taken to observe traffic and vehicles pulling in/out of parking spaces.
- Drivers shall not wear headphones, use cell phones or use/operate any other device that may cause a distraction, including text messaging.
- Items being transported in carts must be properly secured.
- Carts shall not be modified in any manner that affects the recommended mode of operation, speed, or safety of the vehicle.
- The maximum load capacity, recommended by the manufacturer, either by number of occupants or weight of the passengers and load, shall never be exceeded.
- Drivers of carts that are not equipped with turn indicators shall use appropriate hand signals.
Golf carts shall be parked only in approved locations and shall not block or interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic flow. Carts should not be parked:
Operators shall remove keys from the vehicle when left unattended. Electric golf carts shall only be charged at approved locations.The use of extension cords from buildings is prohibited unless specifically approved by Facilities Operations.
- In fire lanes or emergency access paths.
- In any manner that would block the normal flow of pedestrian traffic or building entrances and exits.
- On sidewalks or ramps that would impede pedestrian or handicap accessibility.
Operators shall remove keys from the vehicle when left unattended. Electric golf carts shall only be charged at approved locations.The use of extension cords from buildings is prohibited unless specifically approved by Facilities Operations.
Operators must immediately report all accidents involving golf carts or utility vehicles to TUPD
and the operator's supervisor, regardless of whether property damage or personal injury
occurred.
and the operator's supervisor, regardless of whether property damage or personal injury
occurred.
Performance Evaluation
Consequences of Policy Violation:
Consequences of Policy Violation:
Violations of this policy may result in one or more of the following:
● Loss of operating privileges
● Corrective or disciplinary action
● Revocation of department vehicle authorization
● Additional action as deemed appropriate by the University
Violations of this policy may result in one or more of the following:
● Loss of operating privileges
● Corrective or disciplinary action
● Revocation of department vehicle authorization
● Additional action as deemed appropriate by the University
Terms & Definitions
Terms and Definitions:
|
Term: |
Definition: |
|---|---|
| Golf Cart | Any electric or gas-powered cart used for University operations. |
| Pedestrian Priority Zone (PPZ) | A designated campus area where pedestrian movement takes priority and vehicle access is restricted. |
| Operational Necessity | Essential University operations where walking or conventional vehicles are impractical, inefficient, or would impede the timely performance of work. |
Attachments
Attachments:
Related Documents
Related Content:
Revision Management
Revision History Log:
|
Revision #: |
Date: |
Recorded By: |
|---|---|---|
| v2.0 | 7/31/2026 10:23 AM | Pamela Mota |
| v1.2 | 1/20/2026 9:39 AM | Pamela Mota |
| v1.1 | 7/1/2025 3:18 PM | Pamela Mota |
| v1.0 | 7/26/2019 11:08 AM | Holly2 Warfel |
Vice President Approval:
|
Name: |
Title: |
|---|---|
| Mark Detterick | Vice President for Finance and Administration |