McKinney City Council agreed Tuesday to allow golf carts on roads with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less within city boundaries.

Before the ordinance, in compliance with state law, McKinney allowed golf carts to operate in master-planned communities like Stonebridge Ranch, Village of Eldorado, WestRidge and Craig Ranch.

On public roads, the city allowed golf carts only when traveling to and from a golf course during daytime within five miles of the location where the golf cart is kept, on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less.

Now, residents can drive their golf carts for any purpose on roads in the city that meet the speed limit requirement.

McKinney Mayor George Fuller said the ordinance came to the council as golf carts became more popular in the city’s downtown area.

“With that came some issues and, we felt, some dangers unless we put some parameters around it and implemented some safety precautions,” Fuller said. “We were seeing more and more golf cart traffic, and we wanted to address it.”

Fuller said formally allowing golf carts on roads will help address safety concerns and ensure rules are implemented more clearly and effectively across city streets. He hopes the ordinance provides structure for golf cart use in the city to keep drivers and pedestrians safe.

McKinney does not allow golf carts on sidewalks, according to the city’s website.

The city requires golf carts to have a slow-moving vehicle emblem on the back and be built in compliance with federal regulations. Golf carts will also need a license plate and insurance to operate under the ordinance, according to a presentation at a September council work session.

State law requires golf carts to have headlamps, taillamps, reflectors, a parking brake and mirrors.

A golf cart operator must have a valid driver’s license and follow the same traffic laws as cars. Golf cart drivers also must use directional or hand signals when making turns and stops.

Celeste Haiduk Cox spoke in favor of the new ordinance in a September council meeting. She lives in McKinney’s historic district and loves driving her golf cart to the grocery store or downtown. It makes parking easier, and Haiduk Cox said she wanted to see them allowed in areas without homeowner’s associations.

She said it’s a “friendlier type of transportation” and better for the environment if battery-powered. She charges hers with solar panels.

“They’re a much better alternative for getting around the neighborhood,” Haiduk Cox said.

Mayor Fuller said he has signed the ordinance, which is now in effect.