Louisiana Golf Cart Laws

Understanding golf cart and neighborhood electric vehicles regulations in Louisiana is essential for safe and legal operation. While golf carts are primarily intended for recreational use on golf courses, certain local laws allow limited street use when specific safety and licensing requirements are met. This guide covers everything you need to know about Louisiana’s golf cart laws, including where you can drive, equipment standards, and how to upgrade to a street-legal neighborhood electric vehicles.

What Is a Golf Cart in Louisiana?

Under Louisiana law, a golf cart is defined as a four-wheeled electric vehicle originally designed for use on golf courses and other green spaces. These vehicles are not built for high-speed road use and typically have a top speed of 25 miles per hour.

Can You Drive a Golf Cart on Public Roads in Louisiana?

Generally, golf carts are not allowed to operate on public streets or highways in Louisiana. However, there are exceptions:

• Golf carts may be driven on parish roads or municipal streets, but only if those roads have been officially designated by the corresponding governing body as golf cart accessible.
• Once designated, these roads must have appropriate signage indicating golf cart operation is authorized.
• Golf carts may cross state highways, but only at specific points where a golf course exists on both sides of the road and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has issued a crossing permit.

Driver Requirements

Anyone operating a golf cart on a parish or municipal street must possess a valid driver’s license. Unlicensed individuals are strictly prohibited from driving golf carts on any designated public roads.

Golf Cart vs. Neighborhood Electric Vehicles

It’s important to distinguish between standard golf carts and neighborhood electric vehicles. Although they may appear similar, NEV are regulated differently under both state and federal law.

A neighborhood electric vehicles in Louisiana must meet the following criteria:

• It must be capable of speeds greater than 20 mph but not exceeding 25 mph
• It must have safety equipment such as seat belts, headlamps, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, reflectors, a windshield, mirrors, and a parking brake
• It must be registered, titled, and insured as a motor vehicle

Unlike golf carts, NEV may be operated on roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less, provided they meet all safety and registration requirements.

Insurance and Safety

While Louisiana does not require golf carts to be registered like full-size vehicles, operating them on public roads still comes with responsibilities. Operators must follow all posted signs and local rules, and the golf cart must be in safe working condition.

Local jurisdictions may also require insurance for golf carts used on public roads. Always check with your parish or city clerk’s office for the most up-to-date rules before driving your golf cart beyond private property.

Crossing State Highways

Crossing a state highway with a golf cart is only legal if:

• A golf course exists on both sides of the highway
• A crossing permit has been issued by the Louisiana DOTD

Crossings must occur at designated points and be performed safely during daylight hours.

Conclusion

Louisiana law permits the limited use of golf carts on designated roads if drivers meet licensing requirements and follow local regulations. If you want broader access and use, consider upgrading to a street-legal neighborhood electric vehicles that complies with all necessary safety and registration standards.