Louisiana’s Laws on Golf Carts
Golf carts aren’t just for cruising around the fairway anymore, and their expanding role comes with a few more laws regarding how to safely use them. We here at Golf Cars of Louisiana want to help you get the most from your golf cart without getting in trouble, so we’ve put together a brief guide to Louisiana’s laws on golf carts below. To learn more, or you just want to see the golf carts we have for sale, contact our stores in Bossier City, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans, Louisiana, today!
Roads
The laws regarding golf carts on the road tend to be pretty strict in the Bayou State. In terms of regular roads, a factory-default cart can only be operated on specific roads designated by the parish or municipality. There should be signs on which roads are designated as okay to drive golf carts on, since parishes and municipalities are required to post them.
In order to do so legally, your golf cart needs headlights, brake lights, tail lights, both front and rear turn signals, and powerful brakes. Not many golf carts come with all these options, but there are plenty of kits available online and at some dealerships. Without these upgrades, you won’t be allowed to drive at night.
The driver must also have a valid driver’s license, and of course can’t be drinking or under the influence.
Speed Upgrades
It’s important to note that if you make modifications to upgrade your golf cart’s speed, it may be considered a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) which then has slightly different laws. An LSV, including a golf cart with speed capabilities of over 20 mph, can be driver on public streets and roadways that have a speed limit of 35 mph or lower. Your cart will also require the safety equipment listed above in order to drive at night.
You’ll also need to register your cart with the local DMV and make sure it’s covered by insurance.
Highways
When it comes to highways, there’s no driving on them at all. You can’t even cross a highway on your golf cart unless there’s a golf course on both sides and you need to cross in order to continue playing. Even then, the golf course has to have a crossing permit granted by the Department of Transportation and Development. Luckily, this doesn’t require all the upgrades needed to make the cart street legal.
We hope this guide is useful! If you have any questions, or you’re just looking for a golf cart or golf cart accessories, contact us at Golf Cars of Louisiana. We proudly serve the people of Monroe, Shreveport, and Denham Springs, Louisiana—let us serve you today!