DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 248 Engrossed 2015 Regular Session Lambert
Abstract: Authorizes the use of "golf carts" on certain roads.
Proposed law defines a "golf cart" as an electric four-wheeled vehicle originally intended for use off-
road on golf courses and other green spaces whose maximum speed is 25 mph.
Proposed law prohibits the operation of golf carts on public roads, except as follows: (1) the
operation of golf carts on parish and municipal roads if designated by a parish or municipal
government and (2) golf carts used to cross public roads where there is a golf course constructed on
both sides of the public road if Dept. of Transportation and Development (DOTD) approved the
location and installed any traffic control devices needed for public safety.
Proposed law requires certain minimum safety equipment on golf carts operating on parish or
municipal roads such as efficient brakes, a reliable steering apparatus, safe tires, a rearview mirror,
and red reflectorized warning devices in both the front and rear of the vehicle.
Proposed law further requires registration of a golf cart with the office of motor vehicles (OMV) as
an off-road vehicle and requires display of a decal issued by the OMV.
Proposed law prohibits operation by an unlicensed driver. Also, requires appropriate liability
insurance.
Proposed law authorizes a parish or municipal government to enact an ordinance that may be more
restrictive relative to the operation of golf carts on parish or municipal roads and requires notification
of the residents of an ordinance permitting the operation of golf carts on a parish or municipal road.
Proposed law specifies that proposed law shall not restrict parish or municipal governments from
prohibiting the operation of golf carts on parish or municipal roads or highways for safety purposes.
Proposed law requires the promulgation of necessary rules by public safety services. Also, requires
the rules and regulations be effective no later than January 15, 2016.
(Adds R.S. 32:299.3)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Transportation, Highways and
Public Works to the original bill:
1. Make technical changes.
2. Change the application of proposed law from neighborhood vehicles to golf carts.
3. Delete a provision that specified that neighborhood vehicles may not operate at a speed
exceeding 25 miles per hour on a roadway or street where the posted speed limit is 35
miles per hour or less.
4. Add provisions that proscribe the operation of golf carts on state roads except under the
following circumstances: (1) the operation of golf carts on parish and municipal roads
if designated by a parish or municipal government and (2) golf carts used to cross public
roads where there is a golf course constructed on both sides of the public road if Dept.
of Transportation and Development (DOTD) approved the location and installed any
traffic control devices needed for public safety.
5. Add a provision that requires golf carts be safely equipped before operating on a parish
or municipal road.
6. Modify a provision that required neighborhood vehicles operating on a public road be
registered with the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, office of motor vehicles
by changing the application to golf carts.
7. Add a provision that restricts the application of proposed law to parish and municipal
roads.
8. Delete a provision that granted DOTD the authority to prohibit the operation of
neighborhood vehicles on public roads if necessary for public safety.
9. Add a provision that authorizes a parish or municipal government to enact an ordinance
that is more restrictive and to notify residents of the ordinance allowing the operation of
golf carts on a parish or municipal road.
10.Delete a provision that allowed the office of motor vehicles to promulgate rules for
operation of neighborhood vehicles on public roads and instead provides such authority
to the DOTD, public safety services.
11.Add a provision that requires the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, public
safety services to promulgate rules for the operation of golf carts on parish and municipal
roads by Jan. 1, 2016.