RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 308 (HB 248) 2015 Regular Session Lambert
New 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.
New 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 for use by a golf cart and (2) golf carts used to cross state highway where there
is a golf course constructed on both sides of the state highway if the Dept. of Transportation
and Development issued a permit for the crossing.
New 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, red reflectorized warning devices in both the front and rear of the vehicle, headlamps,
front and rear turn signal lamps, tail lamps, and brake lamps.
New 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.
New law restricts operation to a person with a valid driver's license. Also, requires
appropriate liability insurance.
New 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 to residents of the existence of an ordinance permitting the operation
of golf carts on a parish or municipal road.
New law creates an exemption, from the requirements of the bill, for municipal ordinances
enacted prior to Jan. 1, 2015.
New law does not restrict parish or municipal governments from prohibiting the operation
of golf carts on parish roads or municipal streets for safety purposes.
New law requires the promulgation of necessary rules by the Dept. of Public Safety and
Corrections, public safety services. Also, requires the rules and regulations be effective no
later than Jan. 15, 2016.
Effective Aug. 1, 2015.
(Adds R.S. 32:299.3)