Golf carts have become a familiar part of community life across Louisiana, with families using them for More than a way to get around, golf carts have become part of how many Louisiana families enjoy their communities.
(June 29, 2026) – From neighborhoods and parks to campgrounds and community events, golf carts have become a familiar sight throughout Acadiana. Once associated almost exclusively with golf courses, they are now used for neighborhood rides, visits with friends, community events, camping and other recreational activities.
For many families, golf carts have become another way to spend time together. Whether traveling a short distance within the neighborhood, attending a community gathering or taking one along on a camping trip, golf carts have become part of everyday life for many Louisiana residents.
Local golf cart dealer David Mallet of Coteau Custom Carts said nearly all of the golf carts he sells are purchased for neighborhood use and recreational activities. In a typical year, he said, only a few are purchased for use on a golf course.
Broussard resident Tracy Melancon said her family’s golf cart has become part of everyday life.
“We love riding our golf cart all around Broussard, we love bringing our dogs … they love it so much … we can ride to shops / restaurant .. we also bring it when we go camping … it’s so much fun … so enjoyable,” Melancon said.
Eddie Rawls of Broussard said his family’s golf cart has become much more than a way to get around.
“My family and I have owned a golf cart for several years now, and we absolutely love it. There is just something about having the family together and going out for an early morning or evening ride. It allows us freedom to go in certain places that a regular vehicle cannot. Just the peace and quiet and being out in nature, exploring the areas around you and meeting new people along the way. For our family, it is more than just a golf cart; it is a time to relax, reflect on things around you and most of all get our nine-year-old off the computer and out of the house. Just being out and waving at your neighbors and stopping to say hello or seeing another golf cart rider and stopping for a chat. It is a feeling of joy and freedom; I am so happy to share with my family.”
As golf carts have become more common throughout Louisiana communities, questions have also arisen about when and where they may legally operate on public streets.
Unlike passenger vehicles, golf carts are subject to specific provisions under Louisiana law. Public roads and streets are not automatically open to golf cart traffic. Instead, state law allows parishes and municipalities to designate certain roads where golf carts may operate through local ordinances. Communities that adopt those ordinances may also establish additional local regulations governing golf cart operation on designated roadways.
Across Louisiana, golf cart regulations vary from one community to another, with local ordinances governing where and how golf carts may operate on designated public streets.
Whether used for recreation, neighborhood transportation or community events, golf carts have become more than a ride around the neighborhood. They have become another way many Louisiana families connect with friends, neighbors and the communities they call home.
What Louisiana Law Says
Louisiana Revised Statutes 32:299.4 establishes requirements for golf carts operated on designated parish roads or municipal streets.
Under state law:
- Golf carts may operate only on parish roads or municipal streets that have been specifically designated by a parish or municipality through a local ordinance.
- Designated roads must be marked with signs indicating golf carts are authorized to operate there.
- Golf carts operated on designated public roads must be registered with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles as off-road vehicles and display the required registration decal.
- Operators must possess a valid driver’s license.
- Liability insurance is required.
- Golf carts must be equipped with efficient brakes, a reliable steering system, safe tires, a rearview mirror, red reflectors, headlights, turn signals, tail lamps and brake lamps.
- Local governments may adopt regulations that are more restrictive than state law or may prohibit golf cart operation on roads within their jurisdiction when necessary for public safety.
Because local ordinances vary from one community to another, residents may obtain information about golf cart requirements and regulations from their local city or parish government.
Official Source: Louisiana Revised Statutes 32:299.4.
