Golf carts are more than just a useful way to carry heavy equipment around the golf course. They are a simple, efficient, and fun means of transportation. Especially on warm days, it can be very pleasant to drive in a golf cart, shaded from the sun and open to the breeze. In order to help you stay safe and compliant with the law, we have provided answers to some frequently asked questions about driving a golf cart below.
Do You Need a License to Drive a Golf Cart?
If you are driving on a public road, then the answer is yes, you need to have a valid driver’s license to lawfully operate a golf cart.
Parents can be fined if they allow their children to drive a golf cart on public roads without a driver’s license. If the unlicensed minor is involved in an accident, the parents will also be responsible for paying any damages or medical expenses which might be incurred. Driving while under the influence (DUI) laws carry the same penalties whether the offender is driving a golf cart or any other type of vehicle.
How Old Do You Need to be to Drive a Golf Cart?
In Louisiana, the law requires all golf cart drivers to have a driver’s license for safety purposes, so you need to be at least 17 years of age to drive a golf cart.
Can You Drive a Golf Cart on the Road?
In Louisiana, state law regulates which roads you are allowed to drive on with a golf cart. Each parish or municipality can designate specific roads to allow golf carts. These roads are marked with signs indicating that you are allowed to drive on them with a golf cart.
Golf carts are almost never allowed on the highway. The only exception is when a highway goes through a golf course, and the driver must cross the highway to get from one side of the golf course to the other to continue their golf game.
In addition to having a valid driver’s license and sticking to designated public roads, your golf cart also needs to be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DOV) and display a decal issued by the Office of Motor Vehicle (OMV). It must also be roadworthy, which means it must have certain safety features installed that do not typically come standard on golf carts.
What Does a Golf Cart Need to be Road Worthy?
The following equipment is required in order for a golf cart to be considered roadworthy in Louisiana:
- headlights
- turn signals
- horn
- brake lights
- seat belts
- efficient brakes
Without these features, you won’t be legally allowed to drive your golf cart on the road.
Read also: Golf Cart Safety: Tips for Safe Driving in Louisiana
Do You Need Insurance on a Golf Cart in Louisiana?
Yes, you do. If you will be operating the vehicle on designated public roads, you need to have liability insurance on the golf cart. It is also a good idea to protect your valuables with insurance whenever possible. Save yourself the stress of worrying about what will happen in case of an accident. Save yourself the money it would cost to have to purchase another golf cart to replace yours should anything happen to it.
Read also: Golf Cart Insurance: What You Need to Know
Get a Quote for Your Golf Cart Insurance in Louisiana
Buying insurance for your golf cart isn’t just a best practice, though, it’s the law. While golf courses will take out insurance on the golf carts that they own, you will need to get an insurance policy for any vehicles, including golf carts, that you own.
TSL Insurance Group is ready to help you navigate the process of selecting the best policy for people looking for golf cart insurance in Lafayette, Abbeville, or Franklin, Baton Rouge, and Lutcher, LA. Contact us today to allow our courteous and professional representatives guide you through your options.
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