Louisiana Town Approves Use of Golf Carts on Streets

Golf carts will soon be puttering around on town streets under a new ordinance approved by the Kinder Town Council.

The American Press reported the council voted unanimously to allow people to drive electric-powered golf carts and other slow-speed electric motorized vehicles on the Louisiana town streets, including crossing some state highways, when the speed limit does not exceed 25 mph.

“The purpose is for convenience and to go shorter distances,” Mayor Estes LeDoux said, noting that most of the golf carts are expected to be used by senior citizens. “They just want something they can use to go visiting or to the grocery store without having to drive their vehicles.”

The measure will permit the use of carts between the hours of dusk and dawn. Carts would not be allowed to operate at night or during inclement weather.

Drivers will also be required to have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and be required to register their golf carts annually with the Kinder Police Department through a $10 application process which includes a permit sticker to be displayed on the vehicle.

Golf carts must have headlights, turn lights, brake lights and mirrors, according to town attorney Michael Holmes.

Violations of the ordinance will result in a fine.

Similar golf cart ordinances have been approved in Welsh and Oakdale. Neither community has reported any violations or complaints since approving the ordinances, LeDoux said.

The Oakdale ordinance prohibits golf carts from crossing state highways, while Welsh has designated crossing areas.

The Kinder ordinance could take effect in July.