Golf carts, e-bikes, and other small wheeled vehicles are showing up in more and more crashes on Louisiana roads, and many of those crashes involve kids. Attorney Jeremy “Jay” Suire of The Glenn Armentor Law Corporation joined KADN’s MidDay with Darla to walk parents through the golf cart laws and road rules every family should know, and to explain a new Louisiana law that affects anyone who wears Meta Glasses or other camera-equipped eyewear.
Read the full story on Acadiana News First.
Golf Cart and E-Bike Crashes Are on the Rise
Jay first discussed this topic on MidDay with Darla only a couple of months ago, and he says the number of golf cart and e-bike crashes has gone up since then. Fatal crashes have been reported in St. Landry Parish, and a recent golf cart crash in Brusly got a lot of attention on social media.
That Brusly crash is a clear example of how quickly things can go wrong. Two 13-year-olds were on a golf cart that was making a left turn when a car tried to pass it. The golf cart was traveling in the right direction, but it wasn’t following the rules of the road. The parent of the young driver was ticketed, and Jay explained that the families could face further legal consequences because investigators found that everyone involved shared some of the responsibility.
The Rules of the Road for Golf Carts and E-Bikes
One of the most common points of confusion is which direction to travel. Jay broke it down simply:
- Pedestrians should walk against traffic, facing oncoming cars.
- Anyone on wheels, including bicycles, e-bikes, and golf carts, must travel with traffic and follow the same rules as cars and trucks.
That means coming to a full stop at stop signs and red lights, signaling turns, and yielding the right of way. According to Jay, many neighborhood crashes happen because young golf cart drivers roll right through stop signs.
Is Your Golf Cart Street-Legal?
Many families are surprised to learn that most golf carts are not street-legal. Under Louisiana’s golf cart laws, as Jay explained:
- A licensed driver is required to operate a golf cart on a public roadway.
- Street-legal golf carts must have the required lights and safety equipment, must be registered, and must be insured.
- Limited exceptions exist for uses such as law enforcement and for fairs and festivals held in gated or controlled areas.
Just as important, a golf cart doesn’t offer anything close to the protection of a car. There are no airbags, no crumple zones, and often no doors or seat belts. Even a low-speed collision can throw passengers from the cart and cause serious injuries.
Drivers Share the Responsibility
Safety isn’t only up to the golf cart or e-bike rider. Jay pointed out that people driving cars and larger vehicles also have a duty to watch for smaller, slower traffic. On busier roads with higher speed limits, the difference in size and speed puts golf carts and cyclists at much greater risk, so drivers need to give them room and pass only when it’s safe.
Tips for Parents
- Review the rules of the road with your kids before they ride, including stopping at every stop sign.
- Don’t let unlicensed children drive a golf cart on public roads.
- Make sure e-bike riders travel with traffic and wear a helmet.
- Check with your insurance agent about whether your golf cart or e-bike is covered, and what happens if your child is involved in a crash.
New Louisiana Law on Meta Glasses and Wearable Recording Devices
Jay also covered a new Louisiana law that took effect August 1 and applies to recording devices built into eyeglasses, such as Meta Glasses. If you use one of these devices to record a conversation, you now need the other person’s permission. If you or someone in your family owns smart glasses, it’s a good idea to get in the habit of asking before you hit record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a child drive a golf cart on the road in Louisiana?
No. A licensed driver is required to operate a golf cart on a public roadway, and the golf cart itself must be street-legal.
Should e-bikes ride with or against traffic?
With traffic. Bicycles, e-bikes, and golf carts must travel in the same direction as cars and follow the same traffic laws. Only pedestrians should travel against traffic.
What makes a golf cart street-legal?
A street-legal golf cart must have the required lighting and safety features, be registered, and carry insurance. Most golf carts sold for personal use don’t meet these requirements without modifications.
Can I record someone with Meta Glasses in Louisiana?
Under the new law that took effect August 1, you must get the other person’s permission before using eyeglass-mounted recording devices like Meta Glasses to record a conversation.
Injured in a Golf Cart, E-Bike, or Car Accident?
Crashes involving golf carts and e-bikes often raise difficult questions about who was at fault and which insurance policy applies. If you or your child has been hurt, our personal injury attorneys can help you understand your options. You may also find these resources helpful:
- What to Do at the Scene of a Car Accident in Louisiana
- Why Medical Treatment Is Important After an Accident
- Louisiana’s Hands-Free Cell Phone Law: What Drivers Need to Know
- Auto Accidents
Call us today at (337) 233-1471 for a free case evaluation. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, contact our office.
