Unanimous vote opens town roads to golf carts and UTVs under state law

ADDIS — Golf carts and utility terrain vehicles are now permitted on Addis municipal streets after the Town Council voted unanimously Monday night to adopt Ordinance 2026-4, clearing the way for residents to ride legally — as long as they meet state requirements.

The vote capped months of work by Councilwomen Rhonda Kelley and Bliss Bernard, who assembled a step-by-step registration guide for residents and distributed it at the meeting. Kelley said she had already gone through the process herself with an older golf cart she thought would be difficult to register.

"I was able to get my old golf cart registered and get a title," Kelley said. "I got it street legal."

The ordinance is straightforward: unless state law or a specific local restriction says otherwise, golf carts and UTVs are permitted on all Addis municipal streets. State highways — including portions of Highway 1 and Sixth Street — remain off-limits. Golf carts cannot cross a state highway unless a golf course exists on both sides and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has issued a crossing permit.

The distinction between vehicle types matters under state law. Golf cart operators must have a valid driver's license. UTVs — side-by-side vehicles defined under Louisiana Revised Statute 32:299.3 — require the operator to be at least 21 years old. Four-wheelers and ATVs are not permitted on town streets under any circumstances.

The council acknowledged enforcement and signage details still need to be worked out. The ordinance takes effect immediately. Bernard suggested posting signage at town entry and exit points to notify residents that golf carts and UTVs are authorized on Addis roads — a requirement under state law.

"We'll start with this and as we have problems, we'll rework it," Councilwoman Bernard said. "I just wanted to keep it high level now and work through it as we find problems."

The issue drew significant community interest before the vote, with council members noting the topic had generated more response than almost anything else in recent memory.

How to Register Your Golf Cart in Addis

Councilwomen Kelley and Bernard compiled the following nine-step process for residents. Questions can be directed to Councilwoman Kelley at 225-776-2248 or Councilwoman Bernard at 225-776-1007.

1. Locate your VIN or serial number. The VIN is typically found on the frame or manufacturer's plate. If your cart does not have a clearly labeled VIN, you must work with an authorized entity to verify or assign one.

2. Obtain a bill of sale. The bill of sale must be signed by both buyer and seller and notarized. It should include the VIN or serial number, purchase date, purchase price, and identifying information for both parties. A template is available at:

https://esign.com/wp-content/uploads/Golf-Cart-Bill-of-Sale-Form.pdf

3. Obtain liability insurance. Louisiana law requires proof of insurance consistent with motor vehicle requirements under R.S. 32:900(B). Proof must be carried while operating the cart.

4. Equip your cart to meet street-legal requirements under R.S. 32:299.4. Required equipment includes: functioning headlamps, tail lamps, brake lamps, turn signals, front and rear reflectors, a rear-view mirror, an off-road decal (required by DMV), efficient brakes, reliable steering, safe tires, and a visible VIN or serial number.

5. Have your cart inspected by a certified peace officer. Once required equipment is installed, the cart must pass a physical inspection.

6. Complete the Statement of Golf Carts form. Available from the Louisiana DMV at: https://public.powerdms.com/LADPSC/documents/357217

7. Complete the Vehicle Application Form. Available at: https://public.powerdms.com/LADPSC/documents/355820 If there is no lien on your cart, only the top portion of the form needs to be filled out.

8. Schedule a DMV appointment under "Vehicle Registration."

• Port Allen DMV: Request Tara York, who specializes in golf cart registration. Email her your appointment date at Tara.York@la.gov.
• Baton Rouge (Independence location): Contact Latasha Anderson at Latasha.Anderson@la.gov.

9. Choose your registration format. At the DMV, you may select either a registration decal valid for four years or a license plate valid for two years.

The town notes that the registration guide is provided as a tool to assist residents and is not a permit application. Ordinance 2026-4 is available through the Town of Addis at 7818 Highway 1 South, Addis, LA. Phone: 225-687-4844 | www.addisla.org

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Ordinance 2026-4 is available through the Town of Addis at 7818 Highway 1 South, Addis, LA. Phone: 225-687-4844 | www.addisla.org