Due to an increase in calls concerning underage children operating golf carts and “utility terrain vehicles” on city streets, Chief Bry Layrisson would like to inform the citizens of Ponchatoula that the police department will increase enforcement. According to state law, golf carts shall be equipped with efficient brakes, a reliable steering apparatus, safe tires, a rearview mirror, and red reflectorized warning devices in both the front and rear of the vehicle. Such golf carts shall also be equipped with headlamps, front and rear turn signal lamps, tail lamps, and brake lamps. Any golf carts operated on municipal streets shall be registered with the Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicles and shall display a decal issued by the office of motor vehicles. The carts must be occupied by a licensed driver and have a valid liability insurance policy.

Utility terrain vehicles shall be equipped with the minimum motor vehicle equipment appropriate for motor vehicle safety including headlamps, front and rear turn signal lamps, tail lamps, stop lamps, reflex reflectors (including one on each side as far to the rear as practicable and one red reflector on the rear of the vehicle), an exterior mirror mounted on the driver’s side of the vehicle and either an exterior mirror mounted on the passenger’s side of the vehicle or an interior mirror, a parking brake, an adequate windshield, a windshield wiper, speedometer, odometer, braking for each wheel, a seat belt assembly installed at each designated seating position, and a vehicle identification or serial number. Any utility terrain vehicle operated on municipal streets shall be registered with the Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicles and shall display a decal issued by the office of motor vehicles. The carts must be occupied by a person at least twenty-one years of age, possess a valid driver’s license, and have a valid liability insurance policy. No person shall be a passenger in the open bed of the vehicle while traveling on public roadways except during an emergency situation.

“I’m proud that we live in a golf cart friendly community and have not experienced any serious injuries throughout the past 15 years. However, I encourage parents to take additional responsibility to ensure that we continue to keep our children safe while they enjoy our beautiful neighborhoods and parks,” Layrisson said.