Louisiana Street Legal Golf Cart Laws: Minden, Shreveport & Bossier City Guide

Golf carts aren’t just for the golf course anymore—around Minden, Shreveport, Bossier City, and surrounding areas of Louisiana, you might spot neighbors cruising the cul‑de‑sac in these zippy little vehicles. It looks like a lot of fun, but is it legal to drive a golf cart on the street in Louisiana? The answer is yes, but only under specific conditions. In this complete guide we’ll break down:

• Louisiana’s state statute for golf carts
• Local rules in Minden, Shreveport, and Bossier City/Parish
• The registration, insurance, and safety gear you need
• Pro tips for safe (and fun) carting around Northwest LA

Every legal point below cites Louisiana DMV or municipal sources, so you can roll with confidence. Let’s tee off ⛳

1 · Louisiana State Laws for Street‑Legal Golf Carts

The governing statute is La. R.S. 32:299.4. Big picture:

1.1  Default “No”—Local Designation “Yes”

Golf carts are prohibited on public roads unless your parish or city council has passed an ordinance specifically naming the roads where carts are allowed and posted signs. No signage? No go.

1.2  Cart vs Low‑Speed Vehicle (LSV)

A golf cart tops out at 25 mph; anything faster becomes a federally regulated LSV with stricter equipment rules (windshield, seat belts, VIN plate, etc.).

1.3  Mandatory Safety Equipment

• Headlights, tail lights & brake lights
• Front & rear turn signals
• Rear‑view mirror (add side mirrors for best visibility)
• Efficient brakes and safe DOT‑approved tires
• Red reflectors front and rear

1.4  Registration & Decal

You must title and register the cart through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. They’ll issue an Off‑Road Vehicle decal—display it clearly.

1.5  Driver’s License & Insurance

Every driver must hold a valid license and carry liability insurance meeting Louisiana’s 15/30/25 minimums. (Yes—you can get a DUI on a golf cart.)

1.6  Road Type & Speed Limits

Local designations are almost always roads posted ≤ 35 mph (often 25 mph). Golf carts are never allowed on highways except for a DOTD‑permitted golf‑course crossing.

2 · Minden, LA – What’s Allowed?

Short answer: right now, nothing on public streets. We found no ordinance in the Minden Code of Ordinances designating streets for carts. That means:

• Drive only on private property (your land, a campground, a golf course).
• No Webster Parish roads are designated either.
• If you want change, talk to city council—state law empowers them to approve streets & post signage.

Local tip: Spotted a neighbor carting to the grocery store? They’re rolling the dice. Assume no street‑use rights in Minden until an ordinance passes.

3 · Shreveport, LA – Current Status

As the region’s biggest city, Shreveport’s focus is traffic safety. The city has no broad cart ordinance, and sections of the code classify carts alongside other off‑road vehicles that are barred from streets. Result:

• No public‑street driving inside Shreveport city limits.
• Carts are fine on private property or gated‑community roads.
• Caddo Parish has not designated parish roads outside the city either.

If you dream of subdivision cart rides, lobby the city council or keep an eye on future pilot programs.

4 · Bossier City & Bossier Parish – A Tale of Two Rulesets

4.1  Bossier City

Inside city limits, rules mirror Shreveport: no ordinance = no street carts. Stay on private property.

4.2  Bossier Parish (Outside City Limits)

Good news! The Bossier Parish Police Jury has embraced carts in certain subdivisions:

• Annual Permit & Inspection • $5: Get your cart inspected by parish officers and receive a parish decal (in addition to the state decal).
• Designated “Golf‑Cart Communities”: Forest Hills & Cypress Bend are approved; more can petition.
• No state highways: Remain inside posted neighborhood streets.

Signs at subdivision entrances mark golf‑cart zones. Beyond those, deputies will ticket carts on parish roads.

5 · Street‑Legal Checklist (All of Louisiana)

1. Driver’s License – Class E or higher; minimum age 16.
2. Liability Insurance – 15/30/25 minimum; carry proof.
3. OMV Registration – Title + Off‑Road Vehicle decal.
4. Safety Gear Installed
   • Headlights / Tail lights / Brake lights
   • Front & rear blinkers
   • Rear‑view mirror (add side mirrors)
   • Good brakes & DOT tires
   • Red reflectors front & rear
   • Smart extras: Seat belts, horn, windshield, SMV triangle
5. Local Permit – If required (e.g., Bossier Parish annual decal).
6. Know Your Zone – Only drive on signed, designated roads ≤ 35 mph.
7. Observe All Traffic Laws – Stop signs, DUI rules, rider limits.

6 · Local Tips for Safe, Legal Cruising

6.1  Neighborhood Social Runs

Wave, smile, and keep speeds under the posted limit (usually 15–25 mph). Respect pedestrians—yield generously.

6.2  Crossing Bigger Roads

Avoid highways entirely; even a 35 mph state route is off‑limits. Trailer your cart or re‑route through neighborhood streets.

6.3  Weather & Night Safety

Louisiana storms pop up fast: add a fold‑down windshield and bright LED headlamps. At night, wear reflective gear and assume cars don’t see you.

6.4  Community Events

Some festivals allow carts in parade zones—but only if you’re street‑legal and the organizer says so. Always verify first.

6.5  Stay Informed

City and parish councils update ordinances. Skim meeting agendas or sign up for local email alerts. One new vote could flip a “no‑cart” street into a “cart‑friendly” lane overnight.

7 · Enjoy Your Cart—Fairway Carts Can Help!

With the right gear, registration, and respect for local rules, a golf cart is a fantastic way to zip around Northwest Louisiana. Fairway Carts can install street‑legal light kits, mirrors, seat belts, windshields and more—everything needed for that coveted OMV decal.

Browse Golf‑Cart Safety Accessories »
View Street‑Legal Golf Carts in Stock »

Questions? Contact our Minden showroom or drop by for a chat. We’ll help you get road‑ready—then you can cruise the neighborhood legally and safely. See you out there!