Youngsville Police Clarify Rules on Golf Carts and Low-Speed Vehicles on Public Roads

For Youngsville residents who aren't clear on the rules on golf carts and low-speed vehicles (LSVs) on public roads, the Youngsville Police Department (YPD) is issuing a public reminder about the law. The department made a recent post on Facebook aimed to clear up confusion surrounding where these vehicles can legally travel.

According to Youngsville Police, golf carts cannot legally cross any public roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or higher in Youngsville. However, LSVs are allowed to operate on roads up to 35 mph and cross roads up to 45 mph. Both vehicle types require a valid driver’s license, registration, and insurance to be street legal.

The post sparked discussion among Youngsville residents, with many still confused about the explanation. One commenter, Michael Ardoin, questioned whether an LSV could legally traverse a short section of a 45 mph road to reach a 35 mph area, such as along Detente Road. Others, like Kristi K. Daigle, expressed concerns about newer golf carts that resemble LSVs but are capable of slightly higher speeds.

Another major concern raised in the discussion involved enforcement, particularly regarding underage drivers. YPD made it clear that parents will be held responsible if a child is caught operating a golf cart illegally. Resident Brock Richard asked whether this meant parents would receive citations, while others, like Melissa Lipari Davidson, shifted focus to the safety of high-speed scooters frequently seen in local neighborhoods.

Some residents, like Helen Delcambre, joked lightheartedly that most of Youngsville already functions as an LSV zone, given the prevalence of 35-mph speed limits.

Youngsville PD emphasized that simply adding safety lights to a golf cart does not make it street legal. To legally operate on public roads, the vehicle must meet all state-mandated safety requirements, be registered with the DMV, and display a registration sticker.

Residents seeking more details about the ordinance can review the full city regulations here or contact the Youngsville Police Department at (337) 856-5931.