Patterson council works on golf cart regulations

PATTERSON — Golf cart owners will soon be allowed to drive on specific streets of Patterson.
But first, council members are working to put together city regulations in place for cart operation.
Council members approved an introduction of a golf cart ordinance at Tuesday’s city council meeting.
City attorney Russel Cremaldi explained to Mayor Rodney Grogan and council members that the ordinance was written based on state law.
It is up to the council to add requirements specific to the Patterson community.
The ordinance defines a golf cart as an electric four-wheeled vehicle originally intended for use off road on golf courses and other green spaces with a maximum speed of 25 mph.
Golf carts will not be allowed on the following streets: Red Cypress Road, Main Street, U.S. 90 and La. 182. The concern is safety. The streets prohibited have speed zones exceeding 25 mph.
State law requires a golf cart to be equipped with efficient brakes, reliable steering apparatus, safe tires, rearview mirror, and red reflectorized warning devices in the front and rear.
Also required are headlamps, front and rear turn signal lamps, tail lamps and brake lamps.
Council members are requiring that seat belts for each occupant be added to the ordinance.
The carts will have to be registered with the state through the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. A cart must display a decal issued by the Office of Motor Vehicles. The city will assess a fee but it is yet to be determined.
In order to operate a golf cart, the person must have a valid driver’s license. Golf carts must also have liability insurance with the same minimum limits as required by state law.