New Orleans officials are writing new rules for golf cart enforcement

The big picture: The city is cracking down on golf carts on city streets, as first reported by Axios in March.

• The proposed ordinance differentiates between golf carts and low speed vehicles, according to Clinton Hathaway, the new public works director.

Zoom in: Standard golf carts don't have seat belts and are not allowed on city streets at any time, he said Tuesday.

• Low speed vehicles are the tricked-out, street-legal versions of golf carts. They have an open-air appearance, along with seat belts, brake lights, headlights, turn signals and other safety features.
• Low speed vehicles also require a state-issued license plate and a licensed driver, according to a flyer officials gave Axios on Tuesday.

Yes, but: Neither of these vehicles can be used commercially in Orleans Parish.

State of play: Hathaway said the city is working now to iron out the consequences and how they will be enforced.

• He mentioned some internal DPW enforcement with the help of New Orleans police, along with fines and towing.
• Those details are still being worked out, he said, including the monetary amount of the fines.

What's next: The ordinance will be submitted to the City Council for approval, Hathaway said.

• But, there's no immediate timeline for submitting, city officials told Axios after the press conference.