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Golf Cart Safety Policy

1. Introduction

Departments at Loyola University New Orleans (LOYNO) provide golf cart/utility vehicles to employees to fulfill their job-related duties. These vehicles are used to transport supplies and people, patrol campus grounds, and support campus maintenance and grounds activities. This policy establishes consistent standards for the safe operation and use of golf cart/utility vehicles at LOYNO. The objective is to prevent injuries to students, employees, the public, and other members of the University community, to avoid property damage, and to ensure consistent operational standards.

2. Scope

This policy applies to the operation of all LOYNO-owned or LOYNO-operated and controlled golf cart/utility vehicles.

3. Responsibilities

Department Responsibilities

  • Ensure all authorized employees have a valid driver's license and are certified through the LOYNO Driver Certification Program Driver Authorization Form.
  • Authorize the use of golf cart/utility vehicles in compliance with this policy, monitor adherence, and maintain relevant records.
  • Ensure vehicles have designated parking locations, required equipment, licensing, documentation, and markings prior to use.
  • Ensure visitors or vendors using golf cart/utility vehicles comply with the expectations of this policy.

Driver Responsibilities

  • Obtain departmental authorization to operate vehicles.
  • Hold a valid driver's license and LOYNO Driver Certification.
  • Complete required training, including a classroom video, before operating golf cart/utility vehicles.
  • Drive responsibly and in accordance with training.
  • Report all incidents involving property damage or injuries to their supervisor and the Loyola University Police Department (LUPD).
  • Comply with local and state traffic laws and LOYNO policies regarding drug and alcohol use while operating vehicles.

4. Procedures

Vehicle Categories

  1. Category 1: Golf Cart/Hospitality Vehicle
    • Licensed through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
    • Four-wheeled electric vehicles with a maximum speed of 35 mph.
  2. Category 2: Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle
    • Not eligible for DMV licensing.
    • Four-wheeled motor or electric vehicles with an unloaded weight under 1,300 pounds and a maximum speed of 15 mph.

Vehicle Operating Standards

  • Category 1 vehicles may operate on city streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
  • Category 1 and Category 2 vehicles must:
    • Use streets to the nearest permitted sidewalk or path leading to the destination.
    • Reduce speed on sidewalks and paths, avoid passing pedestrians, and not impede pedestrian or bicycle traffic.
    • Refrain from parking in fire lanes, disabled parking spaces (unless permitted), reserved parking, or areas that block entrances, exits, or traffic flow.

5. Training

  • Training materials, including video training, will be provided to authorized employees.
  • Hands-on training will include demonstrating forward and reverse driving, turning, parking, and proper use of vehicle features such as the horn, turn signals, seatbelts, emergency brake, and ignition shutoff.
  • Training must be completed prior to vehicle use.
  • Re-training is required following incidents of injury, property damage, program changes, or if a driver does not meet program expectations.
  • Training completion is documented through the Golf Cart Safety Program, which includes an online test requiring a passing grade. Records are retained for three years.

6. Incident Reporting Process

  • Traffic collisions involving golf cart/utility vehicles must be immediately reported by the driver to the supervisor and LUPD.
  • Supervisors are responsible for reporting incidents to Risk Management and LUPD.

7. Required Equipment and Documentation

Vehicle Equipment

  • Emergency brake
  • Horn or audible warning device
  • Ignition shutoff or security system (e.g., steering wheel lock)
  • First aid kit
  • Equipment tie-downs (for material-hauling vehicles)
  • Lights (head, tail, brake) for nighttime use
  • Exterior mirrors if rear vision is obstructed by cargo
  • Portable fire extinguisher (for vehicles over 800 pounds and 50 inches in width)

Vehicle Documentation

  • Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle Routes Map
    • Hospitality Cart Map attached for Category 1
  • Manufacturer’s operations manual

8. Vehicle Fueling and Storage

  • Vehicles must be stored on hard surfaces in department-controlled locations approved by the Physical Plant department.
  • Parked vehicles must be secured to prevent unauthorized use.
  • Operators of electric vehicles must follow battery charging safety instructions as outlined in the manufacturer’s manual.

9. Documentation

  • Original Preparation Date: 11/19/2021
  • Last Revision Date: 3/8/2022
  • Latest Revision Number: 2

Acknowledgement Form

Download the Acknowledgement Form