St. James Parish passed a new ordinance which allows the legal operation of golf carts on parish roads or streets under the following provisions in accordance with Louisiana Law.

Anyone operating a golf cart must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid Driver’s License.

The golf cart must be registered with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), and an OMV decal must be applied to a side panel of the vehicle.

STEPS TO TAKE:

1. The licensed owner/operator must contact the St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office at 225-562-2374 and schedule an appointment for an inspection.
The cost for inspection is $15.00.

Equipment Checklist:
 Efficient brakes
 Reliable steering apparatus
 Safe tires
 Rear view mirror
 Red reflective warning devices in both front and rear
 Front and rear turn signals
 Tail lamps
 Brake lamps
 Head lamps
 Vehicle identification number (VIN) or serial number
 Proof of liability insurance (in accordance with R.S. 32:900 (B)

2. After successful inspection with a SJSO Deputy, the SJSO deputy will then provide the licensed operator with paperwork to take to the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV):
    A. Statement of UTV (DPSMV 1810) or Statement of Golf Cart (DPSMV 1809)
    B. Vehicle Application (DPSMV 1799)
    C. Affidavit of Physical Inspection for Vehicle Identity Verification (DPSSP3515)
    D. Affidavit of Physical Inspection (SJSO Form)

3. The Licensed operator will also need to bring the following paperwork to OMV:
    A. The Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (New/ unregistered vehicle) or title.
    B. Itemized invoice from dealer to purchaser or original notarized bill of sale or invoice (new/unregistered) or current certificate of title signed before a notary by seller to purchaser, with the properly released lien, if applicable.
    C. A security agreement, if applicable.
    D. Applicable fees (title, handling, mortgage recordation fees)
    E. Applicable sales/use tax.
    F. Proof of liability insurance.

4. Once OMV provides their decal to the licensed operator; the operator will bring all paperwork to the SJSO to receive their official parish permit.

NOTE
Non-compliance of any state or local laws may result in suspension or revocation of Parish/OMV Permit.

When it is time to renew OMV registration, you will be required to also renew SJSO inspection. Golf carts are subject to the compulsory insurance requirements. If liability insurance is cancelled, it will result in a revocation of the registration and the driver’s license. To prevent insurance cancellations, the title must be surrendered and a title correction processed to re-classify the vehicle as an Off Road Vehicle. A title fee will be assessed.

To request an appointment for an inspection, please complete the online form and someone will contact you.