St. James Parish passed an ordinance which allows the legal operation of UTV’s on parish roads or streets under the following provisions in accordance with Louisiana Law.

Anyone operating a UTV must be at least 21 years old and possess a valid Driver’s License.

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.

2. The utility terrain vehicle (UTV) must be inspected by a certified St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office (SJSO) deputy and contain the following equipment for approval:

 Headlamps
 Front and rear turn signal lamps
 Tail lamps
 Stop lamps
 Reflex reflectors, one on each side as far rear as practicable and one red reflector on rear of vehicle
 Exterior mirror mounted on driver’s side of vehicle
 Exterior mirror mounted on passenger’s side or an interior mirror
 Parking brake
 Adequate windshield
 Windshield wiper
 Speedometer
 Odometer
 Braking for each wheel
 Seat belt assembly installed at each designated seated position
 Vehicle identification number (VIN) or serial number
 Proof of liability insurance (in accordance with R.S.32:900(B)

3. After a successful inspection with certified deputy, SJSO deputy will then provide the licensed operator with the following paperwork to take to the Office of Motor Vehicle:
    a. Statement of Utility Terrain Vehicle (DPSMV 1810)
    b. Vehicle Application (DPSMV 1799)
    c. Affidavit of Physical Inspection for Vehicle Identity Verification (DPSSP 3515)
    d. Affidavit of Physical Inspection (SJSO form)

4. The licensed operator will also need to bring the following paperwork to the Office of Motor Vehicle:
    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.

5. Office of Motor Vehicle will provide their decal to the licensed operator; the operator will bring all paperwork to the SJSO Criminal Division to receive their official parish permit.

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

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.