LAPLACE — Golf carts in St. John the Baptist Parish now fall under the jurisdiction of the sheriff’s office, as outlined in a new ordinance the parish council adopted June 12.

The ordinance calls for the St. John Sheriff’s Office to set policies, procedures and fee schedules for operation of the carts on parish streets. The new regulation also calls for cart owners to purchase a permit and proof of registration must be on the cart at all times in the form of a decal that must be renewed every two years.

A valid driver’s license is also required to operate the cart, and no children less than the age of 6 years old are allowed to ride.

In some areas, carts are a familiar sight, especially in Reserve and in neighborhoods near golf courses. However, there are several roads in Garyville, Reserve and LaPlace where golf carts are prohibited.

“(The ordinance) replaces the previous ordinance and follows the letter of state law,” Councilwoman Julia Remondet said. “The Sheriff’s Office will be in charge of handling certification, taxes.”

Chief Deputy Steven Guidry said the policies and requirements are all on the sheriff department’s website. If the cart is untitled, he said the office would also provide assistance as to how to obtain a title.

The sheriff’s office will also handle physical inspections of the carts, he said.

“I don’t want to see (the carts) on walking paths,” Council Chairman Lennix Madere Jr. said. “Those belong to the citizens who want to walk and exercise on the path.”

— By Richard Meek