RESERVE — The business of legal golf cart riding on St. John the Baptist Parish streets is underway, with authorities announcing their first official golf cart inspection.

Local businesses have also stepped in to serve new customer needs.

The St. John Sheriff’s Office is in charge of inspection and regulation for the legal operation of golf carts on parish roads as mandated by a St. John Parish Council ordinance passed June 12.

St. John Parish residents may drive golf carts on designated parish streets provided they pass inspection, are registered with the SJSO and the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, and abide by ordinance regulations.

Sheriff’s Office officials said the first golf cart inspection took place June 22 in Reserve with Vincent Simon.

For information on how to register a golf cart, visit bit.ly/2LLj5Ck.

Brock’s Automotive on River Road in Reserve is promoting its “Making Golf Carts Street Legal” service, which includes a 5 percent discount when mentioning their advertisement.

On Tuesday, Sheriff Mike Tregre stressed there will be zero-tolerance for careless and reckless operators of all terrain vehicles at the St. John Parish Independence Celebration July 3 near the streets and the levee by St. Peter Church in Reserve.

“Last year two ATV drivers were observed driving recklessly on the levee as the fireworks celebration was ending with citizens still in the area,” Tregre said. “The operators wore masks to conceal their identities.”

A Sheriff’s Office task force will be patrolling streets on the lookout for anyone driving an all terrain vehicle in a reckless manner.

“These drivers of ATVs in a reckless manner are putting their lives, as well as others, in danger,” Tregre said. “Law enforcement will be out there to ensure that these drivers will be cited, arrested and their vehicles will be seized.”