Today (April 10), New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell issued a stern warning for party bus operators who are in violation of enforcement regulations, rules and laws.
“We are ramping up enforcement in all areas. Now is the time to make sure you are in compliance. This is a public safety issue and public safety is a top priority,” said Mayor Cantrell.
Party buses are common in New Orleans, where dozens of operators make a business out of driving groups of people around the city, providing them a mobile party station. These party buses frequently play bounce music, and have become a central figure in preserving and promoting the distinctly New Orleans subculture for decades.
All party buses are required to have a legal license plate. If a party bus has its top cut off, it is not in compliance with the City of New Orleans. The bus may not have any vehicle hitched to it. A party bus with a portable toilet is in violation of sanitary hazard regulations.
Operators of party buses are being cautioned that the City of New Orleans Police Department and the Department of Safety and Permits will be ramping up enforcement on “party buses.” Furthermore:
- It is illegal to operate a party bus in New Orleans without being registered and approved by the Department of Safety and Permits.
- Operation of unpermitted vehicles will result in a range of enforcement actions, from ticketing to arrests to impoundment.
- For inquiries on how to become registered with the Department of Safety and Permits, you can contact the Ground Transportation Bureau via email at [email protected] or visit https://www.nola.gov/ground-
transportation-bureau/
Cantrell (and the City of New Orleans) are also encouraging residents to be mindful of which charter party carriers they hire. They’ve put forth some questions residents should be asking themselves, including:
Does your party bus have a Certificate of Public Necessity (or CPNC) issued by the City of New Orleans? Are your party bus drivers licensed by the City of New Orleans? Is your bus a retro-fitted school bus or trailer? Is your bus a limo-bus or charter bus?
For inquiries to verify if a bus rental company is registered with the Department of Safety and Permits, you can contact the Ground Transportation Bureau via email at [email protected] or visit https://www.nola.gov/ground-
