Louisiana Lawmakers Are Once Again Pushing to End Inspection Stickers

(KNGT-FM) - It feels like every few months, news begins to circulate with State Representatives or public figures in Louisiana attempting to get rid of your car inspection stickers. It's that time again...

Louisiana drivers have had enough of those little stickers on their windshields. Every year, it’s the same routine - pay the fee, get the inspection, and hope your car passes. Most people would probably say it’s a waste of time and money, and they’re tired of the hassle.

In Louisiana, inspection stickers are currently required for all motor vehicles to show that they meet basic safety standards. Drivers must get their cars inspected each year and display a sticker on their windshield as proof. If a car is found to be unsafe, the owner receives a written notice and has five days to fix the problem. These inspections help make sure that vehicles on the road are in good condition.

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State Representative Larry Bagley from Stonewall has tried six or seven times to end inspection stickers. He says most people agree they are a hassle, but lawmakers have been afraid to vote for the change.

His new bill would make inspection stickers optional. That means drivers would not have to wait in long lines or worry about penalties if they forget to get one.

“It’s kind of an inconvenience, you have to keep doing it every one or two years. I know a lot of people whose brake tags have been expired and they’ve been driving around, so I don’t what they really accomplish by having them on their when people just don’t renew them,” said Hoerner.

Per WAFB, Bagley says inspection stickers bring in about $10 million each year for the Louisiana State Police. Right now, it’s not clear how that money would be replaced if the law changes.

Republicans control the Louisiana Legislature, and Governor Landry says the law could change this session. Still, similar efforts have failed in the past. For now, inspection stickers are still required in Louisiana. Any changes would need to pass through the Legislature and be signed into law.