Major changes could soon come for Louisiana drivers. As the legislative session is wrapping up, lawmakers passed a bill that calls for the traditional vehicle inspection sticker to be eliminated. “Brake tags” would be turned into QR codes.
“I mean, this is pretty old school. I feel like it’s been like this for as long as I’ve been driving, and that’s been 20-plus years,” said Jessica Baldo.
Baldo supports lawmakers’ idea to update traditional vehicle inspection stickers to QR codes.
After work, she stopped by a brake tag station to get her vehicle inspected.
“I know it’s important for, you know, vehicle safety,” Baldo said.
But it’s a process she may not have to do again.
House Bill 1085 is waiting for the governor’s signature. The bill pushed by Rep. Larry Bagley would eliminate the vehicle inspection sticker for most Louisiana drivers.
According to OMV Commissioner Keith Neal, it would still be required for people who live in New Orleans, Kenner and Westwego.
It’s a concept some drivers say seems easier.
“I mean everything is becoming more automated now. I’ve seen products on TV where you can just take your phone and scan a code. That’s very convenient,” said Tony Pierre Sr.
It would also cost drivers less money each year.
A vehicle inspection sticker ranges from about $10 to $20 depending on the term. The QR code sticker would cost drivers $6 each year.
“With the economy going from one price to a cheaper price along with other things we have to pay for, that’s awesome to be dropping that,” said Gaynell Nelson.
The law would cut the requirements for third-party safety inspections, allowing drivers to self-install the QR code sticker to your windshield.
The QR code would only pull up your vehicle’s VIN number, not personal information.
Once signed, the new law would go into effect in January 2027.
The Governor is likely to sign the bill into law as he has already shared his support for the idea. In a statement, he said in part, “It’s time to eliminate the inspection sticker and stop this major inconvenience for Louisiana drivers,” said Gov. Jeff Landry.
READ MORE:Bill to eliminate vehicle brake tags moves forward at the Louisiana State Capitol
