Louisiana lawmaker wants to get rid of inspection stickers

(KTAL/KMSS) - House Bill 344 is requesting the removal of required motor vehicle inspection stickers.

The 2024 Louisiana Legislative session will begin on March 11, and representatives across the state will propose new laws or changes to current ones.

District 7, State Representative Larry Bagley is proposing the bill.

Current Law

According to the proposal under the present law, all motor vehicles are required to have an inspection sticker. If a vehicle is deemed unsafe a written notice will be given to the owner, and have 5 days to rectify the violation. Inspection stations are provided for operations to take place, and a one or two-year inspection certificate is granted to the owner; "and for use of funds charged for inspections."

Bill Proposal

State Rep. Bagley is proposing these changes and additions to the current law to allow certain vehicles to be driven without an inspection sticker.

“Cars back 20 years ago, when this came to be, were not in nearly as good of shape as they are now," said state Rep. Lawrence (Larry) Bagley. "We are in a different era about all those things, and I just thought it was time to change,”

Under the proposed law, Commercial vehicles and student transportation vehicles must have inspection stickers. Also, vehicles registered in parishes governed by the U.S. Clean Air Act will be required under federal law to obtain an emission inspection.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, seven counties in Louisiana are in nonattainment or maintenance status for the year according to pollutants criteria.

If passed, Law enforcement officers will have the authority to issue citations for motor vehicles that are deemed unsafe. Officers will provide the next steps or instructions for the vehicle owner to rectify the situation.

"The state police would ticket them through the parish that they stopped them in," state Rep. Bagley explained.

According to the proposed changes to the law, vehicles assembled with new parts will no longer need an inspection sticker, and Law Enforcement officers will not have the authority to require all drivers to submit vehicle tests and inspections.

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