LOUISIANA - Starting Jan. 1, most drivers in Louisiana will no longer need a state inspection sticker. Gov. Jeff Landry signed the measure into law, calling the old requirement costly and burdensome.
For 64 years, family-owned shops like Smith's Towing and Recovery have relied on state inspection stickers to bring customers through the door. But that revenue source is about to end.
Many drivers may be happy to hear Landry's announcement ending the requirement for vehicle inspection stickers, but Candy Jett, owner of Smith's Towing and Recovery, sees it differently.
"Between $60,000 and $80,000 a year. And we work hard for that money," Jett said.
Jett said inspection stickers were not just a revenue stream. They led customers to other services the business offers.
"We do auto repairs, we do towing, we do flat tires, jump starts. We do multiple different things. And that's how we make new customers. So we will lose foot traffic for potential customers, but also for the inspection stickers," Jett said.
Instead of the old safety check, drivers will get a new Louisiana Vehicle Identification Program sticker with a QR code that lists the VIN when scanned. The cost is $6 per year, collected when drivers register or renew their vehicles, but Jett said the change may be confusing for car owners.
"I don't really understand this whole QR code thing. I just do not think it's going to be a good idea. When you get this QR thing in the mail, is someone going to actually do it or not? I don't know," Jett said.
Starting June 30, law enforcement agencies will no longer be allowed to ticket drivers for not displaying an inspection sticker. The new QR code requirement goes into effect Jan. 1 and applies only to personal vehicles. Commercial trucks and school buses must still undergo regular safety checks.
Drivers do not need to go to the DMV right away. They will receive the new QR code sticker when their next registration renewal comes up.
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