Louisiana House bill proposes ending vehicle inspection program

Lawrence Bagley

A Louisiana House bill, HB 597, proposes the elimination of the state’s vehicle inspection program, instead, requiring auto owners to pay a $5.25 annual fee to the Office of Motor Vehicles, $4 of which goes to the state police.

Only student transportation vehicles and commercial vehicles would require inspection under HB 597.

Under current state law, in addition to a biennial inspection, drivers pay a $10 annual state inspection fee, $1.25 of which goes to the state. The rest of the fee goes toward the state police and the state-certified inspection stations.

The bill, proposed by State Rep. Lawrence A. Bagley
(R-Stonewall), is similar to two bills being considered in Texas. It would not apply to five parishes where vehicle inspections are required under the federal Clean Air Act.

Bagley said an inspection sticker does not guarantee a vehicle is safe. It is obvious when a vehicle’s safety features are not working properly, he said.

Bagley is working with the Office of Motor Vehicles to address its concerns.

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) opposes Louisiana’s bill, having voiced disagreement to similar bills in other states.

“Repairers understand the importance of these programs,” Bob Redding, ASA Washington D.C. representative, said. “Studies have shown that vehicle safety inspection programs prevent accidents, injuries and deaths. We encourage repairers and vehicle owners to contact the Louisiana legislature in opposition to HB 597.”