photo courtesy of Louisiana State Police
The House Transportation Committee voted 6-5 against a measure that sought to eliminate the state’s vehicle inspection sticker program. The bill’s author, Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley argues that the requirement to get your vehicle inspected is government overreach.
“This is just part of the overreach about government that I’m trying to do away with. We don’t need the government doing that. I mean, we can do that on our own. I think most of us here certainly have vehicles and we keep up with them,” Bagley said.
Currently, vehicle owners must pay $10 for a one-year inspection sticker or $20 for a two-year sticker. Bagley noted that 39 other states, including Texas this year, have ended similar programs.
“We are the only red state, Republican state, that still has the stickers,” Bagley stated.
Critics argue inspections are often not properly conducted, while supporters, including inspection station owners, insist the program promotes road safety and maintains vehicle standards. Neal Underwood, representing inspection station owners, warned that removing the requirement could lead to increased accidents and higher insurance rates.
“There’s been a lot of talk about, if this bill increases crash rates, what impact will that also have on our insurance rates as well,” Underwood said.
Kathy Slavant, an inspection station operator, defended the integrity of the inspections.
“I have been employed for 25 years doing inspection stickers. My daughter works for me, my older daughter worked for me, my son, and we have a lot of integrity in what we do,” Slavant said.
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