Legislators are trying to get away of inspection stickers because some drivers may think they are a bother. House Bill 344, which was approved by a legislative committee today, aims to do that.
According to Louisiana rules, an inspection sticker is used to demonstrate that a car is safe to drive. They’re a waste of time and money, according to Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley (R).
“I just think this is an unnecessary task that we perform, and you know the ten dollars isn’t a big deal, the fact that I have to have it and if I forget it then the fine is much bigger than that having to be stopped and checked by the police and check all that out to see and I’m okay and they let me go, I just don’t see any need for that,” he stated.
Rep. Phillip Tarver of Lake Charles stated during the committee meeting that police are just as capable of enforcing car safety regulations as the stickers are.
“If the windshield had a crack in it across the windshield, the visible part, impairing the visability of the driver, could you stop it for that?” Tarver posed the question to State Police Captain Bryan Lee.
“Yes, sir,” Lee answered.
“So for the most part as far as the safety is concerned, the real safety of it is concerned, you probably could have cause to stop it if you feel like it’s unsafe,” Tarver stated.
Conversely, some, such as Representative Travis Johnson (D) of Vidalia, are against the bill and in favor of the stickers’ use, citing driver accountability and safety.
“If that tire pops or that belt pops and you just lose control, then you put others at risk,” Johnson stated. “I think it is a very, very dangerous thing unless you can tell me otherwise, I don’t see this being a good thing for the state of Louisiana.”
In a narrow vote on Monday, the legislation passed committee six to five in spite of objections. The House will now consider the bill.
