Louisiana shop owner says inspection sticker law puts 20-year business in danger

CENTRAL, La. (WAFB)— A vehicle inspection shop owner said his business of more than 20 years is in danger of closing after a new state law eliminated inspection stickers.

David Norris, who operates a small vehicle inspection shop off Hooper Road in Central, said his business has slowed dramatically since Gov. Jeff Landry signed Representative Terry Bagley’s HB1085 into law a week ago.

“Some days we’ve done 30-35 inspections. Now we’re down to four, five maybe,” Norris said.

Law prohibits citations through end of year

Personal, non-commercial vehicles registered in Louisiana will no longer be required to have a vehicle inspection sticker beginning Jan. 1, 2027, according to Louisiana State Police.

The law prohibits law enforcement officers from issuing citations for failing to display or produce an inspection sticker between June 30, 2026, and Jan. 1, 2027. Louisiana State Police have immediately stopped issuing citations for inspection sticker violations.

“As with any change in Louisiana law, our focus during this transition period will be on educating motorists about the new requirements, answering questions, and helping the public understand how these changes will affect them moving forward,” state police said in a statement on Tuesday. “Motorists should remember that all other traffic and vehicle equipment laws remain in effect.”

Emissions testing still required in five parishes

Five parishes will still require drivers to take their vehicles in for emissions testing: East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston and Iberville.

Emissions tests are a federal requirement in the five-parish area. The requirement is still in effect and enforceable by local law enforcement, according to the governor’s office.

Emissions tests in those five parishes are still able to be conducted at the same private locations as before. This will remain the same until the EPA approves an alternative plan for emissions inspection.

When asked how local law enforcement will enforce emissions standards, the governor’s office said to ask local law enforcement.

Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse said, “that has not been worked out yet and we are still awaiting guidance.”

Norris questioned how he will run his business with just the $6 take-home he says he gets for each emissions test.

“I don’t know. I don’t know how much longer we can actually make it,” Norris said.

QR code system to begin in 2027

The vehicle identification program will begin Jan. 1, 2027. The Office of Motor Vehicles will send QR codes to drivers with their registrations.

WAFB asked Rep. Bagley on Tuesday if small businesses like Norris’ are unable to survive due to the changes, does the state bear responsibility.

“I have been working on the effort to eliminate inspection stickers in Louisiana for ten years,” Bagley replied in a written statement. “I’m grateful that the issue was overwhelmingly passed by both houses of the legislature. It was signed into law by Governor Landry. Clearly, the people of Louisiana agree that this is an unnecessary government burden that needed to go.”

State Representative Lauren Ventrella, who represents the district Norris lives in, voted yes for Bagley’s bill.

“Louisiana is moving in the step with the rest of the country and trying to fix the antiquated and outdated process of the inspection stickers,” Ventrella said.

Norris said he likes what he is doing and likes his customers. He fears the change will wipe away his father-son business.

“What is anybody going to do when your job quits?” Norris said. “How are you gonna pay your bills? Not their problem.”

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