On Tuesday (June 2), Gov. Jeff Landry signed legislation doing away with state vehicle inspection stickers — commonly known as brake tags — and replacing them with a QR code system.
Starting Jan. 1, 2027, stickers will give way to a $6 QR code linked to vehicle registration. The QR code will display a vehicle’s VIN and, for law enforcement, serve as proof of insurance and flag any outstanding warrants.
Landry said the legislation delivers on a promise he made.
“It seems to be the most popular one, out of all the ones that I’ve talked about around the state,” Landry said.
Terry Buhler, a safety inspector at Roadrunner Brake Tag Station in Metairie, said the new law has not slowed down customers. Buhler and his co-worker inspect hundreds of cars every day.
“The governor had his mind made up before it even went to the Senate and the House,” Buhler said.
Buhler said the station sold 115 tags in a single day this week, with most customers choosing the two-year option. Just six or seven customers picked the one-year sticker.
Maria Treme said she had not heard about the legislation but went ahead and bought a one-year sticker.
“I’m fine if they mail me a QR code. Honestly, it is hard to get to the brake tag station,” Treme said.
Lisa Schwalb had followed the legislation and was hoping to avoid buying a new sticker altogether.
“I’m always procrastinating. It’s just something easy we can get out of the mail maybe,” Schwalb said.
Metairie resident James Hayton said brake tag stations fill a critical role.
“I think it’s a good thing to have actually because there are a lot of cars out there on the road that shouldn’t be on the road. This is one way that they’re trying to help keep that to a minimum I guess,” Hayton said.
Buhler said a number of violations prevent him from issuing stickers.
“Tinted windows, a lot of people don’t have driver’s licenses but they drive cars. We catch them and tell them you need to get out of here because we’re not giving you a tag,” Buhler said.
Hayton said he thought about skipping a new inspection sticker but decided the risk wasn’t worth it.
“Why risk it and pay the fine for it? I can get it for $10 and then I’m legal again and don’t have to worry about a thing,” Hayton said.
Some municipalities — including Kenner and New Orleans — maintain their own inspection sticker programs. A Kenner city spokesperson said the city has yet to reach a decision on its sticker. New Orleans said any decision will hinge on the bill’s final language and state guidance.
Leave a Comment