Brake tags in New Orleans are now extinct. But drivers still should understand what’s likely coming to replace them.
New Orleans city officials released an order on Friday for the New Orleans Police Department “to cease the issuance of citations for a motorist's failure to display or produce a vehicle inspection sticker,” according to our partners at NOLA.com.
The update comes after the passage of House Bill 1085, which ended the requirement for vehicle inspection stickers (brake tags) in all parts of the state other than areas that run their own local vehicle inspection programs, which included Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Kenner, and Westwego. (Kenner opted to end brake tag requirements shortly after the bill became law.)
Now, New Orleans is following suit and dropping all brake tag requirements.
Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Michael Harrison stated, “The city is currently evaluating how the new state law may affect New Orleans' separate vehicle inspection and emissions requirements.”
The new state law requires a Louisiana Vehicle Identification Program QR code sticker. Drivers must display this sticker, which, when scanned, will bring up the vehicle’s identification number (VIN). The QR code sticker will come at a $6 annual fee.
However, the new system is not yet rolled out, and Louisiana drivers do not need to take action; it is also unclear exactly how this law will affect New Orleans drivers, given it has its own local inspection program.
The new state system is planned to launch January 1st, 2027, and fees will be paid when drivers go to register a new vehicle or update their existing registration. Fees will be paid in 1, 2, or 4-year intervals. For example, if a driver goes to update their registration and hasn’t done so for four years, they will pay $24 when receiving the QR code.
This is a developing story. Follow along with WWL for the latest updates.
