What Louisiana Drivers Should Know: QR Code Inspection Stickers

(KMDL-FM) Chances are, you've got one barely clinging on to the inside of your windshield. It's your State of Louisiana Vehicle Inspection sticker, and that fading, peeling piece of plastic-coated paper is about to go the way of the dinosaur. We are replacing inspection stickers with QR Codes in Louisiana, and a lot of you have asked exactly how that will work.

What's Different About the Louisiana QR Code Replacement Inspection Sticker?

Louisiana Inspection Sticker — TSM Employee Photo

The first thing you'll notice, besides how the new decal looks compared to your old inspection sticker, is the cost. The QR Code sticker costs $6 bucks. Those of you who have bothered to have your vehicle inspected in the past know that the fee for that is $10 for one year or $20 for two years.

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How Do Louisiana Drivers Obtain a QR Code Replacement Inspection Sticker?

You will receive your new QR CODE decal when it's time to renew your vehicle's registration. That's the document they send you in the mail that has the little tiny sticker that you affix to your license plate. So, don't get those two stickers confused. The little one goes on the tag; the bigger one will go on the windshield.

From what we understand, if you or I scan the QR Code sticker on a vehicle, the only information that comes up will be our VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). However, if a member of law enforcement scans the QR Code, they will be able to see the VIN as well as registration information, insurance information, and whether or not the registered owner of the vehicle has any outstanding or active warrants.

State Police Vehicle — Photo courtesy of Louisiana State Police Facebook

What is going to prevent "the bad guys" from obtaining the same QR Code scanner technology that the police have? Does this mean that soon ne'er-do-wells will be able to walk through parking lots and collect all sorts of personal data just from our windshield? I am sure there are security measures in place, but hasn't Louisiana's OMV been hacked multiple times in recent memory?

The new QR Code stickers will not go into effect until January 1, 2027. In the meantime, your current inspection sticker, even if it's outdated, will not get you a ticket.

There is a statewide grace period underway, but after January 1 of next year, you will be expected to have all of the details ironed out.