KEY TAKEAWAYS: Louisiana will begin issuing QR code stickers with vehicle registrations starting in January. The new $6 QR code replaces the former $10 annual inspection sticker and eliminates required safety inspections. Drivers do not need to take any action; QR code stickers will be issued automatically during registration or renewal. Westwego is the only Louisiana city retaining its local brake tag inspection program after New Orleans and Kenner ended theirs.   Louisiana drivers will begin receiving QR code stickers in January to replace the defunct vehicle inspection sticker program, the official who oversees the state’s Office of Motor Vehicles told USA Today Network. “We’re on track to begin printing the QR codes in January,” said Bryan Adams, who also oversees the Office of State Fire Marshal, Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, Louisiana Gaming Control Board and Louisiana Liquefied Petroleum Gas Commission. He also praised New Orleans for ending its city-required inspection stickers, known as brake tags, that city officials announced last week. “I think it’s a good thing for New Orleans to be in line with the rest of the state,” Adams said Aug. 3 in an interview with USA Today Network. Though a new state law abolishes the state’s inspection sticker Jan. 1, 2027, the cities of Kenner, New Orleans and Westwego weren’t required to end their own brake tag inspection programs. But Kenner’s city council voted to abolish its program earlier this summer and New Orleans followed suit July 31. That leaves only Westwego’s program in place. Westwego’s council voted to keep its brake tag requirements. Though the Louisiana law doesn’t officially go into effect until 2027, police were required to stop writing tickets for expired stickers beginning July 1. Gov. Jeff Landry signed Republican Stonewall state Rep. Larry Bagley‘s bill into law June 2, saying it might be the most popular bill he’ll sign all year. “The inspection sticker is now EXPIRED in Louisiana!,” Landry posted on X. “I was proud to finally sign Representative Bagley’s bill to get rid of this costly and burdensome sticker.” Adams called the new law a “game-changer.” QR code stickers will cost $6 compared to $10 a year for a new inspection sticker. Vehicle owners will no longer have to go through the safety inspection process at inspection sticker stations. Adams emphasized vehicle owners don’t need to take any action. The QR code stickers will be automatically provided when securing or renewing vehicle registration. The only information on the QR code will be a VIN number, which is already provided on the driver’s side door. Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1. This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: How will Louisiana drivers get QR codes to replace inspection stickers? Reporting by Greg Hilburn, Shreveport Times / Shreveport Times USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect ...read more read less