Two-year car inspections now available

Louisiana motorists, except for those in three New Orleans-area municipalities, now have the option of getting their vehicles inspected every two years instead of annually.

The new law took effect Saturday.

The Times-Picayune reports that drivers can buy a one- or two-year safety inspection sticker. The annual sticker costs $10; the two-year version costs $20.

But drivers in New Orleans, Kenner and Westwego will not have that option. They will have to get an annual inspection and a yearly tag.

Officials said the three cities' inspection programs pre-dated the state program. If the cities want to give the drivers the two-year option, officials said each city will have to amend existing local ordinances.