Transportation (Vehicle Registration)

This resolution directs the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles to study how to regulate and reduce fees charged by licensed driver education schools. The study will examine current costs, regional price differences, factors driving price increases, and practices used by other states to ensure affordable driver training. By February 1, 2027, the office must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Senate Transportation Committee and the Legislative President Pro Tempore. This action primarily affects minors and first-time drivers who rely on these programs to obtain their licenses.

HB 846 prohibits drivers from covering or obscuring license plates with films, coverings, or substances that reduce visibility, legibility, or reflectivity. It directly affects drivers who apply decorative films, frames, or other materials to their plates. The bill requires plates to be clearly visible at all times and sets fines of up to $75 for a first offense and $250 for repeat violations. This law amends Louisiana's vehicle code to ensure license plates remain fully readable for law enforcement and identification purposes.

SB 348 allows local law enforcement agencies (like sheriff's offices or city police) to contract with licensed private companies for specific administrative tasks related to motor vehicle enforcement, such as processing license plates, verifying registration/insurance data, and sending compliance notices. It requires that a commissioned officer has already initiated an enforcement action before contracting, and motorists must voluntarily provide written consent to have their license plate handled by the third party. The bill explicitly prohibits these service providers from performing enforcement actions or possessing police powers. This directly affects local law enforcement agencies, private service providers, and motorists who interact with vehicle enforcement processes. The law does not change vehicle safety or insurance requirements but changes how administrative aspects of enforcement are handled.

HB 777 requires all Louisiana drivers renewing a Class "E" license to pass a knowledge exam every eight years. The exam covers state traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices (including distracted driving), with a minimum passing score of 80%. Drivers failing the exam get three free retakes and a temporary 90-day license to retake it, but must pass within that period to avoid suspension. The bill eliminates the previous third-party tester requirement, mandates multiple test formats (online, in-person, mobile), and prohibits extra fees for the exam during renewal. It takes effect January 1, 2028, with the DMV required to report annual exam data to lawmakers.