Many Louisiana drivers would only have to get a state vehicle inspection every five years under a proposal that won support Tuesday from the House transportation committee.

The measure by Rep. Richard Burford, R-Stonewall, would lengthen the current inspection requirement from two years to five years for any vehicle that is seven years old or newer.

Burford said newer model cars tell drivers when something is wrong, lessening the need for inspections. He noted 31 states don’t require inspection stickers at all.

Rep. Terry Landry, D-New Iberia, opposed the proposal, raising concerns about safety.

The committee sent the bill (House Bill 564) to the House floor for debate with a 9-3 vote. If approved by the full Legislature, it would take effect Sept. 1.

Burford’s bill would keep the inspection fee at $10 for each year the sticker is in effect – $50 for five years. Local parishes also add charges to the price.

Annual inspections would still be required in parishes with auto emission problems that have been cited by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The five-year inspection also would not apply to commercial vehicles and student transportation vehicles like school buses.

The last time inspection requirements were changed was in 2012.