House Bill No. 888, introduced by Representative Melerine, seeks to amend existing laws regarding temporary registration plates and dealer identification plates in Louisiana. The bill allows licensed motor vehicle dealers to provide temporary courtesy loaner vehicles to customers whose vehicles are being repaired, under specific conditions to avoid classification as rentals. It also extends the validity period of identification plates from five to ten consecutive calendar days and permits these plates to be affixed to the rear window of vehicles, rather than being restricted to the rear bumper.

In addition to these changes, the bill enhances security measures for temporary registration plates to combat counterfeiting, requiring durable materials and embedded security features. The application fee for these plates will only be charged once the commissioner announces an electronic issuance system for print-on-demand plates. The bill also introduces provisions for the inclusion of official state-approved insignias or seals on the plates and establishes that the new regulations will take effect following public notice from the commissioner. Notably, the bill removes previous requirements for specific characteristics of the temporary identification plates, such as size consistency and maintenance of legibility, aiming to streamline regulations while ensuring the plates' effectiveness and security.

Statutes affected:
HB888 Original: 47:473(H), 47:520(B)
HB888 Engrossed: 47:473(H), 47:519(A), 47:520(E)