JENNINGS — There are now about ten license plate readers that are located throughout Jeff Davis Parish.
The license plate readers are placed in areas that see a lot of traffic, like Evangeline Highway in Jennings.
The parish will use the license plate readers to scan license plates to make sure vehicles are insured.
"We previously had some license plate readers that were not being utilized anymore, so this [Louisiana Public Safety Company] found out," said District Attorney Michael Cassidy. "They came in, offered to revamp our existing ones and place some news ones."
Some drivers are happy about the news, considering the costs of getting in a crash with someone who isn't insured.
"It made it a lot more difficult for them... a lot of out-of-pocket expenses that could have been avoided," said one local driver.
Cassidy says the license plate readers may even save drivers money.
"The more people who are insured, the lower the rates go for all of us who pay our insurance," said Cassidy.
The license plate readers can also track license plates.
"I think we'll be able to put a stop to a lot more of the crime that goes on around here by identifying people," said the local driver.
Tracking will help police look for suspects and solve crimes.
"They could find missing children. They can probably alert you if somebody got hurt. I just think it's a wonderful idea," said another local driver.
If a driver is caught driving a vehicle without insurance, they will receive a notice of violation. The driver will then have 60 days to send proof of insurance and a fee. If the driver believes they received a notice of violation in error, they can call 225-385-4740 Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
