In Louisiana, passenger vehicles are required to have an annual vehicle inspection done at Motor Vehicle Inspection stations authorized by the Office of Motor Vehicles. During a typical motor vehicle inspection, various parts and systems of the car are examined and tested.

Along with this, an Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program has been implemented in Baton Rouge for the five parishes of Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston, and West Baton Rouge where there are environmental concerns. This new emissions testing has been introduced for the control and reduction of motor vehicle emissions. The testing includes On Board Diagnostics (OBD) testing, gas cap integrity test and a visual check for non-tampering of the emissions system.

The Louisiana State Police website gives more information on Motor Vehicle Inspections for passenger vehicles. Vehicles require inspections for many original registrations, as well as for annual registration renewals.

VEHICLES THAT REQUIRE AN EMISSIONS TEST

Testing a vehicle for its emissions is part of the annual safety inspection of the vehicles in Louisiana. A car, truck, motor home or RV (recreational vehicle) requires the new emission test and an On Board Diagnostics (OBD) test if domiciled in the Baton Rouge 5-parish area when:

1. It runs on gasoline.
2. It is newer than 1996.
3. It has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 10,000 pounds or less.

Out of state Louisiana residents can apply for an extension of expiry of the Vehicle Inspection Certificate if they are on military duty, job, school or for any other valid reason. A written request can be sent by email with:

1. Reason for extension.
2. Details of the car registration.
3. Vehicle identification number.
4. Inspection certificate number.
5. Return address of petitioner.

VALIDITY

In Louisiana (except in the Baton Rouge 5-parish area), a 2-year MVI sticker is given by the car dealer for new cars, trucks and sports utility vehicles which:

• Possess a certificate of origin
• Weigh less than 10,000 lbs or less

After this for every annual inspection a sticker with a 1 year validity is issued. Also, out of state titled and used vehicles are issued a 1 year validity sticker. But, the MVI sticker issued for both a new car or after inspection, in the Baton Rouge 5-parish area is always valid for 1 year. After every inspection a special emissions insert is issued along with the Motor Vehicle Inspection sticker.

EXEMPTIONS

The following vehicles are exempt from Motor Vehicle Inspections all over Louisiana:

• Farm tractors and associate equipment.
• Vehicles which are 40 years old or older like exhibition/parade vehicles not used for transportation on a daily basis.
• Vehicles which regularly carry more than 15 passengers and therefore need a commercial MVI sticker.
• Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 20,000 pounds or more which need a commercial MVI sticker.

EMISSIONS TESTING LOCATIONS

Addresses of Motor vehicle Inspection Stations will help locate the one closest to you. Vehicles domiciled in the Baton Rouge 5-parish area have to visit a MVI station in that area. Here's a list of MVI stations for the Baton Rouge area. Vehicle owners from New Orleans, Kenner or Westwego, need to contact their city government for Motor Vehicle Inspection information.

EMISSIONS TESTING FEES

The Motor Vehicle Inspection fee is $10.00 (no tax charged) all over the state except the Baton Rouge 5-parish area where it is $18.00 (no tax charged).

EMISSIONS TEST FAILURES

If your vehicle fails the emissions test a Repair Form is given along with the Vehicle Inspection Report listing reasons for failure and failure procedures. If the retest is cleared at the MVI station within 30 days, you will not be charged for the inspection. If you fail and have to return for subsequent tests, the charges will have to be paid. Before a retest, a completed Repair Form must be provided to the MVI station. As usual you must have the vehicle repaired within 30 days and clear the emissions test. If you feel the test was unfair, you can go to a challenge station at the:

Louisiana Technical College Campus
3233 Rosedale Road
Next to Port Allen High School
Port Allen
Phone: 342-8425    

Here a free retest by trained mechanics is available if you want to challenge the test results. If the vehicle in question clears the test here, you will be instructed to return to the original station for an Inspection cleared sticker.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• The vehicle driver must provide a valid driver's license, current vehicle registration and valid insurance when the vehicle is taken for testing
• See also Vehicle History Reports.