Emissions Testing in Indiana

Testing Requirements

Current Testing Requirements in Indiana

Indiana operates the Clean Air Car Check program in Lake and Porter counties in the northwest corner of the state. The program exists to reduce ozone pollution in an area that is part of the greater Chicago metropolitan nonattainment zone under the federal Clean Air Act. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management oversees the program, and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles integrates test results with vehicle registration. Testing is centralized at Clean Air Car Check stations, which also offer BMV registration services. The test for model year 1996 and newer vehicles is an OBD-II diagnostic inspection. Vehicles from 1981 through 1995 receive a tailpipe inspection and maintenance test. Vehicles from 1976 through 1980 receive a single idle speed test. All vehicles also receive a gas cap pressure check and a tampering inspection verifying that emissions control equipment is intact.

Who Needs an Emissions Test

Gasoline-powered vehicles manufactured after 1975 with a GVWR of 9,000 pounds or less that are registered in Lake or Porter County must pass an emissions test. This includes passenger cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs. Vehicles within their first four model years are exempt based on the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin. Diesel-powered vehicles and electric vehicles are exempt regardless of model year. Motorcycles, recreational vehicles, ceremonial vehicles, farm vehicles, kit cars, dune buggies, and vehicles over 9,000 pounds are also exempt. New residents moving to Lake or Porter County have 60 days to register their vehicle with the BMV and will receive a test notice. Vehicles registered in the other 90 Indiana counties have no testing requirements.

How Often Tests Are Required

Emissions testing is required every two years on a model year odd/even cycle. Vehicles manufactured in even-numbered years are tested during even-numbered calendar years, and vehicles manufactured in odd-numbered years are tested during odd-numbered calendar years. A vehicle first requires testing when it is four model years old. The BMV sends a registration renewal notice indicating whether an emissions test is due. Once a vehicle passes, the results are valid for 90 days.

Where Emissions Testing Is Required

Emissions testing is required only in Lake County and Porter County in northwest Indiana. These are the only 2 of Indiana's 92 counties where testing is mandatory. All other counties, including Marion County (Indianapolis), Allen County (Fort Wayne), Hamilton County (Carmel), St. Joseph County (South Bend), and every other county in the state, have no testing requirements. Vehicles do not need to be tested even if the owner works or drives regularly in Lake or Porter County, as long as the vehicle is registered in another county.

What Happens During the Test

For model year 1996 and newer vehicles, a technician connects an OBD-II scanner to the diagnostic link connector and checks for stored trouble codes, readiness monitor status, and the malfunction indicator lamp. A lit check engine light results in failure. For vehicles from 1981 through 1995, a tailpipe emissions test measures pollutant levels. Vehicles from 1976 through 1980 receive a single idle speed test. All vehicles receive a gas cap pressure test and a tampering inspection confirming the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, and other emissions equipment are present and connected. Animals are not allowed in the vehicle during the testing procedure. The test typically takes 15 to 20 minutes.

Areas in Indiana That Require Emissions Testing

Within Lake County, cities where testing is required include Gary, Hammond, East Chicago, Merrillville, Hobart, Crown Point, Griffith, Schererville, Munster, Dyer, and Highland. Within Porter County, cities include Portage, Valparaiso, Chesterton, and Burns Harbor. Cities outside these two counties are exempt. Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend, Evansville, Carmel, Fishers, Bloomington, Lafayette, Terre Haute, Kokomo, Anderson, and Muncie do not require emissions testing. Clean Air Car Check operates multiple testing stations throughout Lake and Porter counties.

How the Emissions Test Works in Indiana

Drivers take their vehicle to a Clean Air Car Check station in Lake or Porter County. No appointment is needed. Bring your registration renewal notice or current registration. The test is performed by a certified inspector. If the vehicle passes, results are transmitted to the BMV and registration can be renewed. Some Clean Air Car Check stations also offer BMV registration renewal services on-site for an additional convenience fee. If the vehicle fails, the owner receives a Vehicle Inspection Report listing the failure reasons and a list of Indiana Certified Emissions Repair Technician (ICERT) facilities. Repairs must be performed at an ICERT facility. If the vehicle is repaired within 30 days of the failed test, a free retest is available. If registration is about to expire, a temporary 30-day permit is available while repairs are completed. A waiver may be granted if the vehicle fails at least two tests and the owner has spent a minimum amount on qualifying emissions repairs: $450 for 1996 and newer vehicles, $300 for 1981 through 1995 vehicles, and $75 for 1976 through 1980 vehicles. All emissions equipment must be intact and visually operational to qualify for a waiver.