Emissions Testing in Louisiana

Testing Requirements

Current Testing Requirements in Louisiana

Louisiana operates a statewide annual safety inspection program for all registered vehicles. In five parishes in the Baton Rouge metropolitan area, an enhanced inspection that includes emissions testing is also required. The emissions program began on January 1, 2000, after the Baton Rouge area was designated as an ozone nonattainment zone under the federal Clean Air Act. The enhanced inspection includes a visual anti-tampering check of emissions control components, a gas cap integrity test, and an OBD-II diagnostic scan for vehicles model year 1996 and newer. LDEQ provides program oversight and data collection, while the Office of State Police handles enforcement and fee collection.

Who Needs a Vehicle Inspection

All vehicles in Louisiana must pass an annual safety inspection. Vehicles registered in Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston, and West Baton Rouge parishes must also pass the enhanced emissions inspection if they are gasoline-fueled and have a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less. Vehicles in their first two model years are exempt from the OBD-II emissions test. Diesel-powered vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles over 10,000 pounds, electric vehicles, vehicles pre-1980, antique and exhibition vehicles over 25 years old, and brand-new vehicles in their first two years of registration are exempt from the emissions portion. Vehicles registered in the five-parish area must be tested at inspection stations within that area and cannot be tested elsewhere in the state for emissions purposes.

How Often Tests Are Required

The safety inspection is required annually for all Louisiana vehicles. The enhanced emissions inspection in the five-parish area is also annual. Emissions testing must be performed every year, so vehicles in the covered parishes cannot receive a two-year inspection sticker. The inspection sticker shows the expiration date. Inspections must be completed no later than one calendar month after the sticker expires, or the driver risks being cited.

Where Emissions Testing Is Required

Emissions testing is required only in five parishes in the Baton Rouge metropolitan area: Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston, and West Baton Rouge. All other Louisiana parishes require only the annual safety inspection without an emissions component. Vehicles registered in the five-parish area must be tested at Motor Vehicle Inspection stations located within those parishes.

What Happens During the Test

The enhanced inspection in the five-parish area begins with the standard safety inspection, which checks brakes, lights, tires, steering, windshield, horn, seat belts, and other safety equipment. The emissions portion then includes a visual anti-tampering check of the catalytic converter, positive crankcase ventilation system, exhaust gas recirculation system, air injection system, and evaporative emission control system. A gas cap integrity test checks for fuel system leaks and proper cap sealing. For vehicles model year 1996 and newer, an OBD-II diagnostic scan checks for stored trouble codes, readiness monitor status, and the malfunction indicator lamp. A lit check engine light results in failure. Incomplete readiness monitors also result in failure.

Areas in Louisiana That Require Emissions Testing

Within the five covered parishes, cities and communities where the enhanced emissions inspection is required include Baton Rouge, Gonzales, Denham Springs, Plaquemine, Prairieville, Walker, Central, Baker, Zachary, Port Allen, Addis, and Donaldsonville. Cities outside the five-parish area do not require emissions testing. New Orleans, Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, Alexandria, Houma, Slidell, Kenner, Metairie, and all other Louisiana cities outside the Baton Rouge metro area need only the statewide safety inspection. Motor Vehicle Inspection stations in the five-parish area are listed on the LDEQ website.

How the Vehicle Inspection Works in Louisiana

Drivers take their vehicle to any official Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI) station. In the five-parish emissions area, the station performs both the safety and emissions inspections during a single visit. Bring your vehicle registration, driver's license, and proof of liability insurance. The combined inspection fee is $18. If the vehicle passes, it receives an inspection sticker valid for one year. If the vehicle fails the emissions portion, it receives a temporary orange sticker valid for 30 days. The driver gets one free retest at the original station within that 30-day period. If the vehicle still fails after repairs, additional retests may require payment. A Repair Form must be completed and presented to the station before any retest. If a driver wants to challenge the results, a free retest is available at the Emissions Challenge Station located at the Baton Rouge Community College Automotive Center (2115 North Lobdell, Baton Rouge, LA 70806), open Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Louisiana does not offer emissions waivers.