Does Louisiana Have Emissions Testing?

Louisiana maintains a vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program in specific parishes within the Baton Rouge metropolitan area to improve air quality and comply with federal Clean Air Act requirements.

Understanding Louisiana Emissions Testing Requirements

The state's emissions testing program operates under the authority of Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 32, Section 1304 and was established by Act 576 of the 1999 Regular Session. The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) provides oversight and data collection support, while the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Office of State Police, Transportation and Environmental Safety Section enforces program provisions and collects fees.

The emissions testing program began on January 1, 2000, as a "low enhanced Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program" designed specifically to control motor vehicle emissions in the five-parish Baton Rouge ozone nonattainment area.

Which Parishes in Louisiana Require Emissions Testing?

Only vehicles registered in the following five parishes are subject to emissions testing requirements:

Baton Rouge Metropolitan Area

• Ascension Parish
• East Baton Rouge Parish
• Iberville Parish
• Livingston Parish
• West Baton Rouge Parish

Vehicles Subject to Emissions Testing in Louisiana

The Louisiana emissions inspection program applies specifically to gasoline-fueled vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less that are registered in the five designated parishes.

Emissions Testing Components

The annual safety and emissions inspection consists of:

• Visual anti-tampering check of the emissions system
• Gas cap integrity test to check for proper seal
• On-Board Diagnostics (OBD II) system testing (implemented July 2002)
• Safety equipment inspection (standard safety items)

Vehicle Age Requirements

According to Louisiana law, the emissions testing requirement applies to gasoline-powered vehicles produced after model year 1980. Vehicles manufactured in 1980 or earlier are exempt from emissions testing components.

Vehicles Exempt From Emissions Testing

The following vehicle categories do not require emissions inspections:

• Diesel-powered vehicles
• Electric vehicles
• Low-speed vehicles
• Motorcycles and motorized bicycles
• Vehicles manufactured in 1980 or earlier
• Vehicles with GVWR exceeding 10,000 pounds
• Vehicles registered in the other 59 Louisiana parishes
• Antique vehicles registered under special provisions

Emissions Testing Costs and Fees in Louisiana

According to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, the cost for emissions testing is standardized across the five-parish area.

These fees include both the safety inspection and emissions testing components for vehicles in the five designated parishes. Vehicles in other parishes pay lower fees for safety-only inspections.

Where to Get Emissions Testing in Louisiana

Emissions testing can only be performed at qualified inspection stations located within the five designated parishes.

Finding an Inspection Station

UseLouisiana DPS Inspection Station Locator to find qualified stations in:

• Ascension Parish
• East Baton Rouge Parish
• Iberville Parish
• Livingston Parish
• West Baton Rouge Parish

If Your Vehicle Fails Emissions Testing

Vehicles that fail any component of emissions testing receive an orange temporary sticker valid for 30 days. During this period, you are entitled to one free retest at the original inspection station after completing necessary repairs.

Effective December 1, 2006, motorists must provide a completed Repair Form to the inspection station prior to vehicle retest. The retest is free only if:

• The vehicle returns to the original inspection station, AND
• The retest occurs within 30 days of the temporary sticker issuance

If you go to a different station or return after the 30-day period, you must pay the full $18 inspection fee.

Emissions Challenge Station

If you believe your vehicle was inspected incorrectly or want to challenge inspection results, a free retest is available at the official Challenge Station:

Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) Automotive Center
2115 North Lobdell, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: (225) 216-8586
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The Challenge Station provides free retesting and secondary diagnostics, but cannot issue inspection stickers. If your vehicle passes at the Challenge Station, you must return to a regular inspection station to receive your valid inspection sticker.

Inspection Timing and Vehicle Registration in Louisiana

Louisiana law requires motor vehicles to be inspected at least once every other year, but not more frequently than twice each year, according to RS 32:1304.

Grace Period

Louisiana law provides a one-month grace period. You are not in violation if your inspection certificate has expired for less than one calendar month. However, it is recommended to obtain an inspection before expiration to avoid potential citations.

Inspection Sticker Display

Valid inspection certificates must be displayed in the lower left-hand corner of the vehicle's windshield. If you replace your windshield and remove a valid inspection sticker, you may obtain a replacement certificate for $5.25 by returning the original certificate to an inspection station.

Parish Restriction

According to RS 32:1304(H), no motor vehicle registered in a parish that approves certain inspection fees shall be inspected in a parish other than the parish of registration. This restriction primarily affects vehicles registered in East Baton Rouge Parish.

Out-of-State Vehicle Provisions

Louisiana has established testing reciprocity provisions for vehicles from other states with EPA-approved Inspection and Maintenance programs.

Out-of-State Vehicles Temporarily in Louisiana

If your home state requires emissions testing for a vehicle currently located in Louisiana, testing may be performed at any official Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI) station in the five designated parishes. Request a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) as the official test record to submit to your home state.

New Louisiana Residents

When registering an out-of-state vehicle in one of the five designated parishes (Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston, or West Baton Rouge), you must obtain emissions testing before registration

Contact Information

Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality

Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
602 North Fifth Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: (866) 896-5332
Official Website: LDEQ

Louisiana Department of Public Safety

Louisiana Department of Public Safety
Motor Vehicle Inspection Unit
Phone: (225) 925-6113 ext. 257
Official Website: Louisiana Department of Public Safety

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 64886, Baton Rouge, LA 70896
Phone: (877) 368-5463
Official Website: Louisiana OMV

Louisiana State Police

Louisiana State Police - Transportation Safety Services
7979 Independence Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: (225) 925-6006
Official Website: Louisiana State Police