Louisiana Car Inspection

Louisiana car inspection requirements mean that you must get an annual or biannual vehicle inspection. The Baton Rouge area requires a yearly emissions test.
Written by Tiffany Leung
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
In
Louisiana
, you are required to do safety inspections annually or bi-annually when you renew your vehicle registration. If you live near Baton Rouge, you will also be required to have an annual emissions test.
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What are the vehicle inspection requirements in Louisiana?

When you
register a vehicle in Louisiana
, you’re required to get a safety inspection annually or bi-annually. This ensures that all vehicles are road-safe according to the standards set out by the state.
Residents in the five Baton Rouge parishes are also required to have smog tests upon the renewal of their vehicle registration. To determine whether you need an inspection to complete your registration renewal, check
emissions.org
.
If your car doesn’t pass the smog inspection, you will get a temporary orange sticker on your windshield. This gives you 30 days to complete any emissions-related repairs listed on the Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) while staying street legal. 
After completing the repairs, your vehicle must pass the emissions retest within 30 days of the initial test.

Exceptions to the state requirements

Certain vehicles are exempt from the state of Louisiana’s emissions inspection. You don’t need a smog inspection if:
  • Your vehicle is a farm tractor or a type of farm equipment
  • Your vehicle is 40 years old or older
  • Your vehicle is an exhibition or parade vehicle that is not used for transportation on a daily basis
  • Your vehicle regularly carries more than 15 passengers and needs a commercial MVI sticker
  • Your vehicle weighs more than 20,000 pounds and needs a commercial MVI sticker

Where to get a car inspection in Louisiana

You’ll need to visit a smog check station authorized by the Louisiana DMV to complete your vehicle inspection. Emissions.org maintains a
list of auto shops
that are authorized to carry out such inspections.
If your vehicles are registered in New Orleans, Kenner, or Westwego, you cannot have your vehicle inspected at a state inspection station. You will need to contact your city government.

How often do you need a car inspection?

Safety inspections are required annually or bi-annually. Anytime you register a new vehicle,, you must get an emissions inspection. Depending on the county in which you live, you may also need to get an emissions inspection annually.
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FAQs

New residents of Louisiana must register their vehicles with the state DMV within 30 days. They must pass a vehicle safety and smog check.
For safety inspections, you can expect to pay between $10 and $20 per inspection, depending on where your vehicle is registered and how long it is valid for. The smog check fee is $18 and is valid for one year.
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