Indiana is one of the only states that doesn’t require emissions testing across the board. However, if you live in Lake or Porter counties and drive a passenger vehicle that’s four years or older, you’ll need to submit to an emissions inspection every other year.

The Clean Air Act of 1977 requires states to implement emissions testing in areas that fail to meet air quality standards. But the quality of air in your area isn’t the only deciding factor in whether or not you’ll need to pass a smog check. To find out if you’re one of the lucky drivers who need emissions testing in Indiana, check out

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Indiana emissions testing regulations

When it comes to emissions testing in Indiana, not all drivers are created equal. Depending on the year your car was manufactured, the county where you drive, and the weight of your vehicle, you may or may not be required to undergo an emissions inspection.

Ready to find out where you and your car land? Let’s dive into the various requirements for emissions testing in the Hoosier State.

Which counties in Indiana require emissions testing?

Indiana is one of the few states that does not require emissions testing in every county. However, if you reside in Lake or Porter or commute to Clark or Floyd, your vehicle is required to submit to bi-annual testing.

So what makes these counties different? Under the

Clean Air Act

, states must implement emissions testing in areas that fail to meet federal air quality standards. Lake and Porter are grouped into a nonattainment area called

EPA Region 5

, which has historically failed to meet such standards. As such, drivers in these counties are continuously required to pass an emissions inspection every other year if they own a passenger vehicle that is four years or older.

MORE:

Indiana car insurance laws—all you need to know

Which cars need emissions testing in Indiana?

What about the type of vehicle? You’ll need to pass a smog check if your vehicle is:

Made in the 1976 model year or later

Weighs less than 9,000 lbs

Has an engine displacement of over 200 cubic centimeters

Once you pass an emissions test, your test results are valid for 90 days. If you need to reinstate a suspended registration, renew your registration, or register a vehicle for the first time, you’ll need proof of your emissions test results.

Exemptions from Indiana emissions testing

There are several exemptions when it comes to emissions testing in Indiana. If your vehicle lands in one of the following categories, you won’t have to worry about submitting to a test:

Diesel or electric vehicles

Motor vehicles made in 1975 or earlier

Show or antique vehicles

Specialty or kit cars

Motor vehicles manufactured in the past four years

Vehicles weighing more than 9000 lbs

Ceremonial vehicles

Recreational vehicles, including RVs and motorhomes

Motorcycles

Motor vehicles with engines displacements less than 200 cubic centimeters

Vehicles registered for farm use only

MORE:

Car Loan in Indiana 2022

How does Indiana emissions testing work?

If you’re required to pass a smog check, you’ll receive a notice from the Indiana DMV two months before the vehicle’s registration is due. The notice will state when the emissions test must be completed. In Indiana, vehicles with even model years get tested in even-numbered calendar years, while those manufactured in odd-numbered years get tested in odd-numbered years.

So you’ve received your notice in the mail. Now what? To get it checked off your to-do list, start by locating a Clean Air Car Check Vehicle Station. The

emissions testing locations

page shared by the DMV offers a complete list of testing centers by county. Generally, testing centers are at their busiest at the end of the month and on Saturdays. Going outside of peak hours will ensure a faster test. And don’t forget to bring your vehicle’s test notice!

When you arrive at your designated testing center, leave your vehicle running unless otherwise specified by test personnel. It’s also recommended that you drive your vehicle for 15 minutes before testing to provide greater testing accuracy.

Emissions testing takes around 10 minutes to complete. Indiana does not charge residents a fee for smog checks, so once you’ve completed your test, you’re free to leave the center.

Types of emissions tests

The following types of emissions tests are required for registered Indiana vehicles:

Gas Cap Pressure Check: All vehicles

Inspection and Maintenance: Vehicles with model years between 1981 and 1995 or later

On-Board Diagnostics Test (OBD II): Vehicles with model years of 1996 or later

Single Idle Speed: Vehicles with model years between 1976 and 1980

What happens if you fail emissions testing in Indiana?

If your vehicle fails an inspection, don’t fret. Test personnel will explain why your car failed and identify certain repairs you need to pass another inspection. In addition, you’ll be provided with a list of local Indiana Certified Emissions-Repair Technician Facilities (ICERT) to have your repairs completed.

Once the repairs have been completed, the repair technician must sign a Vehicle Inspection Report and provide the facility’s Federal Tax ID, which you’ll be required to present at a Clean Air Car Check center.

If your vehicle fails an emissions test for a second time, you may be eligible for a one-time waiver for an emissions retest. To qualify for a waiver, however, you must meet the following requirements:

Reside in Porter and Lake Counties

Spend at least $450 on emissions-related repairs

The vehicle is a 1981 model year or newer

The vehicle has failed two emission retests

MORE:

Car inspection in Indiana

How to save on car insurance in Indiana

While clean air standards have been praised for their efforts to ensure cars are more fuel-efficient, drivers are also saving money with fewer trips to the gas station. Another great way to save money on your vehicle? Downloading the

Jerry

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car insurance

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Unless you’re seriously obsessed with car insurance, you probably don’t have the time or energy to check constantly for savings—and that’s how you miss out on the best coverage at the best price. But Jerry is different. As a licensed insurance broker and the first car insurance shopping super app, Jerry can check rates from over 55 top insurers in just 45 seconds.

By the time your car hits the front of the line and passes its emissions testing, you could be ready to roll away with a new low rate on insurance!

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FAQs

Do you need an emissions test every year in Indiana?

No. If your vehicle is required to submit to emissions testing, you’ll need to pass a test every other year.

How do I avoid emissions testing in Indiana?

Unless you live in Lake or Porter counties and drive a vehicle that's four years or older, weighs less than9000 lbs, and has anengine displacement over 200 cubic centimeters, you won’t need an emissions test.

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