Motor Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance

In response to statutory requirements of the federal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, the Louisiana Legislature (by Act 576 of the 1999 Regular Session) authorized a low enhanced Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program for the control and abatement of motor vehicle emissions in the five-parish Baton Rouge ozone nonattainment area. Only vehicles registered in Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston, and West Baton Rouge parishes are subject to this rule.

The emissions testing, which began on January 1, 2000, is performed as a part of annual safety inspections on vehicles that are gasoline-fueled and have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less. Currently, the annual safety and emissions inspection consists of inspecting the vehicle's safety equipment, a visual anti-tampering check of the emissions system, and a gas cap integrity test. In addition to the above requirements, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD II) system testing was implemented in July 2002.

Enforcement of program provisions and collection of fees for the vehicle I/M program is governed by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPS), Office of State Police, Transportation and Environmental Safety Section, with LDEQ providing oversight, data collection support, and liaison activities. Pursuant to R.S.32: 1306 (C), DPS has promulgated a rule (LAC 55:III.801-835), which implements the requirements of the vehicle I/M program.

• Qualified Inspection Stations 
• I/M Program FAQ
• Inspection Failure Information
• On-Board Diagnostics Brochure
• Vehicle Inspector Update Form 

Out of State Vehicle Emissions Test

Testing reciprocity provisions have been made for vehicles from other states’ I/M programs. These provisions allow vehicles from EPA approved I/M program areas to receive the required emissions testing in another I/M program area. If your home state requires an emissions test for a vehicle that is currently located in Louisiana, the testing may be performed by any official Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI) Station in the Baton Rouge ozone nonattainment area during normal inspection hours. A Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) is available as the official test record. For more information, see the Out of State Vehicle Instructions page.

Notice of Repair Form Requirements

Currently, motorists whose vehicles fail the emissions portion of the annual inspection receive a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) describing the reason for the failure, a Repair Form and a list of failure procedures. 

Effective December 1, 2006, a completed Repair Form must be provided to the station prior to vehicle retest. The retest is free if the vehicle returns to the original inspection station within 30 days of issuance of the temporary sticker. If the vehicle is presented for a retest after the 30 day time-frame or goes to another station besides the original one, the motorists will be subject to paying the $18 inspection fee. In either case, the inspector will not be able to proceed with the retest for an emissions failure unless the completed Repair Form is returned. 

Download Repair Form

Motor Vehicle Emissions Inspection Challenge Station

The Challenge Station is available to vehicle owners that believe a vehicle was not inspected properly or would like to challenge the results of an original emissions test. 

The Challenge Station is not authorized to issue state inspection stickers, but there are trained mechanics that will retest your vehicle for free to determine if your vehicle actually failed for the reason stated. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Vehicle owners whose vehicles failed because of a non-communication are encouraged to utilize this station.

Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) Automotive Center
2115 North Lobdell, Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Hours of operation:
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
(225) 216-8586

Challenge Station Feedback Survey

Other Useful Links

Air Pollution Transportation

OBD Clearing House

OBDII Research Center 

For more information or questions, please contact:

For motor vehicle safety inspections information or questions, please contact: