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Louisiana emissions test: the official wording
Everything in quotation marks here is from 3 sources and was matched to them on November 11, 2026. The quotes are the sources’ words; ours only label them.
On this page: where · how often · fee · new and older vehicles · diesel, electric, hybrid · check a vehicle · sources
What does the text call it?
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.
The page we point to: Louisiana DEQ, Motor Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance.
Which parishes does the text name?
The quoted text names 5 parishes:
- Ascension Parish
- East Baton Rouge Parish
- Iberville Parish
- Livingston Parish
- West Baton Rouge Parish
Only vehicles registered in Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston, and West Baton Rouge parishes are subject to this rule.
How often is the test?
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.
What does the test cost?
The price of the vehicle emissions inspection is $18 per vehicle.
What does the text say about new and older vehicles?
No line we hold for Louisiana is set up for a model-year comparison. Lines that mention age or model year, if we hold any, are under “What else does the text say?”.
What about diesel, electric and hybrid vehicles?
No line we hold for Louisiana uses the word diesel, electric or hybrid. That describes what we could quote, not the rule.
What about heavier vehicles?
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.
What else does the text say?
Vehicle emissions inspections are ONLY performed by official motor vehicle inspection stations located in the Louisiana parishes of Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston, and West Baton Rouge.
Domicile codes beginning with 03 (Ascension Parish), 17 (East Baton Rouge), 24 (Iberville Parish), 32 (Livingston Parish), or 61 (West Baton Rouge) are within the non-attainment area.
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.
The retest is free if the vehicle returns to the original inspection station within 30 days of issuance of the temporary sticker.
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.
Check a vehicle against these quotes
Enter a model year, a fuel and a weight rating, and choose the parish. The checker repeats the quotes above and, where a figure can be compared, says where your entry falls against it. It does not decide anything about your vehicle.
Where do these quotes come from?
- Louisiana DEQ, Motor Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (deq.louisiana.gov; state agency page; read November 11, 2026)
- Louisiana DEQ, Motor Vehicle Inspections and Maintenance FAQ (deq.louisiana.gov; state agency page; read November 11, 2026)
- Louisiana State Police, Motor Vehicle Inspection station requirements (lsp.org; state agency page; read November 11, 2026)
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