Safety Testing

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 non-attainment area. Only vehicles registered within this five-parish area consisting of Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston, and West Baton Rouge parishes will be subject to this rule.

The new 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 Diagnostic (ODB II) 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, Safety Enforcement 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.

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