May 12, 2023

Regular motor vehicle inspections are a legal requirement for all drivers registered in Louisiana. These inspections confirm that the vehicle is safe to operate on all roads in the state. Certain parishes have different requirements, and this can be confusing. As your Cadillac dealer, we’d like to tell you how a car inspection works in Lafayette, LA.

Advice From Your Cadillac Dealer: What Does a Car Inspection Involve?

Where Does the Inspection Take Place?

The inspection can be booked at any state inspection facility, although there are certain restrictions. The owners of vehicles registered in New Orleans, Weswego, and Kenner must apply to their city governments for an inspection. In addition, vehicles registered in the five parishes of Iberville, Livingston, West Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge, and Ascension must be inspected in their own parishes.

What Do You Need for an Inspection?

Once you’ve booked your inspection, you must take your car, a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and current vehicle registration to the chosen testing center. The fee is $10 for an inspection valid for one year and $20 for an inspection valid for two years. Charges in the five parishes listed previously are higher.

What Items Are Tested

Seven major components are examined and tested. These items are the parking brake, seat belts, speedometer, odometer, interior and exterior mirrors, brakes, steering mechanism, and floor pan. These items are all essential for your driving safety and the safety of others. Seat belts, for example, have been a legal requirement since 1986.

Your braking system allows you to control your speed and rapidly stop anytime. Worn or damaged brakes can result in an accident. The steering mechanism must respond smoothly and efficiently to enable you to control your car’s movement. If any of these seven components are damaged or not working efficiently, it results in an automatic failure.

Additional Items that are Examined

Numerous other items are inspected, including:

  • Indicator lamps, front, and rear
  • Parking lamps
  • Stop and tail lamps
  • License plate lamp
  • Windshield wipers and washers
  • Windshield
  • Glass coating and sun screening
  • Fenders and bumpers
  • Car body
  • Doors and windows
  • Shock absorbers and suspension
  • Wheels and tires
  • Exhaust system

What Happens After the Inspection

If your car passes the test, you’ll be issued a vehicle information report (VIR). You’ll also receive a new vehicle inspection sticker to put on your windshield. The results will automatically be uploaded to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV).

If your car doesn’t pass the test, you’ll receive a printout with the list of faults that need repair. You’ll also be advised on the period you have to complete the repairs and your retest.

It’s advisable to have your Cadillac thoroughly tested and examined before the test to ensure it passes successfully. Call us today at Service Cadillac.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay