Car emissions tests are performed to ensure that vehicles don’t contribute to air pollution. In Louisiana, emissions testing is required for all vehicles in the fives parishes of Baton Rouge, LA. They are not a requirement in Lafayette, LA, but as your Cadillac dealer, we’d like to advise on the procedure if you’re considering moving to Baton Rouge.
Advice From Your Cadillac Dealer: How Often Do You Need a Car Emissions Test?
Do I Need an Emissions Test?
Emission testing is overseen by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ). It’s an annual requirement in the parishes of West Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge, Livingston, and Ascension for most vehicles. Vehicles that are exempt from testing include:
- Farm Tractors and Equipment
- Vehicles that are 40 years old or older
- Vehicles weighing more than 20,000 pounds
When Do I Take the Test?
You’ll receive a reminder to complete your car safety inspection and emission test with your registration renewal notice. To book a test, you’ll need your test notice, identification, proof of insurance, and car registration details. The test can be booked at any of the Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI) offices in the five parishes of Baton Rouge.
What Happens During the Inspection?
The inspection involves checking your car’s safety equipment, an anti-tampering check, a gas cap test, and an ODB II test. The anti-tampering check is a physical inspection of the catalytic converter, air injection system, and emission control system. The gas cap test involves pressure testing the cap to ensure it’s airtight and fuel and fuel vapors can’t escape.
Finally, the OBD II test involves connecting your car’s computer to the MVI’s diagnostic system. Their diagnostic system will scan your car’s computer for any signs of weakness that could allow fuel vapor or dangerous emissions to escape. Once these tests are satisfactorily completed, you’ll receive a certificate to confirm your car meets the emissions requirements.
What If My Car Fails the Emissions Test?
If you fail, the test, you’ll be given a temporary orange sticker to put on your windshield. This sticker signifies to law enforcement that you have 30 days from the date of the sticker to fix the problems identified in the emissions report. Once the repairs have been completed, the mechanic will need to fill out and return the emission repair report to you. You can then return to the MVI office for them to confirm the repairs.
Controlling emissions is important, even if you don’t live in Baton Rouge. A damaged catalytic converter, for example, increases emissions and will lead to engine damage. Call our service department today at Service Cadillac.
Photo courtesy of Pixabay
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