Louisiana Emissions Test
Gas and hybrid cars in 5 Louisiana parishes are tested under the Louisiana inspection and maintenance program. For 2026, that covers model years 1980 through 2026. You must get this test each year, alongside the safety inspection.
New rule: a QR code sticker replaces the inspection sticker on most Louisiana cars from January 1, 2027. Emissions testing still applies in the five Baton Rouge area parishes.
What cars have to get tested?
For 2026, the green band marks which model years Louisiana tests.
Use your model year and fuel to check your own car.
Louisiana emissions test at a glance
| Program | The Louisiana inspection and maintenance program |
|---|---|
| Where | These 5 parishes: Ascension Parish, Iberville Parish, East Baton Rouge Parish, West Baton Rouge Parish, and Livingston Parish |
| Fuels tested | Gas, hybrid |
| Model years tested in 2026 | 1980 to 2026 |
| How often | Every year, with the safety inspection |
| The test | A tampering check, a gas cap test, and an OBD plug-in test |
| Fee | $18 ($10 safety inspection plus $8 emissions charge) |
| Retest | No charge at the same station within 30 days if you bring a repair form |
How the test works, and what if the car fails?
During an OBD plug-in test, the inspector connects a reader to the port under the dashboard and reads the data stored by the car's computer. Your check engine light must stay off, and the self-checks (readiness monitors) must be done.
A loose cap lets fuel vapor escape, so the gas cap check confirms the cap seals.
The report names what failed if the car fails. Fix that first. The retest costs nothing at that same station within 30 days if you bring a repair form.