Louisiana: Is there an annual vehicle safety inspection?
Yes for now. Louisiana law still requires periodic inspection stickers, but a 2026 law ends them for most personal vehicles on Jan. 1, 2027.
The law in force requires vehicles registered in Louisiana to be inspected at least once every other year. Act 701 of 2026 limits periodic inspections to commercial and student transportation vehicles starting January 1, 2027; in parishes covered by federal Clean Air Act rules, it takes effect only once the EPA approves the state's plan. The act also bars police from ticketing drivers for a missing inspection certificate from June 30, 2026, to January 1, 2027.
Conditions
- Inspection at least every other year until the 2026 repeal takes effect
What the law says
The secretary shall at least once every other year, but not more frequently than twice each year, require that every motor vehicle, low-speed vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer registered in this state be inspected
Sources
- La. R.S. 32:1304(A)(1) Official · legis.la.gov
- HB 1085 (2026 Regular Session), Act 701 Official · legis.la.gov
- Act 701 of 2026 (HB 1085), enrolled text Official · legis.la.gov
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Louisiana State Police
- Website
- lsp.org
How bordering states compare
- Arkansas No safety inspectionArkansas does not require safety inspections for private passenger cars, either regularly or at registration.
- Mississippi No safety inspectionMississippi repealed its annual motor vehicle safety inspection law effective July 1, 2015.
- Texas No safety inspectionTexas ended safety inspections for non-commercial vehicles on January 1, 2025; owners now pay a replacement fee instead.