Indiana’s car inspection laws are designed to protect both people and the environment by reducing harmful pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds. Vehicles must pass the inspection to renew their registration, and failure to comply can result in fines or a registration hold.
In this blog post, our experienced car accident attorneys in Indianapolis at Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers explain the car inspection laws in Indiana.
Who Must Get Their Vehicle Inspected?
Indiana law requires that only vehicles registered in Porter County or Lake County undergo emissions inspections every two years, as mandated by the Clean Air Act. Outside of these two counties, no regular emissions inspections are required for vehicles registered elsewhere in the state of Indiana. This applies to both personal and commercial vehicles.
Exceptions exist for several categories of vehicles according to the Vehicle Emissions Testing Program:
- Motorcycles and mopeds
- Electric vehicles
- Diesel-powered vehicles (with some exceptions)
- Vehicles built within the last four years
- Vehicles built before 1975
If your vehicle is not on this list, it is likely that you are required to undergo biennial testing. This does not mean that a law enforcement officer cannot conduct a spot-check during a traffic stop to check for compliance with any non-exempt vehicle statewide.
What Is Inspected During Official Inspections?
Whether it is emissions testing or safety inspections for commercial vehicles, inspectors look for specific standards to determine whether a vehicle complieswith the required guidelines.
Emissions Testing Standards
Testing for emissions will look at certain specific aspects of the vehicle:
- Exhaust system – must be free of any leaks and must be in working order
- Gas cap – must be sealed correctly
- Engine control module (ECM) – must meet standards even between official tests
- Exhaust pipe emissions – your vehicle’s exhaust must meet acceptable pollutant levels
Failing even one of these standards results in a failed emission test. Failed tests will require servicing the car until it can pass the emissions standards.
Commercial Vehicle Safety Inspection
Commercial vehicle inspections are more comprehensive and cover multiple aspects of the vehicle’s roadworthiness:
- Brakes – no leaks in air-brake systems and sufficiently robust brake pads
- Suspension system – must be free of excessive wear and tear and be fully functioning
- Steering – the steering system must demonstrate proper safe handling
- Tires – must have legally-compliant tread depths and show no damage or deformity
- Lights – all lights must be fully functional and meet visibility requirements
- Cargo security – must have a proper structure and tools in place to secure cargo
- General structural integrity – the vehicle’s chassis and frame must be free of any major damage or wear that could lead to structural failures
All of these can be found in even more detail in the EPA’s Clean Air Act text section Part A – Motor Vehicle Emission and Fuel Standards.
Why Only Two of Indiana’s Counties Are Required to Test
In Indiana, only Lake and Porter counties require vehicle emissions testing because they are part of the Chicago metropolitan area, which has historically struggled with air pollution. The Clean Air Act mandates emissions testing in regions that fail to meet federal air quality standards.
Since these two counties have higher population densities and more industrial activity compared to the rest of the state, they were designated as nonattainment areas for ozone pollution. Other Indiana counties, with lower traffic volumes and better air quality, are exempt from these federal requirements, making emissions testing unnecessary elsewhere in the state.
What to Do If You Fail an Emissions Test
If your vehicle fails an emissions test, that isn’t the end of the road for you. A failure does not mean you were exhibiting negligence.
You can take a few steps to get your vehicle back on the road:
- Note the reason your vehicle failed.
- Get your vehicle serviced by a mechanic or fix it yourself if you are able.
- Return for a re-test within 30 days.
There may be fees associated with re-testing, so be prepared for that extra cost. If you believe the initial failure was faulty, you can appeal the results. Additionally, if you experience difficulties in obtaining timely repairs or paying fees, you can request an extension or a hardship exemption.
Contact Our Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Keeping up with regular car maintenance can go a long way in making sure you pass inspection in Porter County or Lake County. These tests and standards are in place to help the environment, not to add tasks to your plate. Understand these laws so that they fit into your regular life much more smoothly.
If you were injured in an accident involving a vehicle that failed an inspection or had mechanical issues, we are here to help. Call our personal injury attorneys in Indianapolis, IN Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers at (317) 916-0000 to schedule a free consultation with an Indianapolis car accident lawyer.
