La. Admin. Code tit. 55 § III-817

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 8, August 20, 2024

Section III-817 - General Information

A. Emission Control System Inspections. This Section describes the general procedures to be used by certified inspectors when conducting anti-tampering and other emission control system inspections on 1980 and newer model year gasoline-fueled passenger cars and gasoline-fueled light- and heavy-duty trucks (10,000 pounds gvwr or less) registered and/or operated in the state of Louisiana. The purpose of the vehicle anti-tampering inspection is to detect physical damage to, or disablement or removal of, emission control system components, and to repair or replace defective or missing system components. The purpose of the evaporative system pressure test is to ensure that the entire evaporative emission system is fully pressurized and functional. These emission control system inspections are designed to reduce both tailpipe and evaporative pollutant emissions from in-use vehicles operated in Louisiana.

B. General Inspection Procedures

1. The vehicle anti-tampering inspection is designed to identify any evidence of tampering or obvious need for repair or replacement of a vehicle's emissions control system components. Vehicles that initially fail the anti-tampering inspection are required to be repaired and re-inspected in order to comply with the inspection guidelines. The anti-tampering inspections also serve to discourage illegal tampering with the vehicle's emission control system, thereby resulting in additional reductions of vehicular emissions in Louisiana.

2. No attempt shall be made by the certified inspector to remove any engine components to perform the anti-tampering inspection. In instances where certain components are not visible, it will be assumed that the component is properly connected and operative. However, this assumes that a reasonable attempt was made by the certified inspector to identify and visually examine the component.

3. During the inspection, the certified inspector will either pass or fail the vehicle based on the criteria described herein. The vehicle will be rejected if any of the inspected parameters are found disconnected or tampered with. The certified inspector will then place a rejection certificate on the vehicle and inform the vehicle operator why the vehicle failed inspection and what corrective measures are required for the vehicle to pass inspection.

4. For the purpose of the vehicle anti-tampering and inspection and maintenance program, passenger car means every motor vehicle designed for carrying 10 passengers or less and used for the transportation of people.

5. For the purpose of the vehicle anti-tampering and inspection and maintenance program, light-duty truck and heavy-duty truck means a gasoline-fueled motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less. Light- and heavy-duty trucks shall include, but not be limited to, minivans, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, panel delivery trucks, and carry-all trucks.

6. Proof of repair or replacement of emission control components shall be provided by the vehicle owner at the time the vehicle is re-inspected. This proof shall be in the form of a dated repair receipt or a sales invoice and must be presented to the inspection station when the vehicle is re-inspected.

C. Manufacturer's Emission Control Label

1. The manufacturer's emission control label located under the hood consists of a schematic diagram of the original emission control components installed on the vehicle. The certified inspector should refer to this label diagram when attempting to locate applicable emission control components. On vehicles equipped with a catalytic unit, a decal is required by federal regulation to have the word catalyst in legible letters.

2. Repealed.

D. Manufacturer's Information Plate. The gross vehicle weight rating (gvwr) of a vehicle is stamped on the federal safety sticker located inside the left door of the vehicle.

La. Admin. Code tit. 55, § III-817

Promulgated by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Office of State Police, Safety Enforcement Section, LR 25:2433 (December 1999), Amended by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Office of State Police, LR 42438 (3/1/2016).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 32:1304-1310.