Category: Indiana

Indiana – General Emissions Information

Last updated on April 26th, 2018

There are many common questions that residents of Indiana have about the state’s emissions testing program and requirements to pass the Indiana emissions inspection.  This section will look at the most frequently asked questions and their answers concerning the Indiana emissions testing program.

How often does my vehicle need to be brought in for emissions testing?

In Indiana, emissions testing is required every two years.  If your vehicle was manufactured in the last four years it is exempt from requiring emissions testing until it is five years old.  Emissions testing in Indiana is done on an odd year/even year basis, meaning if your vehicle was manufactured in a year ending with an odd digit (such as 1997) you will need emissions testing to be done on odds years (such as 2013, 2015, 2017), and if your vehicle was manufactured on a year ending in an even digit your vehicle will need to get emissions testing done in years ending on an even digit.

When will I need to get my vehicle’s emissions tested?

In order for you to renew your registration in Indiana you will need to have your vehicle pass the Indiana emissions inspection.

How will I know if I have an emissions test that I need to complete?

You will be notified if you live in Lake and Porter counties by the Indiana Department of Motor Vehicles when you have an emissions test due.  Indiana will send this notice out to you about two months prior to the due date of the emissions test.

Do I need to wait for the emissions testing notice in order to have my vehicle’s emissions tested?

No, you can have your emissions tested earlier if you wish.  Vehicles can have emissions testing done as early as October of the year prior the due date.

Is there a customer service number or email if I need to contact someone from Indiana’s Clearn Air Car Check program?

Yes, you can call toll free 888-240-1684 or you can send an email to [email protected] if you would like to reach someone to speak with.

Filed under: Indiana, Articles, State Emissions TestingTagged with: ,

Indiana – Emissions Testing Locations

Last updated on April 26th, 2018

The Indiana emissions testing inspection program is held at multiple state locations.  Below is a listing of these different testing locations in Indiana.  If you have a question  specific to a test certain you should get in contact with that  emissions testing center.

755 Industrial Blvd
Crown Point, IN 46307

3901 W 4th Ave
Gary, IN 46406

232 S Ivanhoe Ct
Griffith, IN 46319

1231 Gostlin St
Hammond, IN 46327

325 Sullivan St
Hobart, IN 46342

5777 Melton Rd
Portage, IN 46368

2503 Beech St
Valparaiso, IN 46383

Filed under: Indiana, Articles, State Emissions Testing

Indiana – Emissions Testing Hours & Schedule

Last updated on April 26th, 2018

The Indiana emissions testing program has set hours for your to bring your vehicle in to get an emissions inspection done.  Emissions inspections are free and last on average about ten minutes.  The locations in Indiana to get your emissions tested can be found here.

The testing hours are as follows:

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

State run emissions testing locations are usually closed on all federal and state holidays.  It is recommended you call ahead to verify that the emissions testing location you plan on attending will be open.

 

Filed under: Indiana, Articles, State Emissions Testing

Indiana Car Insurance

Last updated on April 26th, 2018

Indiana is one of many states that design state car insurance laws on the tort system, which requires that some driver must be found at fault whenever there is an accident involving two or more vehicle. This is directly in contrast to the no-fault system used by other states which does not require that one driver or the other be found liable for an accident. In Indiana, the driver that is found to be at fault in an accident is financially liable for any injuries or damages sustained by other drivers. In order to make sure that a driver will be able to pay if they are found to be at-fault in an accident the state of Indiana requires all vehicle owners to prove financial responsibility, which for most Indiana residents means purchasing mandatory minimum amounts of liability car insurance. Currently, the minimum levels of coverage are set at $25,000 for the injury or death of a single person and $50,000 for the injury or death of two or more people. The state of Indiana also requires that a vehicle be insured with at least $10,000 in property damage coverage that will reimburse other drivers for damage to their vehicle or personal property in an accident. The way Indiana handles uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance is a bit different from most other states. Although technically uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance is not a legal requirement in Indiana, a driver must opt out of this coverage by signing a written statement, otherwise both uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance will automatically added to every car insurance policy sold within the state matching the minimum amount of liability insurance purchased.

In addition to liability insurance there are a few other ways in which an Indiana driver can satisfy the state’s financial responsibility requirements though none will be as appealing to the average driver as purchasing a car insurance policy. One of the ways in which the financial responsibility requirements can be met is by making a deposit of $40,000 with the state treasurer. A trust fund with a value of at least $40,000 will satisfy state financial responsibility requirements as well. In both cases these alternative measures act as a sort of self insurance, or proof that the driver has the financial resources to cover the cost of any at-fault accident. Drivers also have the option of purchasing a surety bond instead of buying liability car insurance though like the cash deposit or trust fund purchasing a surety bond is a much too expensive option for the average Indiana resident. In order to register a vehicle in the state of Indiana the vehicle owner must be able to provide the state with some sort of proof that they have satisfied Indiana’s financial responsibility law. Without this proof a vehicle cannot be legally registered in the state and license plates will not be issued or renewed.

According to Indiana state law not only does the owner of a vehicle have to comply with the state’s financial responsibility regulations the driver of a vehicle must also carry proof of this compliance with them at all times. For driver that purchased a liability car insurance policy that meets Indiana’s standards this means carrying an insurance card issued by the insurance company. Every driver in Indiana is required to produce proof of insurance any time they are pulled over or are involved in an accident. If a driver cannot provide a law enforcement officer with this proof at the time of the incident they will be sent a certificate of compliance, which states that the driver did actually have insurance at the time of the incident, by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles that will have to be filled out by the driver’s insurance agent within 40 days. If a driver cannot complete this certificate of compliance they will face the same penalty as any other driver in the state that is found to be driving without car insurance.

Indiana residents that are caught driving without insurance will typically face a 90 suspension of their driver’s license. A subsequent offense within a three year period could result in a full 12 month suspension of the driver license. Each time the license is suspended due to driving without insurance the driver will also have to pay a fine in order to have their license reinstated. For a first offense the fine is set at $150 but jumps up to $225 for the second offense and $300 for a third offense. Valid proof of insurance will also be required before a driver can have their license reinstated. Repeat offenders may be required by the state to carry an SR-22 form that is issued by the insurance company which will ensure that a driver has had continuous car insurance coverage on a vehicle during a specified period.

Filed under: Indiana, Articles, Car Insurance

Exemptions in Indiana

Last updated on April 26th, 2018

In Indiana, residents are required to have their vehicles pass an emissions test before they can register their vehicle. There are a few exemptions to the rule for certain vehicles. We are going to tell you which vehicles are exempt from testing:

  • Its only four years old or newer, according to the manufacturer date
  • The vehicle was made in 1975 or older
  • Its powered by diesel or electricity
  • It’s considered to be a show car and meets the standards for a Show Car Redemption
  • It’s considered a specialty or kit car and meets standards for Specialty Exemption
  • Its heavier than 9,000 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
  • It’s a ceremonial vehicle
  • It’s a recreational vehicle
  • It’s a motorcycle
  • Its registered as an antique vehicle or is of highway construction equipment standards
  • The engine displacement is less than 200 cube centimeters
  • Its registered for farm use only, and this is including tractors

If your vehicle meets any of these criteria, your vehicle is considered to be exempt from emissions testing and laws. Always check with your state for more information.

Filed under: Indiana, Articles, State Emissions Testing