Many states require that vehicles be inspected for safety before they can be registered and operated on public roadways. Inspection certifications are awarded by the state or through independent training programs, and can offer those seeking an automotive technician job an excellent way to build their resume, and to seek positions with a higher auto mechanic salary.
If this is your goal, and you live in the state of Louisiana, you will have a few hoops to jump through before you can be a certified vehicle inspector.
Louisiana Mobile Vehicle Inspection Unit
In order to inspect mobile vehicles in the state of Louisiana, an automotive service technician needs to be a member of the MVI, or Mobile Vehicle Inspection Unit. This is a part of the Department of Public Safety, meaning that all motor vehicle inspectors are also acting as representatives of Louisiana law enforcement. These individuals do have the power to make arrests and enforce laws, though they do not have to go through the training necessary to become an officer of the law.
Inspection Training in Louisiana
The MVI performs four different types of inspections in the state of Louisiana. These include:
Public Inspections: These are for vehicle owners who need to have their vehicle inspected before or during the registration process.
Dealer Inspections: These are for vehicle dealers who need to have vehicles inspected before or during the sales process.
Fleet Inspections: These are performed on fleet trucks and other commercial vehicles before or during the registration process.
Government Vehicle Inspections: These are performed on vehicles used by government officials, such as police cruisers, vehicles designated for public officials, or prisoner transport vehicles.
In order to receive the training necessary to perform any of these inspections, an automotive service technician must first either seek out an auto technician job with a certified inspection station, or work with the owner of their workplace to apply to the MVI to become a certified inspection station.
Once a business is approved as an inspection station, they can then send employees to one of three state-approved auto mechanic schools to become MVI inspectors. These schools include:
BRCC/LA Technical College in West Baton Rouge
LA Technical College in Winnfield
LA Technical College in Thibodaux
Inspection Requirements in Louisiana
The following systems or vehicle components must be inspected to declare a passenger vehicle safe, according to the Motor Vehicle Inspection Requirements used by all Louisiana automotive tech jobs:
- Brake System
- Speedometer
- Mirrors
- Seat Belts
- Steering Mechanism
- Floor Pan
- Horn
- Lighting Components
- Windshield and Wipers
- Metal Body Components
- Doors and Windows
- Tires
- Wheels and Rims
- Suspension
- Exhaust and Emissions Systems
If you’re already a certified mechanic and you’re interested in working with YourMechanic, submit an online application for an opportunity to become a mobile mechanic.
