The New York State vehicle safety inspection program helps make sure every vehicle registered in this state meets the minimum standards for safe operation on public streets and highways. In addition, most vehicles are subject to an emissions inspection to help reduce air pollution.
A properly maintained vehicle is safer, performs better, uses fuel more efficiently and saves the owner money. You can help by doing your own equipment safety checks between annual inspections, and by following a program of regular vehicle maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer.
This publication highlights the safety and emissions inspection requirements for cars and light trucks. Other motor vehicles, including motorcycles and trailers, must meet different requirements for annual inspection.
Motor vehicles are required, by law, to be in safe operating condition whenever they are driven on a public street or roadway in New York State.
Each vehicle registered in New York State must be inspected at least every 12 months. The inspection must be done before the expiration date of the current inspection sticker, and whenever the vehicle becomes registered in a different name.
When a vehicle inspection is requested, an inspection station must inspect any vehicle it is licensed to inspect or must provide, in writing, an appointment date that is within eight working days. If an appointment is made, the station may require a deposit that cannot exceed the inspection fee.
The inspection must be done in a licensed inspection station displaying an official sign, and must be performed by a certified motor vehicle inspector.
If your vehicle fails the safety and/or emissions inspection, the inspection station must have your permission before beginning any repairs.
You are not required to have your vehicle repaired or re-inspected at the station that performed the initial inspection. Your vehicle may be taken to any registered repair shop, or you may make the required repairs yourself. Your vehicle must then pass a new inspection, at an inspection station of your choice, before an inspection sticker will be issued.
It is a misdemeanor for an inspector to knowingly issue, or a motorist to knowingly accept, an inspection sticker unless a full and proper inspection has been performed.
Inspect for proper operation and anchorage.
Your vehicle's Air Bag Warning Lamp will be checked for proper operation. You will be informed if the vehicle's air bag warning lamp is on or is not working. This is an advisement only and not cause for rejection.
At least one front wheel must be removed to inspect the brakes.
Front end assembly - check condition
All lighting must be of an approved type and inspected for operation, proper mounting, and broken or missing lenses. Side marker lamps, parking lamps, and additional flashing turning lamps mounted on the side of the vehicle are not inspected.
No crack of 11 inches long or longer is allowed if any part of the crack is within the area cleared by the windshield wiper.
(Not including rear window or headlamp wipers)
Check mounting and operation
Check mirror locations for proper mounting, cracks, breaks, and/or discoloration.
Note: Any vehicle that has a permanent obstruction of the view through the rear window (Example: a truck or van) must have both a left and a right outside mirror.
Any fuel leak that causes dripping or pooling is not acceptable.
The 1990 Federal Clean Air Act requires New York State to conduct an inspection program to help reduce harmful emissions from most passenger cars and light-duty trucks. The emissions inspection is done at the same time as the annual safety inspection. Vehicles that fail the emissions inspection may not be able to become registered or, if already registered, the registration may not be renewed.
Gasoline-powered vehicles with a model year within the range of the calendar year minus 24 and the calendar year minus 2 and most 1997 or newer diesel-powered vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) less than 8,501 pounds are subject to the OBDII emissions inspection. This test examines the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), also known as the "check engine" light, for operation/illumination, and verifies the test results of the vehicle's "on-board emissions diagnostic" system.
A "Low Enhanced" emissions inspection is required for most other vehicles, unless they are subject to the OBDII test or are exempt from all emissions inspections. This inspection is required for all vehicles with a model year below the lower limit of OBDII test range and that weigh 18,000 lbs. or less.
Each emissions inspection for gasoline-powered vehicles confirms the presence and connection of the vehicle's required emissions control devices. This includes making sure that the vehicle's gas cap is present, is in good condition, and fits properly.
You can help your vehicle pass an OBDII emissions inspection by keeping it properly maintained. If the vehicle's Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL, or "check engine" light) indicates there may be a malfunction or other problem, have the vehicle properly repaired. A well maintained, properly functioning vehicle uses less fuel and creates less exhaust emissions.
Most diesel-powered vehicles that have a GVWR greater than 8,500 pounds and are registered in the New York Metropolitan Area (one of the five counties with New York City or the counties of Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland or Westchester) are subject to a smoke opacity test.
You cannot renew a vehicle registration unless the DMV has a computer record that the vehicle passed the required emissions inspection within the last 12 months or you can provide proof of the inspection by providing a copy of the vehicle inspection report.
If you are not satisfied with the quality of a vehicle inspection or repair, or the service provided by a motor vehicle dealer, first attempt to resolve the issue with the management of the business. Keep a written record of all contacts with management in addition to details about the inspection, repair, or sale. Copies of work orders and invoices are proof of your attempts to resolve the problem.
If an acceptable resolution is not reached and you wish to file a complaint, you must submit a Vehicle Safety Complaint Report (PDF) [2] (VS-35) along with any supporting documents to the DMV Consumer & Facilities Services Complaint Unit. To submit electronically, download the complaint report available at the link above to your personal device. Attach and then email the completed report as well as any supporting documents to [email protected] [3]. Please note that DMV staff will communicate with you through email.
Complaint Unit
Bureau of Consumer & Facility Services
Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 2700-ESP, Albany, NY 12220-0700
FAX: (518) 486-4102
Phone: 1-518-474-8943 (between 8:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., Monday - Friday)
Email: [email protected] [3]
DMV staff will not investigate a complaint until a completed VS-35 Complaint Report has been received. The department does not investigate complaints that have been filed anonymously. There is a 90-day limit on reporting incidents related to a NYS Repair Shop. We cannot accept complaints against Repair Shops beyond the 90-day limit or 3,000 miles (whichever comes first). The DMV cannot resolve disputes over the terms of manufacturer or third party warranties or guarantees. If you feel you have a NYS Lemon Law complaint, please see Lemon Law Complaints [4].
Once your complaint has been filed, a Consumer Services Representative (CSR) from DMV will be assigned to handle your complaint. If the CSR is unable to resolve your complaint, the case will be sent to an Automotive Facilities Inspector for a formal investigation and possibly a hearing. Depending on the complaint, this process could take several weeks to several months to resolve. Forms, addresses of certified inspection stations in your area, and "Frequently Asked Questions," also are available from the DMV web site.
For additional information, see Inspection Requirements [5]
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
Mark J. F. Schroeder, Commissioner
C-50 (2/11) Edited for the internet 9/19
Return to DMV Publications [6]