A non-exempt diesel-powered motor vehicle may be subject to either the OBDII emissions inspection or the diesel emissions inspection. The diesel emissions inspection occurs at the time of the annual safety inspection and is conducted at a diesel emissions inspection station. See Inspection Groups and Fee Chart (PDF) (VS-77) for information on fees.

There are different requirements for diesel vehicles registered

• within the Diesel Emissions Metropolitan Area (DEMA) - New York City, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Rockland County, and Westchester County
• outside DEMA

All non-exempt diesel-powered vehicles with a maximum gross weight (MGW), as indicated on the vehicle registration certificate, over 8,500 pounds, must get an annual diesel emissions inspection.

The diesel emissions inspection must occur at the same time as the annual safety inspection.

The model year does not exempt a vehicle from the inspection. Read section 79.2(h) of the NYS DMV Inspection Regulations (PDF) (CR-79) to get information about vehicles that are exempt.

Temporary Certificate of Emissions Waiver

When an existing diesel emissions inspection certificate expires while the vehicle is outside the DEMA, that resident may apply to the Department of Motor Vehicles for a 'Temporary Certificate Emissions Waiver' (VS-1078). Temporary Certificate Emissions Waivers are only available at DMV issuing offices.

The waiver certificate, when displayed on the vehicle along with a valid New York Safety Inspection Certificate, will allow the vehicle to be operated while the vehicle is outside the DEMA. The waiver will be valid for 10 days from the date that the vehicle returns to the NYMA. Read regulation 79.1(r) of the NY State DMV Motor Vehicle Inspection Regulations (PDF) (CR-79) for more information.

All diesel-powered vehicles with a maximum gross weight (MGW) over 8,500 pounds do not require an annual diesel emissions inspection but may be subject to a random roadside diesel emissions inspection.

All non-exempt diesel-powered motor vehicles with a model year greater than the current year minus 25 and less than or equal to the current year minus two, registered anywhere in New York State, with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) less than 8,501 pounds, must get an annual OBDII emissions inspection, and are not subject to the diesel emissions inspection. For Example, in 2023 the model year vehicles subject to OBDII inspections are 1999 through 2021.

Diesel-powered motor vehicles with a model year less than the current year minus 25 or greater than the current year minus two, registered anywhere in New York State, with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) less than 8,501 pounds, are not subject to the OBDII emissions inspection, the low-enhanced emissions inspection, or the diesel emissions inspection. For Example, in 2023 the model year vehicles not subject to OBDII inspections are 1998 or less and 2022 or 2023.

Any diesel-powered vehicle registered anywhere in New York State, with a maximum gross weight (MGW), as indicated on the vehicle registration certificate, greater than 8,500 pounds, can be required to pass a random roadside diesel emissions inspection.

The New York State Police, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the New York State Department of Transportation conduct these inspections. If the vehicle fails the inspection, the driver can receive a summons and a fine of $700 for the first offense and $1,300 for a second or subsequent offense. The driver can reduce the fine if the vehicle is repaired and passes a re-inspection at a DMV-licensed facility within 30 days of the violation.

Annual diesel emissions inspections are done at DMV-licensed inspection stations. The inspections are done at the same time as the annual safety inspection. The inspection station must have special equipment and be licensed by DMV to conduct diesel emissions inspections.

The annual cost for a diesel emissions inspection is $25. This fee is added to the safety inspection fee.

Find a DMV-licensed Emissions Inspection Station