Diesel inspections emission testing

A non-exempt diesel-powered motor vehicle may be subject to either the OBDII emissions inspection or the diesel emissions inspection. Additional information about these inspections may be found on the table below.

 

Emissions Inspections for Diesel-powered Vehicles

WhatOBDII Emissions InspectionDiesel Emissions Inspection
Vehicles Subject to InspectionAll 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. under 8,501 lbs. GVWR 1 (For example, in 2023 the model year vehicles subject to OBDII are 1999 through 2021)All non-exempt diesel-powered motor vehicles over 8,500 pounds MGW 2 registered in the NYMA 3 
Station ClassOfficial Emissions Inspection StationDiesel Emissions Inspection Station
Equipment TypeOBDII tool linked to CVIS (computerized vehicle inspection system)Diesel emissions inspection system (smoke meter)
Sticker TypeSafety/Emissions Inspection CertificateSafety/Diesel Emissions Inspection Certificate


Vehicles subject to diesel emissions inspection

All non-exempt diesel-powered vehicles registered in the NYMA or Diesel Emissions Metropolitan Area (DEMA) (some registrations may or may not show they are within DEMA), 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 DEMA includes the five boroughs of New York City, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Rockland County, and Westchester County. The model year does not exempt a vehicle from the inspection. Read section 79.2(h) of the inspection regulations to get information about vehicles that are exempt.

All diesel-powered vehicles registered outside of the Diesel Emissions Metropolitan Area (DEMA), 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.


Diesel Opacity Emissions (Smoke Test)

The Diesel Opacity Emissions inspection is not required in other areas of NY State, or for vehicles registered out-of-state. However, the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation, the NY State Department of Transportation, or the NY State Police can test any diesel-powered vehicle that has an MGW of more than 8,500 lbs. at any roadside inspection site that is located on any New York State highway. If a vehicle fails the roadside inspection, a traffic ticket can be issued.


Temporary Certificate of Emissions Waiver (VS-1078)

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 Waiver is only available at DMV Issuing Offices. The temporary emissions 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 Temporary Certificate of Emissions Waiver will be valid for ten (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).


When and where does the diesel emissions inspection occur?

The diesel emissions inspection occurs at the time of the annual safety inspection and is conducted at a diesel emissions inspection station.


Non-diesel emissions inspection station in the New York Metropolitan Area (NYMA) 

The station can conduct other inspections but cannot inspect vehicles that are subject to the diesel emissions inspection.


Fee

You can refer to Inspection Groups and Fee Chart (pdf) (VS-77) for this information.


Become a diesel emissions inspection station

The inspection station must purchase a DMV-approved smoke meter. A station can conduct an emissions inspection on a diesel-powered vehicle if the station is licensed to conduct a safety inspection for that specific type of vehicle. To prove that an approved smoke meter was purchased, the station must send a photocopy of the invoice to this address

NYS DMV
Bureau of Consumer & Facility Services
Application Unit
P.O. Box 2700
Albany, NY  12220-0700

If you have questions, call 1-518-474-0919.

  1. 1. gross vehicle weight rating
  2. 2. maximum gross weight
  3. 3. NYMA - New York Metropolitan Area
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For your convenience, many DMV PDF forms can be filled in online and then printed.