New York Car Inspection Guide
In New York, all vehicles are required to go through both safety and emissions inspections every year.
Table of Contents
- You are required to get a vehicle inspection annually in New York
- What is checked during a New York car inspection
- What are New York’s emissions inspection requirements?
- Where to get a car inspection in New York
- New York’s new car inspection stickers explained
- FAQs
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All vehicles in
New York
have to go through emissions testing
and safety checks once a year. They are usually conducted at the same time. - You cannot renew your New York State vehicle registration without a yearly safety inspection.
- Safety inspections are required if a vehicle’s ownership is being transferred.
- In the state of New York, drivers must get a safety inspection at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) licensed inspection station.
- It costs between $10 to $20 to get a vehicle safety inspection in New York.
- You cannot renew your New York State vehicle registration without a yearly safety inspection.
- Safety inspections are required if a vehicle’s ownership is being transferred.
- In the state of New York, drivers must get a safety inspection at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) licensed inspection station.
- It costs between $10 to $20 to get a vehicle safety inspection in New York.
You are required to get a vehicle inspection annually in New York
Your vehicle must display a valid inspection sticker at all times in New York.
- Emissions and safety inspections are required annually (every 12 months) in New York
- You can expect to have to go through an inspection if you’ve recently bought a car from a private seller or had atitle transferred to you
Vehicles less than two years old are technically exempt from testing requirements, but it might still be a good idea to get your car checked out.
There are no VIN requirements in New York but the DMV might be inclined to run a quick check when you sell your car or move from out of state.
If your vehicle does not get a safety inspection before the expiry date on your inspection sticker, you may face the following consequences:
- Inability to renew your vehicle registration
- Fines of between $25 to $100 and an $88 to $93 surcharge
- Parking tickets
Keep in mind: Your inspection is due by the last day of the month on your sticker. If your inspection is overdue and you get pulled over, you could get a ticket.
What is the cost of a safety inspection in New York?
The
cost of a safety inspection
in New York ranges from $6 to $20 dollars. For light vehicles, the cost usually falls between $6 to $15. Heavy vehicles can cost either $12 or $20. Why are car inspections necessary in New York?
New York’s vehicle safety inspection program is designed to ensure that all vehicles registered in the state meet the minimum standards to operate safely on public roads and highways. In addition to the safety inspection, each vehicle is subject to an emissions test to minimize the effects of vehicular air pollution.
Car Inspections for vehicles purchased from dealers
If you purchased your vehicle from a car dealership in New York, you probably won’t need an initial safety inspection. Dealers are required to have vehicles inspected before the car leaves the lot and within 30 days of the sale.
- After the initial dealer inspection, cars younger than two years old are not required to get safety inspections
- After the first two years, New York state vehicle inspections are required on an annual basis
Car inspections for vehicles purchased from private sellers
If you purchased your vehicle from a private seller, you will be required to get a safety inspection within 10 days of the vehicle’s registration. Even if the past registrant had the vehicle inspected within a year before the sale, the vehicle must be inspected again once the new owner registers the vehicle.
What is checked during a New York car inspection
During a New York state inspection, you can expect the following items to be checked:
- Tires (spare excluded)
- Brakes
- Steering, suspension, chassis, front-end, wheel fasteners and frame
- Seat belts
- Lights
- Windshield and windows (tint included)
- Windshield wipers and blades
- Mirrors
- Fuel leaks
- Horn
What are New York’s emissions inspection requirements?
During an emissions inspection—also known as an On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD-II) Inspection—in New York, the following items will be checked:
- Catalytic converter (CAT)
- Exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR)
- Positive crankcase ventilation system (PCV)
- Air injection system (AIS)
- Evaporative emissions control (EVAP)
- Fuel inlet restrictor (FIR)
- Thermostatic air cleaner (TAC)
Exceptions to New York’s car inspection requirements
Though the vehicle inspection requirements in New York are fairly rigorous, there are some exceptions, including vehicles that are:
- Motorcycles
- Less than two years old
- More than 25 years old
- Diesel-powered vehicles, as long as they were made before 1997 and weigh less than 8,500 pounds
- Electric
- In possession ofhistoric plates
- Subject to heavy vehicle inspection policies
Where to get a car inspection in New York
Inspections in New York are almost always conducted at NYS DMV-licensed stations, which are relatively simple to access across the state. You can
find a DMV-licensed station
on the New York DMV website. In some cases, you may be able to complete your NY state inspection and a local auto repair shop.
New York’s new car inspection stickers explained
New York implemented new car inspection stickers in early 2023 to improve security and prevent fraud. The new vehicle inspection stickers include the following:
- An inspection record QR code that is exclusively scannable by police officers and law enforcement
- The vehicle’s license plate number
- The mileage of the vehicle at the time that the safety inspection was administered
- A certification number
- The date of the most recent safety inspection
The new safety inspection sticker is the same price as the old sticker.
FAQs
How often do you need a car inspection in New York?
You’ll need to get an emissions inspection and safety check once every year—and you’ll face a fine if you don’t. In most cases, safety and emissions inspections are conducted simultaneously.
Do I have to get an inspection before I sell my car in New York?
No, the onus is on the buyer to get an inspection. However, it may be courteous to prove timely safety records if you’re selling your car privately.
How much do car inspections cost in New York?
Car inspections in New York are significantly cheaper than in the rest of the country. A low-level emissions test will only set you back $11. Meanwhile, a safety inspection costs $27. The two are usually performed at the same time.
How long does a car inspection take in New York?
Thankfully, a car inspection is a fairly simple and quick process in New York and typically only takes 30 minutes to an hour. To get a New York car inspection, you will need to do the following:
- Make an appointment: Depending on your schedule, you could try to make an appointment for an exact day and time. Doing so may alleviate some of the stress of trying to get your vehicle inspected.
- Walk-in: Another option would be visiting a site that offers walk-in appointments. If you unexpectedly have free time, drop in for an appointment. Some places that often offer walk-in services are Delta Sonic or Valvoline.
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