What You Need to Know About Emissions Testing in New Jersey
Is your car subject to New Jersey emissions testing requirements? It’s time to find out (and save the planet).
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
New Jersey emissions testing is required in every county in the state—unless your vehicle is exempt. Biannual emissions inspections are required for applicable vehicles and tests are free if you go to a state-operated facility.
If the ozone layer could talk, you might get daily reminders to get your vehicle emissions tested. Luckily, the state of New Jersey has made it easy for you and your car to stay in line with pollution guidelines.
New Jersey emissions testing is pretty straightforward. Keep reading for a quick guide from
Jerry
, the first-ever super app created to save drivers money on car insurance
. This article covers exemptions, testing locations, what to do if you fail an emissions test, and even an easy way to save on the costs of your New Jersey car insurance
. Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs
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New Jersey emissions testing regulations
Some states limit emissions testing to certain counties—but New Jersey requires vehicles throughout the entire state to adhere to
emissions testing regulations
.There are some exemptions, however. Let’s take a look at a few vehicles and situations so you can understand whether these regulations apply to you or not.
Which counties in New Jersey require emissions testing?
Location is not a determining factor for New Jersey’s emissions inspection program. Vehicles registered in every county in the Garden State are subject to the same emissions guidelines.
Be aware that you might be subject to these regulations if you work or attend school in New Jersey, even if you don’t live there and your car isn’t registered there.
MORE: New Jersey road closures
Which cars need emissions testing in New Jersey?
Since all New Jersey drivers are required to participate in emissions testing, the next factor we need to consider is the vehicle type.
Gasoline, diesel, and bi-fueled vehicles manufactured earlier than five years ago must pass emissions testing every two years if they have one of the following license plate types:
- Passenger
- Not-for-profit
- Commuter vans
- Governmental
Diesel vehicles made in 1997 or after and that weigh less than 8,500 pounds must also pass a smog check.
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) does not issue reminders. Check the inspection due date on the windshield sticker you received during your last inspection for more information.
You may also be required to take an emissions test as part of a title transfer in New Jersey.
Exemptions from New Jersey emissions testing
Some specific types of vehicles are exempt from New Jersey emissions testing. If you own and drive one of the following vehicles, you are exempt under current state law:
- New vehicles not older than five years
- Electric vehicles
- Contractor equipment in transit
- Farm vehicles
- Historic and collector vehicles
- Motorcycles and motorized bicycles
- Vehicles operated by a county, city, fire district, or incorporated non-profit for first-aid, emergency, ambulance, rescue, or fire-fighting
- Diesel vehicles made in 1996 model year or earlier (so long as they have passenger, not-for-profit, governmental, commuter van, farmer, or farm truck plates)
- Diesel vehicles weighing between 8,501 and 17,999 pounds (so long as they have passenger, not-for-profit, governmental, commuter van, farmer, or farm truck plates)
Passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks (from 2009 model year and later) weighing less than 8,500 pounds must meet the California Low Emissions Vehicle Program standards.
If the MCO (Manufacturer Certificate of Origin) does not have the above designation, the vehicle will require an exemption from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) as well as a letter of approval to title the vehicle.
MORE:
New Jersey seat-belt law
How does New Jersey emissions testing work?
Here are the basic steps for getting your vehicle emissions tested.
- Locate a testing center. You can either choose a state-run facility (no fee) or find aPrivate Inspection Facility(fee-based). Call around to make sure you get a good price.
- Go in for the inspection with your vehicle. The technician will run one of several tests, depending on the age and fuel type of your car.
- Pay the fee and receive your results.
Types of emissions tests
The first step in an emissions test is to determine whether your vehicle is safe to drive. This usually includes a visual check of the instrument cluster and the gas cap.
Next, your vehicle will undergo one of the following tests to measure its emissions:
- OBD (On-board diagnostics) inspection, where the technician will use an OBD-II scanner to read trouble codes related to emissions problems
- I/M 240 dynamometer inspection, aka the treadmill test
- Two-speed idle test, where a probe is put into the exhaust pipe while the engine is revved
What happens if you fail emissions testing in New Jersey?
If your vehicle fails emissions testing in New Jersey, you will receive a VIR (Vehicle Inspection Report). This is a second-chance document that allows you to re-test within a set time frame once repairs are made.
How do you know what repairs must be made? The inspection technician will provide you with an Emission Repair Form detailing the mechanical issues that need to be addressed. It’s like getting a cheat sheet to guarantee you pass the next test!
Don’t miss the 30-day grace period deadline. Otherwise, you could be charged late fees.
Unfortunately, New Jersey discontinued its waiver program in 2009.
MORE: New Jersey Electric Vehicle Incentives
How to save on car insurance in New Jersey
Saving money doesn’t have to be a slog. In fact, saving money on your car expenses is faster than an emissions test if you use the
Jerry
app! While your vehicle is undergoing testing, get the free app and compare rates from top insurance companies.Jerry is a
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that does the hard work to research rates so you don’t have to. Unlock discounts, find out about deals, and switch to a better deal with a single tap. By the time your car gets its gold star and passes emissions testing, you could be ready to roll away with a new low rate on insurance! “With little to no work on my part,Jerrysaved me $70 a month in North Carolina. The process was simple and flawless. I will be working with Jerry in the future!” —Emmanuel K.
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Do you need an emissions test every year in New Jersey?
Not necessarily. If your vehicle is required to pass an emissions test, you need to test every two years.
How do I avoid emissions testing in New Jersey?
If you drive a car that’s exempt from inspections, such as an all-electric vehicle or a collector vehicle, you can avoid emissions testing. However, New Jersey’s emissions program is statewide. You could be denied title and registration if you don’t pass emissions testing.
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