Safety Inspection
How often must I get a vehicle inspection?
All vehicles registered in New York State must get a safety inspection and an emissions inspection every 12 months. Both inspections are also required when the ownership of a vehicle is transferred. (Some vehicles are exempt from emissions inspections.) Both inspections are done at the same time by a DMV-certified inspector at privately-owned inspection stations licensed by DMV.
If you buy a vehicle from a NYS dealer, the dealer must have the vehicle inspected. The inspections must occur no more than 30 days before the vehicle is delivered to you.
You receive an inspection extension if you buy or get a vehicle from an out-of-state source. After you register the vehicle in NYS, you are allowed ten days to complete the vehicle inspections. Any inspection issued to the previous registrant is not valid after you register the vehicle.
If you become a resident of NYS and register your vehicle in NYS, your out-of-state inspection remains valid. The out-of-state certificate or inspection sticker issued in your name is valid until it expires, or for one year after the vehicle is registered in NYS, whichever comes first. When your out-of-state inspection expires, you must get the vehicle inspected in NYS.
Where can I get a vehicle inspected?
You must have a vehicle inspected at a DMV-registered inspection station. These inspection stations display a yellow and black sign that reads, "Official Inspection Station."
At the DMV web site, you can look up inspection stations by county and ZIP code.
What equipment is checked during a safety inspection?
The DMV brochure, New York State Vehicle Safety/Emissions Inspection Program for Cars and Light Trucks, lists the equipment items checked during a safety inspection.
What is checked during an emissions inspection?
See the description of the emissions inspections used in all counties of NYS.
What are the fees for the inspection?
The safety inspection fee is $10. The emissions inspection fee depends on where you reside:
- If you are a resident of the NYMA, the fee for an enhanced emissions inspection is $27.
- If you are a resident of one of the other 53 counties, the fee for the emissions inspection and the gas cap check is $11.
Is there a penalty if I do not get an inspection?
- You cannot renew your vehicle registration. Inspection stations electronically send a record of all emissions inspections to the DMV. The DMV must have a record that your vehicle passed an emissions inspection during the previous year. Keep the receipt of your emissions inspection sticker to prove that your vehicle was inspected.
- You can receive a fine. If the inspection sticker on your vehicle has expired in the past 60 days, you can receive a fine of $25 to $50. If the inspection sticker is expired more than 60 days, the fine is between $50 and $100. If there is no inspection sticker, the fine is between $50 and $100. Mandatory state surcharges of up to $55 are added to the fine.
- You can receive a parking ticket. A parked vehicle with no inspection sticker, or with an expired inspection sticker, can receive a parking ticket.
How do I replace an inspection sticker?
If the sticker did not remain attached to your windshield, you can attach the sticker to the windshield again with clear tape or a small amount of clear adhesive. Remember that an inspection station must be able to remove the sticker during your next inspection.
If your sticker is not usable or you do not have the original inspection sticker, you can have your vehicle re-inspected or you can follow the instructions below.
Send a request for replacement to the DMV, indicate the reason for the replacement, and include either a copy of your inspection receipt OR the following information:
- the serial number of the original inspection sticker, if available, and
- the year and make of the vehicle, and
- the vehicle plate number, and
- the odometer reading at the time of the last inspection, and
- the date of the last inspection, and
- your daytime phone number.
Note: If you request this information from the original inspection station the inspection station can charge you $2 for this service.
The fee for the replacement is $2. Send the required items and a personal check or money order payable to "Commissioner of Motor Vehicles" to:
Bureau of Consumer and Facility Services
Division of Vehicle Safety Services
NYSDMV
P.O. Box 2700-ESP
Albany, NY 12220-0700
What if the NYS inspection expires while my vehicle is in another state?
Contact the motor vehicle authorities in that state. Determine if an expired out-of-state inspection is a violation of motor vehicle law in that state. Ask the authorities if a NYS inspection extension sticker prevents a ticket for the violation. A NYS inspection extension allows you 10 days from the date the vehicle returns to NYS to get a NYS inspection done.
When you request the extension, allow 14 days for the DMV to process and mail your extension sticker. You need to receive the extension sticker before you return your vehicle to New York.
To receive an inspection extension, send the following information:
- your name and current out-of-state mailing address
- the year and make of your vehicle
- your NYS vehicle plate number
- your inspection sticker number and expiration date.
Mail the information to:
Inspection Extension
Bureau of Consumer and Facility Services
Division of Vehicle Safety Services
NYSDMV
P.O. Box 2700-ESP
Albany, NY 12220-0700
When you receive your extension sticker:
- Do not put the extension sticker on your windshield while your vehicle is out of state.
- Keep the sticker and the instructions in your vehicle to show to an out-of-state police officer.
- The sticker is not a guarantee that a police officer will not issue a traffic ticket.
- There will be no record of an inspection on the NYSDMV computerized registration files. You cannot renew the registration if there is no DMV computer record of an inspection within the last 12 months. If you must renew the registration before you get a NYS inspection, call 518-402-2111.
After you return your vehicle to NYS:
- Write the date the vehicle returned to NYS on the extension sticker.
- Attach the sticker to your windshield.
- Get a NYS inspection within 10 days.
Emissions Inspection for Gas-powered Vehicles
THE NYS VEHICLE INSPECTION PROGRAM (NYVIP)
The NYVIP is a program that includes an inspection of the emissions control systems on gas-powered vehicles that have a model year of 1996 and newer. The NYVIP inspection also includes:
- The current safety inspection,
- The current gas cap check, and
- The current visual inspection of the emission control devices.
The NYVIP helps NYS to comply with the Federal Clean Air Act, decrease the emissions from motor vehicles, and reduce air pollution.
For NYVIP inspection, the NYS-licensed inspection station uses new equipment to monitor the on-board diagnostic system (OBDII) of your vehicle. The station uses the new equipment, a modem, and a dedicated telephone line to report the inspection results to the DMV. The dedicated telephone line must be an analog telephone line; it cannot be a digital telephone line.
The inspection station also uses the NYVIP equipment to conduct the inspections for motorcycles, trailers, and vehicles that have a model year of 1995 and older, but the station does not conduct the ODBII inspection for these vehicles.
Below are FAQs about the NYVIP inspection:
What is "OBDII"?
"OBDII" is the acronym that indicates "on-board diagnostics - version two". The OBDII is a computer system that monitors the correct operation of the engine and the emissions control systems of the vehicle. Vehicles that have a model year of 1996 or newer and that weigh 8,500 lbs. or less have the OBDII. If the OBDII detects a problem that can result in excessive emissions, a malfunction indicator light (MIL) illuminates to inform the driver or automotive technician.
Which vehicles must get the OBDII test?
The OBDII test is required for any gas-powered vehicle that is not exempt from emissions inspection and that:
- Has a model year of 1996 or newer, and
- Is more than two model years old, and
- Displays a weight that is less than 8,501 lbs. on the vehicle registration.
What motor vehicles are exempt from emissions inspection for gas-powered vehicles?
These motor vehicles are exempt from emissions inspection for gas-powered vehicles:
- Vehicles that are less than two model years old, or more than 25 model years old (for example, a 1975 model in 2001).
- Diesel-powered vehicles 8500 lbs. or less and Diesel-powered vehicles 8501 lbs. and more registered in the NYCMA area that are required to have the emissions inspection for diesel-powered vehicles.
- Electric-powered vehicles.
- Motorcycles.
- Vehicles that are registered as farm equipment or that have historical plates.
- Homemade vehicles or custom vehicles that are registered in the Upstate Area.
What emissions inspection is required if a gas-powered vehicle is not required to have the OBDII test and is not exempt from emissions inspection?
If a vehicle is a 1995 or older model gas-powered vehicle that is not exempt from emissions inspection the vehicle receives:
- A high-enhanced emissions inspection if the vehicle is registered in the NYCMA, or
- A low-enhanced emissions inspection if the vehicle is registered in the Upstate Area.
What is the fee for a NYVIP inspection?
In the Upstate Area, the total fee for a NYVIP safety and emissions inspection is $21. In the NYCMA, the total fee for a NYVIP safety and emissions inspection is $37.
How much additional time will the OBDII test require?
The OBDII test will require less than five minutes. The inspector conducts the safety inspection, the gas cap check and the visual inspection of the emissions control devices, and then the OBDII test, to complete the inspection.
How will I know if my vehicle passed or failed the OBDII test?
The NYVIP equipment at the inspection station prints a document that is a report of the test results and a receipt. If your vehicle fails the test, the report indicates the reason for the failure. The report can provide helpful information to an automotive technician who repairs the vehicle.
If my vehicle requires repairs, will the warranty on my vehicle cover the repairs?
Read the owner manual and other documents for your vehicle to get information about the warranty on the emissions control equipment. The vehicle manufacturer is required to warranty emissions failures for the first 2 years or 24,000 miles and specified major emission components for 8 years or 80,000 miles. If you have questions, contact the automobile dealer or the vehicle manufacturer.
What can occur if my vehicle fails the OBDII test?
If the NYVIP requires a vehicle to receive an OBDII emissions inspection, and the vehicle does not qualify for a waiver (see below), the vehicle must pass that inspection in order to receive an inspection sticker. The failure of the vehicle to pass the inspection can prevent the renewal of the vehicle registration. See the information about registration-based enforcement of the emissions inspection requirements. You must have the vehicle repaired to meet the standards and pass a reinspection.
Inspection Waiver. A vehicle that is required to have the OBDII inspection can qualify for a waiver if:
- The vehicle fails the OBDII inspection, but passes the safety inspection, the gas cap check, and the visual inspection of the emission control devices, and
- The vehicle receives repairs that are related to the failure of the OBDII inspection and the cost of the repairs is at least $450, and
- The vehicle does not pass the OBDII inspection during a reinspection.
The waiver is valid for one year.
After the reinspection, the inspector enters the repair information that you provide into the NYVIP equipment. The NYVIP equipment then notifies the inspector if the vehicle qualifies for a waiver. If the vehicle qualifies, the inspector can use the NYVIP equipment to print a waiver form. You must sign the waiver form, and the inspector must sign the waiver form. The inspection station keeps the waiver form and other documents related to the waiver. The inspector then issues your inspection sticker, and the sticker is valid for one year.
To qualify for a waiver:
- You must have the inspection report from the original NYVIP inspection station.
- The inspection report must show that your vehicle failed the original OBDII test, but that your vehicle passed the safety inspection, the gas cap check, and the visual inspection of the emission control devices.
- The emissions control system of your vehicle must be intact. The system must not show any evidence of tampering.
- You must have work orders and receipts that prove that repairs related to the vehicle emissions system were completed at a NYS-licensed repair shop. The work orders and the receipts must prove that the cost of the repairs, parts and labor, was at least $450. If you complete the repairs yourself, the calculation of the cost of the repairs includes only the cost of the parts that were used and does not include any amount for your labor.
What is the warning light on my dashboard that displays the words, "Check Engine", or similar words? What can I do if the warning light illuminates?
The warning light is the malfunction indicator light (MIL) of the OBDII system. The color of the MIL is red or yellow. The MIL can display the words, "check engine soon", "service engine soon", or words that are similar. The MIL on some vehicle displays the image of an engine with the word, "check".
The MIL normally illuminates when you insert the key and turn the vehicle ignition toward the position that starts the vehicle engine. If there is no problem, the MIL does not remain illuminated while the engine operates. If you start your engine and the MIL remains illuminated, the OBDII system has found a problem.
The problem may reduce fuel efficiency, increase air pollution, or cause harm to the engine. Take your vehicle to a qualified automotive technician to determine the severity of the problem and if service or repairs are required. Normally the illumination of the MIL is not an indication of a malfunction that requires immediate attention, but an unresolved malfunction may lead to more serious problems or costly repairs.
To indicate a possible serious malfunction, the MIL flashes on and flashes off while the engine operates. Take your vehicle to an automotive technician immediately, and only operate your vehicle if necessary. Do not operate your vehicle at fast speeds, and do not use your vehicle to carry or tow a heavy load.
How do I get a 10-day extension of my current inspection?
You can receive from the NYVIP inspection station an inspection receipt that includes a 10-day extension of your previous inspection only if:
- the previous inspection was expired at the time of the inspection, and
- your vehicle passed all parts of the inspection except the test of the OBD II readiness monitor.
You cannot get an extension in any other circumstances. You cannot get more than one extension. You cannot get an extension from the DMV.
What if the inspection indicates that my vehicle is "not ready" for the OBD II test? Where can I get information about the OBD II readiness monitor status of my vehicle?
Read the brochure about the status of the OBD II readiness monitor. You can read the brochure in English or in Spanish.
How can I find the locations of NYVIP inspection stations?
You can search by ZIP Code or by county for the locations of NYVIP emissions inspection stations.
How can I learn more about OBDII?
To get more information about OBDII, you can visit the web sites of these organizations:
THE HIGH-ENHANCED EMISSIONS INSPECTION FOR THE NYCMA
What emissions inspection is required if a gas-powered vehicle is not required to have the OBDII test and is not exempt from emissions inspection?
A 1995 or older model year vehicle, or a vehicle that weighs 8,501 lbs. or more is required to have a high-enhanced emissions inspection if the vehicle:
- Is registered in the New York City Metropolitan Area (NYCMA), and
- Is not exempt from emissions inspection.
The NYCMA includes nine counties: the five boroughs of New York City, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County, and Rockland County. To conduct a high-enhanced emissions inspection, the inspection station must be licensed by the NYSDMV to conduct NYVIP inspections.
What does the high-enhanced emissions inspection include?
The high-enhanced emissions inspection tests the air pollution control system and exhaust emissions of a vehicle. All vehicles receive a gas cap check and a visual inspection to find evidence of tampering and to prevent malfunctions in the air pollution control devices.
The model year, the weight, and the type of vehicle determine the test methods and the standards that are used:
- Vehicles that have a model year of 1981 or newer and a weight of 8,500 lbs. or less must receive a dynamometer test.
- Vehicles that have a model year earlier than 1981 and a weight of more than 8,500 pounds, or that have full-time traction control or all-wheel drive equipment, receive an idle speed tailpipe test only.
What motor vehicles are exempt from emissions inspection for gas-powered vehicles?
These motor vehicles are exempt from emissions inspection for gas-powered vehicles:
- Vehicles that are less than two model years old, or more than 25 model years old (for example, a 1975 model in 2001).
- Diesel-powered vehicles 8500 lbs. or less and Diesel-powered vehicles 8501 lbs. and more registered in the NYCMA area that are required to have the emissions inspection for diesel-powered vehicles.
- Electric-powered vehicles.
- Motorcycles.
- Vehicles that are registered as farm equipment or that have historical plates.
- Homemade vehicles or custom vehicles that are registered in the Upstate Area.
Annual safety inspections are required for all vehicles that the law does not exempt. To learn more about safety inspections, read the DMV brochure, New York State Vehicle Safety/Emissions Inspection Program for Cars and Light Trucks.
How can I find the locations of high-enhanced inspection stations?
To conduct a high-enhanced emissions inspection, the inspection station must be licensed by the NYSDMV to conduct NYVIP inspections. You can search by ZIP Code or by county for the locations of NYVIP emissions inspection stations.
What is the fee for the high-enhanced emissions inspection?
The fee for a high-enhanced emissions inspection and the safety inspection is $37; the same fee paid for a safety inspection and the NYVIP emissions inspection.
THE LOW-ENHANCED EMISSIONS INSPECTION FOR THE UPSTATE AREA
A 1995 or older model year vehicle, or a vehicle that weighs 8,501 lbs. or more is required to have a low-enhanced emissions inspection if the vehicle:
- Is registered in the Upstate Area, and
- Is not exempt from emissions inspection.
The Upstate Area includes the 53 counties located north of the New York City Metropolitan Area (NYCMA). The NYCMA includes New York City, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Rockland County, and Westchester County. The Upstate Area includes all other counties in NYS.
To conduct a low-enhanced emissions inspection, the inspection station must be licensed by the NYSDMV to conduct NYVIP inspections.
What does the low-enhanced emissions inspection include?
The low-enhanced emissions inspection includes a gas cap check and a visual inspection to find evidence of tampering and to prevent malfunctions in the air pollution control devices. The test is done annually at the same time as the safety inspection.
What motor vehicles are exempt from emissions inspection for gas-powered vehicles?
These motor vehicles are exempt from emissions inspection for gas-powered vehicles:
- Vehicles that are less than two model years old, or more than 25 model years old (for example, a 1975 model in 2001).
- Diesel-powered vehicles 8500 lbs. or less and Diesel-powered vehicles 8501 lbs. and more registered in the NYCMA area that are required to have the emissions inspection for diesel-powered vehicles.
- Electric-powered vehicles.
- Motorcycles.
- Vehicles that are registered as farm equipment or that have historical plates.
- Homemade vehicles or custom vehicles that are registered in the Upstate Area.
What is the fee for the low-enhanced emissions inspection?
The fee for a low-enhanced emissions inspection and the safety inspection is $21; the same maximum fee paid for a safety inspection and the NYVIP emissions inspection.
How can I find the locations of low-enhanced inspection stations?
To conduct a low-enhanced emissions inspection, the inspection station must be licensed by the NYSDMV to conduct NYVIP inspections. You can search by ZIP Code or by county for the locations of NYVIP emissions inspection stations.
Emissions Inspection for Diesel-powered Vehicles
Does a diesel-powered vehicle require an annual emissions inspection?
All diesel-powered vehicles registered in the New York City Metropolitan Area (NYCMA) with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 8,501 lbs. or heavier must get an annual emissions inspection. The emissions inspection must occur at the same time as the annual safety inspection. The NYCMA includes the five boroughs of New York City, and Nassau County, Suffolk County, Rockland County, and Westchester County. There are no exemptions given because of vehicle year, vehicle model, or other related vehicle information.
Diesel-powered vehicles with a GVW of 8,500 lbs. or less are not subject to an annual emissions inspection. Diesel-powered vehicles registered outside of the NYCMA are also exempt from the annual emissions inspection.
Can a diesel-powered vehicle be required to pass a roadside emissions inspection?
Any diesel-powered vehicle with a GVW of 8,501 or more can be required to pass a roadside emissions inspection. The NYS Police and the NYS Department of Transportation conduct these inspections. If the vehicle fails the inspection, the driver can receive a summons and a fine of $700 to $1300 (for repeated violations). The driver can reduce the fine if the vehicle is repaired and passes a reinspection at a DMV-licensed facility within 30 days of the violation.
What is the fee for an annual diesel-powered vehicle emissions inspection?
The annual emissions inspection fee is $25. This fee is added to the fee of $10 for the safety inspection.
Where and when will the annual diesel-powered vehicle emissions inspections be done?
The 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 the special equipment and be licensed by DMV to conduct diesel engine emissions inspections. An inspection station that only does emissions inspections of gas-powered vehicles is not qualified to do diesel engine emissions inspections. See the list of DMV-licensed diesel engine emissions inspection stations.
What if I my vehicle passes both the safety inspection and the diesel-powered vehicle emissions inspection?
The inspection station issues an inspection sticker valid for one year. If the vehicle is subject to a heavy vehicle inspection (vehicles with a GVW of 18,000 lbs. or more), a Heavy Vehicle Inspection sticker is issued.
What if I my vehicle passes only the safety inspection or the diesel-powered vehicle emissions inspection?
An inspection sticker is not issued until both inspections are passed.
If you return the vehicle to the same inspection station within 30 days, it requires a reinspection of the failed inspection only. You are required to pay the reinspection fee only.
If you take the vehicle to another inspection station or wait 30 days after the failed inspection, the vehicle must get both inspections again. You must pay for both inspections again.
Salvage Vehicle Examination
You cannot get a new title certificate and registration for a rebuilt salvage vehicle until the vehicle passes an examination by the DMV. This requirement includes vehicles that have a NYS Salvage Certificate (MV-907A) for proof of ownership, and also rebuilt salvage vehicles from most other states. Get complete information about the Salvage Vehicle Examination Program.
Complaints About Vehicle Repairs, Inspections, or Dealers
Does NYS regulate motor vehicle repair shops, inspection stations and dealers?
Yes. The businesses in the following list must register with the DMV to operate. NYS law requires these businesses follow all consumer protection laws and regulations.
- Repair shops - A vehicle repair shop is required to display a green and white sign that reads, "Registered Motor Vehicle Repair Shop". The repair shop must display its registration certificate and labor rates inside. Read more about vehicle repairs in the DMV brochure,
Know Your Rights in Auto Repair.
- Inspection stations - Inspection stations must display a yellow and black sign that reads, "Official Inspection Station".
- Dealers - Anyone who sells or offers for sale more than five vehicles in one year must register with the DMV as a dealer.
- Vehicle dismantlers and other businesses that remove or discard vehicles and parts must register with the DMV.
How do I file a complaint about a repair shop, inspection station or dealer?
Use form VS-35 (Vehicle Safety Complaint Report) to file a complaint. To ask how to file your complaint, call the DMV Division of Vehicle Safety Services at (518) 474-8943 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. weekdays.
To learn about the complaint process, read the brochure What to Expect if You File a Complaint Against a DMV Regulated Business.
Note: The DMV can investigate vehicle repair complaints that are made within 90 days or 3,000 miles of the repair, whichever comes first. The Department cannot resolve disputes over the terms of manufacturer warranties or guarantees.
Contact the Office of the NYS Attorney General to get general information about the "Lemon Law". Call 1-800-771-7755 (1-800-788-9898 for hearing impaired persons) to get information about complaints and the "Lemon Law."
Odometer / Mileage Fraud
How do I determine the correct odometer reading of a vehicle I bought or plan to buy?
It is difficult to determine if an odometer was changed or to verify the accuracy of an odometer reading. Make sure you get all available information about a vehicle before you buy it.
When a vehicle is transferred, the dealer or the seller is required to certify the odometer reading on the back of the title certificate or on form MV-103 (Odometer and Damage Disclosure Statement). This reported odometer reading appears on the front of the new title certificate and on the title certificate record at the DMV. Make sure you look at the title certificate to verify the ownership, liens and odometer reading before you complete the transaction.
The Driver's Privacy Protection Act restricts access to personal information on DMV records. Vehicle ownership histories are only available from DMV with the protected personal information included. Any person who requests vehicle ownership history information must have a "permissible use" according to the DPPA.
Some odometer readings and vehicle history information are available for a fee from other sources. These sources compile information from motor vehicle records, repair shops and other sources. This information does not contain personal information. Search the Internet for "vehicle ownership history" to find these sources.
I suspect the odometer on a car I bought was changed. What can I do?
The DMV Odometer Crimes Unit (OCU) investigates each complaint of alleged odometer fraud or tampering.
If you need to contact the OCU, have all of the following information available:
- Vehicle Identification Number
- Odometer reading at the time of purchase
- The date and location of the purchase
- The name of the seller of the vehicle
- The amount you paid for the vehicle
- How the vehicle was offered for sale
- All documents that refer to the purchase of the vehicle
You can contact the OCU at 518-473-1079 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except State holidays. You also can send a written complaint to:
DMV Odometer Crimes Unit
Room 432B
NYSDMV
6 Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12228
DMV Investigators consider your complaint and evaluate all information you provide. The OCU contacts you about the results of your complaint.
