Vehicle Inspection Requirements in New York

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Vehicles in New York must undergo regular inspections to ensure they meet safety and environmental standards, which reduces the risk of preventable accidents. Here’s what you need to know about these rules.

Car Inspection Laws and Regulations in New York

All vehicles registered in New York must undergo safety and emissions inspections. These inspections ensure that vehicles meet state environmental regulations and reduce the risk of maintenance-related accidents. Owners must take their vehicles to licensed inspection stations. Facilities licensed to conduct safety/emissions inspections will display a yellow and black sign bearing the words “Official Inspection Station.”

The owner of a vehicle that does not have a valid inspection cannot renew their registration and may receive a citation or parking ticket.

How Often Do You Need a Car Inspection in New York?

Vehicle owners must have their cars inspected every 12 months, and cars and light trucks must also undergo inspection after every change of ownership. After passing an inspection, a vehicle will receive an inspection sticker, which expires on the last day of the month punched on the sticker.

What Are Technicians Required to Inspect?

During the safety inspection, technicians will inspect various components in a car or light truck, including the following:

  • Brakes and the brake pedal
  • Chassis/frame
  • Fuel system
  • Horn
  • Lights, including the headlamps, taillamps, brake lights, indicators, backup lights, hazard lights, and license plate light
  • Mirrors
  • Seat belts
  • Steering wheel and steering linkages
  • Suspension, including shock absorbers, springs, and torsion bars
  • Tires, including condition, air pressure, and tread depth
  • Windows and windshields
  • Wipers

The emissions inspections will either run a diagnostic on the vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostics Generation II (OBDII) system or, for older vehicles, a “low enhanced” inspection. The inspection will also examine manufacturer-installed emissions control devices, including:

  • Air injection system
  • Catalytic converter
  • Evaporative emissions control
  • Exhaust gas recirculation valve
  • Fuel inlet restrictor
  • Positive crankcase ventilation system
  • Thermostatic air cleaner

Diesel vehicles also must undergo a smoke opacity test.

What if Your Car Fails the Inspection?

The owner of a vehicle that fails inspection must conduct all repairs identified by the technician and then have the vehicle reinspected. Owners of vehicles required to have an OBDII inspection may obtain a one-year inspection waiver under certain circumstances, including:

  • The vehicle failed the OBDII inspection but passed the safety and emissions inspections
  • The vehicle received at least $450 in repairs related to the failure of the OBDII inspection
  • The vehicle failed the OBDII inspection during re-inspection

Alternatively, owners can request a 10-day extension of an expired inspection if their vehicle passes all parts of the inspection except for the OBDII inspection.

Hurt in a NYC Car Crash? Contact our Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation

Have you been hurt in a car accident caused by a driver’s negligence in maintaining or repairing their vehicle? If so, you deserve to seek financial recovery for your injuries and losses. Contact Finz & Finz, P.C. today for a free, no-obligation claim evaluation with our Mineola car accident lawyer. We look forward to meeting you and hearing your story.