The Requirements for New York State Car Inspections

If you’re a resident or have recently moved to New York state, it’s important to make sure you’re up to date on the mandatory requirements for road vehicle testing. It’s required that each year vehicles undergo a New York state auto inspection to ensure that all of the safety equipment works and that emissions are within standards. If you’re unsure about the requirements for the state-mandated inspection and what exactly needs to be checked out, we’ve compiled all the basic information here for you to make sure you get exactly what you need from your registered auto repair shop.

Safety Inspection 101

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles has mandated that if you operate a motor vehicle in the state, you’re required to get a safety inspection every 12 months. This has been mandated to ensure safety and help keep emissions as minimal as possible. Once a vehicle receives a thorough inspection, the owner is provided with a sticker that must be prominently displayed on the vehicle. Operators of a motor vehicle registered in New York without an up-to-date inspection might be subject to fines by the state, parking tickets if there’s no sticker displayed on the vehicle or be denied vehicle registration renewals.

When it comes to booking your safety inspection, it’s important to remember that you can only receive a legitimate inspection from a licensed business authorized by the state to perform inspections.

Who Needs an Inspection?

As mentioned, it’s mandatory for every vehicle that’s registered in the State of New York to undergo an inspection every 12 months. There are also a few other circumstances in which a vehicle is required to be inspected, most notably if the ownership of a vehicle is being transferred or if the vehicle has been purchased in a private sale and not from a dealership. Additionally, cars with residents from out of state who have recently moved also need a valid inspection sticker, as well as vehicles with an inspection sticker that will soon expire. If you’re unsure about whether or not you should be getting an inspection, make sure you get in touch with the DMV to confirm.

Is There Any Flexibility?

There is a grace period for you to receive an extension on your car inspection if you’re going to be away when your 12-month period is set to expire. You need to submit your request for an extension to the DMV and an extension sticker will be mailed to you within 2 weeks of the receipt of your application. The extension provides you with an extra 10 days for you to get your inspection after the date of your return to New York state. Your application will need to include the precise information for the out of state address you’ll be using, your vehicle’s license plate number, car make and model, and your current inspection sticker number and expiry date, so make sure you have all this information handy when you send off your application.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of a New York state safety inspection is dependent upon the class and size of your vehicle. For light vehicles, safety inspection fees are dependent on the vehicle’s weight. Costs also fluctuate if you’re looking to get an inspection for your trailer, heavy vehicle, or motorcycle. If you’re looking for prices, you can contact your local registered auto repair shop and make sure you specify that you’re interested in knowing about New York state auto inspection fees.

What’s in A Safety Inspection?

A safety inspection from a licensed auto-inspection business will involve doing some standard checks to ensure visibility and brake mechanisms are performing optimally. As a result, headlights, horns, mirrors, and turn signals will be checked along with windshield wipers and checks to confirm that any window tinting is in the approved range. Making sure a car can stop when expected includes checking brake pads, emergency brakes, tire treads, steering, and shocks.

What About Emissions Inspections?

Along with the safety inspection, your licensed inspector will also ensure your car undergoes an emission check. Emissions testing became a part of the state inspection program in 1990 as part of the Federal Clean Air Act to ensure that harmful emissions from passenger vehicles were as minimal as possible. If a vehicle fails an emissions test, then it can impede registration or mean your vehicle’s registration may not be renewed. Some vehicles are exempt from emission testing, and those include vehicles less than 2 years old, electric vehicles, motorcycles, and vehicles with a historical license plate.

What’s in an Emissions Inspection?

Most vehicles created in 1996 or newer which run on gasoline will be subject to an On-Board Diagnostic Generation II (OBDII) inspection. This test will review the “check engine” light, or the Malfunction Indicator Lamp, to ensure it’s working properly. The emissions inspection will also examine whichever of the following systems were a part of the car’s original manufacturing including- catalytic converters, exhaust gas recirculation valves, positive crankcase ventilation systems, air injection systems, evaporative emissions controls, fuel inlet restrictors, and thermostatic air cleaners. If you want to help your vehicle pass its annual OBDII test, make sure you keep an eye out for your “check engine” light and get your vehicle looked at as soon as it appears. If your vehicle is properly looked after it will produce fewer carbon emissions and be better for the environment.

Get Your New York State Auto Inspection

If you’re looking for a licensed technician to perform your New York State auto inspection, well look no further than Fred’s Auto Repair. We perform all of our inspections thoroughly and efficiently, and if there is anything that might impact safety or emissions issues, we will advise on what sort of repairs are necessary. Our tests are normally completed in around 45 minutes, and you can book your appointment today! Get in touch and let us provide you with exceptional services from one of our friendly licensed professionals.