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New York State Vehicle Safety Inspections        

 
 

 

The New York State vehicle safety inspection program helps make sure every vehicle registered in NY State meets the minimum safety standards for safe operation. In addition, most vehicles are subject to an emissions inspection to help reduce air pollution and protect the environment. This page briefly outlines the NYS DMV requirements for vehicle safety & emissions inspections.

ITEMS INSPECTED ON CARS & LIGHT TRUCKS

Seat Belts
Inspect for proper operation and anchorage.

Brakes
Brake pedal reserve
Brake pedal fade
Power brake unit
Brake master cylinder
Disc brake pads
Drum brake linings
Brake drums and/or rotors
Wheel cylinders and/or calipers
All brake lines and hoses
Parking brake
Brake equalization

Steering, Front End, Suspension, Chassis, Frame & Wheel Fasteners
Front end assembly
Steering wheel play
All steering linkage
Power steering
Shock absorbers
Springs and torsion bars
Chassis/frame
Wheel fasteners

Tires
Tread depth
Tire condition

Lights
Headlights (low and high beam)
Tail lamps
Stop lamps
Directional signals
Backup lights
License plate lights
Hazard warning/four-way flasher
Directional signal indicator

Windshield And Other Glass
Windshield
Windshield Wipers And Blades

Horn

Mirrors
Check mirror locations for proper mounting, cracks, breaks, and/or discoloration:

Fuel Leaks
Any fuel leak that causes dripping or pooling is not acceptable.

Motor vehicles are required, by law, to be in safe operating condition whenever they are driven on a public street or roadway in New York State.

Each vehicle registered in New York State must be inspected at least every 12 months. The inspection must be done before the expiration date of the current inspection and also whenever the vehicle becomes registered in a different name.

 

The Emissions Inspection - Drive New York Clean

The 1990 Federal Clean Air Act requires New York State to conduct an inspection program to help reduce harmful emissions from most gasoline-powered passenger cars and light-duty trucks. The emissions inspection is done at the same time as the annual safety inspection. Vehicles that fail the emissions inspection may not be able to become registered or, if already registered, the registration may not be renewed.

Some vehicles are exempt from the emissions inspection program: Your passenger car or light truck does not have to be inspected for emissions if it is:

Less than two model years old;
26 model years old or older;
Registered with historical plates; or,
Electric-powered only.
Most vehicles with diesel engines are also exempted. However, diesel-powered vehicles that weigh more than 8,500 lbs. and are registered in the New York Metropolitan Area (NYMA) counties of Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, Westchester, and the five counties within New York City, are subject to annual emissions inspection. All diesel-powered vehicles over 8500 lbs. GVWR operated in New York State, even if registered elsewhere, are subject to roadside inspections. These safety and equipment inspections are conducted randomly statewide by the New York State Police and the New York State Department of Transportation.

Statewide, including in the NYMA. The emissions inspection for vehicles registered anywhere in New York State includes and "OBDII" (onboard diagnostics) test for vehicles that weigh ,500 lbs. or less, and are model year 1996 or newer. Part of this test examines the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), also known as the "check engine" light, for operation/illumination, and verifies the test results of the vehicle's "onboard emission diagnostic" system.

Click here for a brief description of the required OBD II emissions inspections.

In the NYMA only. A "High Enhanced" emissions inspection is required for most vehicles registered in this area of the state, unless they are subject to the statewide OBDII test or are exempt from all emissions inspections. This inspection is required for all vehicles less than 26 model years old (until, and including, model year 1995) that weigh 8,500 lbs. Or less. In this test, the vehicle's exhaust is directly tested for the amount of hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen, and carbon monoxide pollutants. This inspection also includes a simulated driving condition test on a dynamometer.

In the NYMA, vehicles less than 26 model years old that weigh more than 8,500 lbs. are subject to an "idle emissions inspection." This inspection includes a test of the exhaust emissions while the engine is at idle.

In all counties outside the NYMA. A "Low Enhanced" emissions inspection is required for most vehicles registered in this area of the state, unless they are subject to the statewide OBDII text or are exempt from all emissions inspections. This inspection is required for all vehicles that are under 26 model years old (until, and including, model year 1995) that weigh 18,000 lbs. Or less.

What The Emissions Inspection Inspects

Each emissions inspection confirms the presence and connection of the vehicle's required emission control devices. This includes making sure that the vehicle's gas cap is present and in good condition, and fits properly fit.

The emission control devices are examined if the vehicle was originally manufactured with them. The vehicle model years affected are indicated.

Catalytic converter (CAT) - all model years
Exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR) - all model years
Positive crankcase ventilation system (PCV) - all model years
Air injection system (AIS) - 1984 and newer
Evaporative emission control (EVAP) - 1984 and newer
Fuel inlet restrictor (FIR) - 1984 and newer
Thermostatic air cleaner (TAC) - 1984 and newer

You can help your vehicle pass an emissions inspection by keeping it properly maintained. If the vehicle's Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL, or "check engine" light) indicates there may be a malfunction or other problem, have the vehicle properly repaired. A well maintained, functioning vehicle uses less fuel and creates less exhaust emissions.

The emission portion of NY State inspections has caused confusion for consumers. It requires your cars computer to operate properly and be able to properly monitor your cars emissions. If its "monitors" are not ready then the vehicle will fail the inspection. NY State has written a Readiness Failure Fact Sheet to help explain. Click here to view it in a PDF version.

At Pete Kitt's Automotive Sales & Service, we know that your vehicle is important to you. We strive to give fast reliable service and we provide warranties on every repair. Please call us at (315) 487-2630 today for any automotive service or maintenance need.

Some of the services we provide
  • A/C Service
  • Battery & Charging Systems
  • Brakes
  • Check Engine Lights
  • Clutches & Flywheel
  • Computer Diagnostics
  • Cooling Systems
  • Detailing
  • Drive Lines
  • Electrical
  • Engines & Cylinder Heads
  • Front Ends
 
  • Fuel Systems
  • Glass
  • Locks & Windows
  • Lube-Oil-Filter
  • NY State Inspections
  • Radiators
  • Rustproofing
  • Routine Maintenance
  • Steering & Front End
  • Suspensions
  • Tires
  • Transmissions
Pete Kitt's Sales & Service home of professional auto repair and quality used cars in Camillus, NY
Pete Kitt's Sales & Service home of professional auto repair and quality used cars in Camillus, NY
Pete Kitt's Sales & Service home of professional auto repair and quality used cars in Camillus, NY
Major credit cards accepted
We honor most extended warranties

Click here to schedule service for your vehicle online

Call us today, (315) 487-2630

 
 

  Pete Kitt's Automotive Sales & Service
101 Bennett Rd.
Po Box 416
Camillus, NY 13031-0416
  Used Car Cell/Text: (315) 407-1077
Service: (315) 487-2630
Fax: (315) 488-4521
e-mail: info@petekitt.com
 

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Providing Quality Used Cars & Professional Auto Repair to Syracuse NY,
Camillus, and Western Suburbs for Over 50 Years