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New York State Inspection Sticker

New York State Inspection Sticker

NYS Inspection Sticker 2023

Inspection stickers are a crucial part of owning and operating a vehicle in New York State. Not only do these stickers show law enforcement that your vehicle has been inspected and properly registered, but they also provide important information about your vehicle as of 2023. 

Getting an up-to-date registration sticker is essential for both long-term residents of New York and those moving to the state for the first time. We’ll be sure to include things like inspection requirements for new residents, what to do if your vehicle is already registered in another state, and how to handle unique circumstances like a lost or damaged registration sticker. 

Here, we will cover essential information about New York State inspection stickers, including how to obtain them, inspection requirements, the color for 2023/2024 stickers, and the overall cost of obtaining an inspection sticker. 

How much is a NYS inspection sticker

Understanding NYS Inspection Stickers

If you’re new to owning and operating a vehicle, you may wonder, “What’s the point of inspection stickers?” These little pieces of plastic represent a lot more than just a registered vehicle. In fact, routine inspections of vehicles can help prevent crashes and ensure that everyone is driving a safe, road-worthy car. Enforcement of laws around registration and inspection can lead to safer roads and ensure that everyone arrives at their destination safely. 

Inspection stickers and vehicle registrations also help upkeep the roads in NYS and contribute to the daily infrastructure that drivers use. That’s why it’s important for all drivers to keep up-to-date on registrations and inspections in NYS.

NYS also has an emissions test to help protect the environment. This ensures that both gas and diesel vehicles fall within range for emissions, cutting down on the amount of pollutants and C02 that go into the atmosphere. This not only helps reduce the smog in cities and preserves overall air quality but can also help prevent global warming, making it an important inspection for everyone living in NYS.

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How to Obtain a NYS Inspection Sticker

To get an NYS inspection sticker, you must first schedule an appointment at a registered inspection station. These official inspection stations can be found on the NYS DMV website, and all follow the valid inspection requirements for the state. Remember, all vehicles must be inspected once every 12 months for overall safety and to obtain a new valid inspection sticker. 

Be sure to perform your own safety checks before scheduling an appointment at a certified inspection center. Remember, you are not required to make any repairs at the inspection center and can get repairs done at another shop of your choice. Some safety feature failures may end up under advisement and not be a reason to fail the inspection entirely. 

If you have a previous emissions inspection within the last 12 months, be sure to bring a copy of this to the inspection and refistration appointment, as it may save you from needing another inspection for registration depending on the make of your vehicle. 

For more detailed requirements, visit the NYS DMV website.

how to get a NYS inspection sticker

NYS Inspection Sticker Colors for 2023/2024

In 2023, NYS started to roll out a new inspection sticker design. This design includes a large-face expiration date aimed to help enforcement officers spot expired stickers. New stickers, which are printed on-demand at registration locations to fight a short supply of stickers, include vehicle-specific information. This ensures that registration stickers stay with the vehicle they belong to and helps combat fake registration stickers and expired inspection stickers.

Color-coding inspection stickers helps streamline the process, and allows enforcement to easily identify and address out-of-date stickers, as well as distribute parking tickets. If your inspection ends in 2023, your sticker is yellow. Conversely, if your inspection expires in 2024, your sticker is red. These colors are universal for NYS, meaning all vehicles have a yellow or red inspection sticker as of 2023/2024

Thanks to the new on-demand print style, as well as the vehicle-specific stickers released under Mark J.F. Schroeder’s office, NYS hopes to combat falsified inspection stickers and ensure a safer driving experience. By allowing stickers to print on demand, they combat shortages and streamline the inspection process for official vehicle inspection stations.

what color is the NYS inspection sticker in 2023_2024

How much is a NY inspection sticker 2023

According to VS-77, the cost of obtaining an NYS inspection sticker depends on the vehicle type. These fees apply to the safety inspection and break down vehicles into one of three groups:

  • Group One (Light Vehicles): This group includes all motor vehicles that seat under 15 passengers and have an MGW (maximum gross weight) under 10,001 lbs (a), as well as vehicles with an MGW between 10,000 and 18,001 lbs (b). This group also includes trailers with an MGW under 18,001 lbs (c). The trailers excluded from this group are those with an MGW over 10,000 and under 18,001 lbs, where the owner requests a heavy vehicle inspection.
  • Group Two (Heavy Vehicles): Group (a,1) of this category includes all vehicles with over 14 seats, all vehicles, except trailers, with an MGW of over 18,000 lbs, and motor vehicles, except trailers that have an MGW of 10,001 to 18,000 lbs where the owner requests a heavy vehicle inspection. Group (a,2) includes all trailers with an MGW of over 18,000 lbs, or ones between 10,001 and 18,000 lbs, where the owner requests a heavy vehicle inspection. Group (b) includes all semi-trailers. 
  • Group Three (Motorcycles): This group, simply enough, includes all motorcycles.
  •  

Safety Inspection Prices

To make the prices a little easier to understand, we’re going to make this into a table for you:

Group Vehicle Type MGW Cost
Group One (a)
Under 15 passengers
Under 10,001 lbs.
$10.00
Group One (b)
Under 15 passengers
Between 10,000 and 18,001 lbs.
$15.00
Group One (c)
Trailer
Under 18,001 lbs.
$6.00
Group Two (a,1)
Over 14 seats
Over 18,000 lbs or by request.
$20.00
Group Two (a,2)
Trailers
Over 18,000 lbs or by request.
$12.00
Group Two (b)
Semi-trailers
N/A
$12.00
Group Three
Motorcycles
N/A
$6.00

There are also unique prices for emissions testing:

  • OBDII Emissions Inspection: $27.00 within NY metropolitan area (NYMA), $11.00 outside NYMA
  • Low-Enhanced Emissions Inspection: $11.00
  • Diesel Emissions Inspection: $25.00

All information can be found on form VS-77.

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New York State Inspection Sticker Requirements

To pass the NYS inspection process, it’s essential to be well-informed about the criteria the DMV-licensed inspection stations evaluate. During the inspection process, the DMV-licensed inspection station will assign a vehicle inspector who will check various safety items in your vehicle. These safety items include the following areas:

Seat belts

For model years 1969 and newer, one seat belt is required for each seating position. For model years 1967 and 1968, two front seat belts are required (driver position included), and one seat belt is required for each seating position elsewhere in the vehicle. Finally, for model years 1965 and 1966, two front seat belts are required (driver position included). Your inspector will also check your air bag warning lamp, though this is an advisement and will not cause your vehicle to fail the inspection.

Brakes

The inspector will remove at least one front wheel to inspect the brake. Brake inspection is comprehensive, including brake pedal reserve of ⅓, brake pedal fade of one minute at least, proper operation of the brake power unit, no leakage and proper fluid level in the brake master cylinder, and a check on the condition of the disc brake pads. 

Drum brake linings should match or exceed 1/16th inch on bonded lining or 1/32 inch over rivet head on riveted linings with no loose or missing rivets or lining. Brake drums and rotors will be checked for condition, as will wheel cylinders and calipers. As with the parking brake, all brake lines and hoses will be inspected for issues. Finally, the inspector will check for brake equalization.

Steering, front end, suspension, chassis, frame and wheel fasteners

The inspector will check condition of the front end assembly, as well as for excessive freeplay in the steering wheel. They will check the condition of all steering linkages, check power steering, shock absorbers, springs and torsion bars, the chassis frame, and wheel fasteners.

Tires (except spares)

The inspector will check tread depth to ensure it measures at least 2/32 inch at the point with the most wear. They will check for fabric break or cut over the length or width of one inch, bumps, bulges, or knots, or restricted use markings on the tire. They will also check the tire pressure and advise on adjustment if different from the manufacturer’s recommendation, though this is not a cause for failure.

Inspection Sticker Requirements

Lights

All lights on the vehicle will be inspected except for additional mounted lamps such as side turning markers.

Windshield and other glass

All glass is inspected for cracks. No cracks longer than 11 inches are allowed if the crack is cleared by the windshield wiper.

Windshield wipers and blades

Checked for presence and condition.

Horn

Checked for operation and proper mounting.

Mirrors

In model year 1970 and newer, vehicles need a left outside mirror and inside mirror, or both right and left outside mirrors. Model 1968 and newer must have a left outside mirror, while 1967 and older must have one mirror inside or on the left outside. All mirrors are checked for proper mounting, cracks, breaks, and discoloration. Special mirror restrictions apply for vehicles like trucks with permanent blind spots.

Fuel Leaks

No leaks may cause dripping or pooling.

Once the safety inspection is done, your vehicle will undergo an emissions test if needed. This test checks things like:

  • On-Board Diagnostics Generation II (OBDII) 
  • Low enhanced inspection (if lacking OBDII)
  • Catalytic converter (CAT)
  • Exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR)
  • Positive crankcase ventilation system (PCV)
  • Air injection system (AIS)
  • Evaporative emissions control (EVAP)
  • Fuel inlet restrictor (FIR)
  • Thermostatic air cleaner (TAC)

In the case of a diesel vehicle, they will run a Diesel Emissions Inspection (smoke opacity test). It is worth noting that you cannot get a valid vehicle inspection sticker if your vehicle has not passed the emissions test within the last 12 months. This inspection record must show up on DMV systems to be accepted.  

You can view all safety requirements here.

Tips for a Smooth Inspection Sticker Process

In order to ensure your inspection sticker process goes smoothly, be sure to review the safety features of your vehicle in advance. Schedule your appointment ahead of time to avoid the rush, and be sure to bring all documentation necessary to the appointment. 

If you have concerns ahead of time, or are looking for repairs at the inspection site, bring these up with the inspector at the beginning of the appointment to save time. Remember to mention any emission inspections within the last 12 months as if these are on DMV records you may not need a secondary emission inspection.

vehicle inspection report

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without a valid inspection sticker?

No, driving without a valid inspection sticker is a ticketable offense. Make sure to get your inspection done every 12 months to avoid tickers and fees. If your vehicle was registered in another state and has not yet expired, you do not need another inspection sticker until that sticker expires.

What should I do if my inspection sticker is expired?

If your inspection sticker is expired, make an appointment for a new inspection. These appointments can be made at any of the official inspection locations in NYS. Be sure to make your appointment in advance, as there may be a rush for new inspection stickers.

How often do I need to renew my inspection sticker?

In NYS, you need to renew your inspection sticker every 12 months. This inspection includes an emissions test. Be sure to schedule your inspection early to avoid a rush or not being able to drive your vehicle due to a later inspection appointment.

Conclusion

Getting a new inspection sticker may be time-consuming, but it helps ensure the safety of all drivers in the NYS area. Not only does it ensure your vehicle is in top operating condition, but it also helps reduce air pollution due to emissions checks. Be sure to follow the NYS DMV on social media and check out their website to keep up to date on the latest regulations and changes related to inspection stickers.

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