Care to become an expert about vehicle inspections?
Driving on the open road with your windows rolled down and the sunroof open is an exhilarating experience. However, this is only when the air is relatively clear and free of dangerous exhaust gases and such from other vehicles (and yours).
Also, being safe when driving without the risk of accidents is another great experience. In New York State, this is thanks to the New York State Vehicle Safety/Emissions Inspection Program.
What are New York State inspections?
This is an inspection carried out on New York vehicles to confirm they are in good working conditions. It enables them to drive legally on public roads. This inspection takes place once every 12 months.
At the end of a successful inspection, the owner receives a sticker that shows they’ve been cleared to be on the open road.
Also, only a DMV licensed state inspection station can carry out an inspection and issue a sticker. Your go-to auto repair shop might not be licensed to do this.
Although a prior check by any auto repair shop to put your car in the right condition will increase your chances of passing the final, official inspection.
Requirements for the New York State Vehicle Inspection
- Vehicles must be in safe operating conditions if they are to be driven on any road in New York State.
- While a sticker is valid for 12 months, an inspection for the next year must be done before the expiration of the current sticker.
- If a vehicle gets registered in a different name, an inspection must be carried out.
- Only licensed inspection stations with an official sign can carry out such an inspection. Also, the actual inspector must be one who is certified to inspect motor vehicles under New York State laws.
- If a vehicle fails an inspection, the owner can either permit the inspection station mechanic to carry out repairs or take it to another auto repair shop for repairs. Either way, the vehicle must be fully repaired and brought up to standard before a re-inspection can be done.
- Accepting an inspection sticker without having the vehicle fully inspected is considered a misdemeanor.
What is included in a New York State vehicle inspection?
While most items to be checked on the vehicle can be done without any special equipment, they do require the eyes of an expert who is fully aware of what the law states regarding the correct standard.
Also, some items will require special equipment such as code readers in case of issues regarding the vehicle’s computer. This is another reason why an authorized license station is key.
TheSE safety items are inspected during a typical New York State vehicle inspection
Brakes
For the brakes to be thoroughly inspected, the inspector would have to remove at least one front wheel. The power brake unit, brake pads, lining, and rotors must be operating correctly without failure. Also, brake hoses and the master cylinder will be checked for leaks. The brake is tested to ensure a straight stop is achieved without much wheel pull.
Seatbelts
These are checked for proper operation and adequate anchorage. Model years matter here as some years require at least one seat belt to be in use outside of the two front belt seat (Model years 1967 and 1968).
Lights
The following lights must be functional for your vehicle to be given the green-light here
- Headlamps
- Tail lamps
- Stop lamps
- Directional signals
- Backup lights
- Hazard warnings.
As for side marker lamps, parking lamps, and any additional flashing turning lumps on the side of the vehicle, you can take these under advisory and fix them if they’re faulty. However, they do not affect your inspection.
Windshield and auto glass
These are inspected for cracks or any other damage. For the front windshield, in particular, the area cleared by the windshield wiper must be free of cracks. Also, windshield wipers and blades are checked for presence and operation.
Mirrors
The vehicle’s mirrors are checked for proper mounting. Cracks and discoloration are also inspected.
Steering and suspension components
The steering, linkages, and power steering functions are all inspected. Of particular interest is that the steering does not have excessive play. The front end suspension chassis frame and wheel fasteners are inspected for functionality.
Tires
All tires except the spare tire are thoroughly inspected. Tire depth, tire condition, and pressure must be up to standard.
Horn
The horn must sound properly.
Tanks and tubes
Whether fuel or oil, there must be no leaks from any part of the vehicle.
Emission Inspection for Cars and Light Trucks
This is often done after the safety items are inspected. In line with the 1990 Federal Clean Air Act, this is done to reduce harmful emissions from vehicles. If a vehicle fails an emissions inspection, it will not be registered or have the inspection license renewed as the case may be.
What happens after the inspection?
If your vehicle passes the New York State vehicle inspection, it becomes eligible for an inspection sticker or certificate that indicates all components are in good working condition and the vehicle is fit to drive on the open road.
What will cause you to fail an inspection?
If your vehicle’s safety items are not up to standard or if it fails an emission inspection, you’ll likely fail the New York vehicle inspection.
Despair not, you can simply repair the issue(s) and go for a reinspection. Once you pass, you receive your sticker and you’re free for the next 12 months.
New York vehicle inspection during a pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic affected many things in the world. The New York annual inspections were not spared. All vehicles that had their inspections due after March last year were allowed by the New York State Government to put off the inspection due to the pandemic. This was to encourage people to stay at home.
The DMV did encourage New Yorkers with expired inspections to go for a renewal. Because these shops were considered essential, they were opened during the pandemic. However, most of them saw a pretty significant drop in their business for a while.
An official press release by the New York State DMV in October of last year stated that expired vehicle inspections must be renewed by November 3rd in addition to vehicle registration and non-driver identification cards.
NYS Inspection FAQs
1. How much are New York State vehicle inspections?
Depending on the part of New York you’re in, you could get your vehicle inspected for somewhere between $21 and $27. The size and complexity of the vehicle also matter. Heavy-duty trucks would cost more than small cars.
2. What happens if your vehicle does not have a valid inspection?
You cannot renew the registration. Also, you can receive a parking ticket or a fine.
3. What service stations can do NYS inspections?
Only authorized service stations can carry out this inspection for New Yorkers. All of these stations must display an official sign displayed. You can check here on the DMV website for a list of automotive facilities regulated by the DMV including inspection stations around you.
4. Are car inspections still extended?
The extension expired on November 3rd, 2020. Police officers can now give tickets to drivers who drive with expired vehicle inspection stickers.
Now that you’re an expert on vehicle inspections maybe you’d also like to become an expert on hydraulic fluid systems…
