New York State Motor Vehicle Inspections – What You Need To Know

What's one of the things we tend to forget about the most? Well, for me, when it comes to my personal vehicles and even our company vehicles, it's remembering when the inspection is due.

Sure, it's staring me right n the face every time I get behind the wheel, but who really takes a look at that tiny ticket and even smaller hole punch in the month that your vehicle is due to be inspected again?

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At least it's inexpensive to pay for the inspection. That is if your vehicle passes. I can't count the number of times my past vehicles did not pass inspection. That nasty check engine light would be glowing, and I knew each time that wasn't going to go in my favor.

So, how much do you know about vehicle inspections for New York State? I took a look at the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles website and learned a few things I didn't know.

How Often Does My Car Need To Be Inspected?

The first and most obvious thing to know is that you must get your vehicle inspected once per year in New York State. That is unless the ownership of the vehicle has been transferred. In that case, an immediate inspection is required. Inspections expire on the last day of the month punched on the inspection sticker.

Did you know that if you don't have a valid inspection (and how many of us have let it expire from time to time), you will not be able to renew your registration? Also, you may be subject to a fine and a parking ticket.

Can My Car Get Inspected If It Has A Temporary Permit?

Also, if you have one of those temporary permits for whatever reason the inspection station can't put a sticker on your windshield, even though it passed, you must place that temporary permit on the windshield near the registration. Otherwise, you can get ticketed. Believe me, it happened to me.

An emissions inspection is a part of the process, that is unless you have a motorcycle, your vehicle is less than two model years old, more than 25 model years old diesel-powered (there are some exceptions here), electric-powered, have historical plates or is subject to the heavy vehicle safety inspection.

For more information about New York State Inspections, visit the NYS DMV website.

[via New York State Department of Motor Vehicles]