Inspection/Maintenance Programs in NYS - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs?
A: I/M programs have been adopted in over 25 states to address both air quality and environmental concerns. I/M programs, by design, require mandatory periodic motor vehicle emissions inspections to insure that applicable vehicles are properly maintained. The federal Clean Air Act (CAA) or state law requires the implementation of approved I/M programs in those areas with demonstrated poor ozone or carbon monoxide air quality issues (nonattainment areas).
There are several I/M programs in operation within NYS. These programs are defined by regulations promulgated by the NYS Departments of Motor Vehicles and Environmental Conservation.
Q: Are all areas of New York required to have emissions testing?
A: Emissions inspections of most light-duty vehicles (passenger cars, vans, pick-up trucks) are required statewide through the New York Vehicle Inspection Program (NYVIP). Vehicle applicability and emissions "test types" can be found on the main NYS Motor Vehicle I/M Program page.
Heavy-duty diesel vehicles (HDDVs) include on-road diesel powered buses and trucks with a GVWR greater than 8,500 pounds. Those vehicles registered within the 9-county NYMA are subject to an annual emissions inspection which includes a smoke opacity test. HDDVs operating in the state on public roadways are also subject to a roadside emissions inspection.
Certain medallion taxi cabs are also subject to New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission I/M requirements.
Q. How do I/M programs reduce motor vehicle emissions?
A. I/M programs through mandatory periodic testing insure that motor vehicles are properly maintained. Light duty vehicle I/M programs are very cost effective in achieving carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbon reductions, while HDDV I/M programs are designed to reduce smoke emissions.
During the NYS emissions inspection, motorists are provided with pass/fail information specific to their vehicle. In addition, light duty vehicles equipped with onboard diagnostic systems (OBD II) are capable of alerting motorists that an emission related fault has been encountered by the illumination of the malfunction indicator light (see Onboard Diagnostics)
Q: What kind of emissions test must my vehicle receive, and how much will it cost?
A: The type of emissions test will depend on your vehicle's age (model year), fuel type, and county of registration. The inspection fee varies by emissions test type and I/M area. The inspection fees are set by the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles. A link to the inspection fees can be found under "Offsite Links." For HDDVs, the emissions (opacity) test is the SAE J1667 test method.
Q: Will my vehicle's warranty cover any of emissions related repairs?
A: The best source of information related to warranty coverage is the vehicle's owner's manual or warranty booklet. Emissions related repairs are covered under a federal emissions warranty for the first 2 years or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first). Additional warranty coverage is required for the major emissions components, including the powertrain control module (computer) and catalytic converter, for up to 8 years or 80,000 miles (whichever comes first). Extended warranties may also apply.
Q: What is "Onboard Diagnostics" and "NYVIP"?
A: Onboard diagnostics, or OBD II, is the second generation of an onboard diagnostic system that monitors the operation of a vehicle's engine and the emissions control systems. Model year 1996 and newer cars and light-duty trucks are required to be manufactured with OBD II. NYVIP stands for New York Vehicle Inspection Program. This statewide I/M program requires OBD II inspections for applicable vehicles.
Q: Do diesel-powered vehicles require an annual emissions inspection?
A: Those heavy duty (>8,500 lbs) diesel vehicles registered within a 9-county New York Metropolitan Area (NYMA) are required to receive an annual I/M "opacity test" inspection. NYMA includes New York City, Long Island, and Westchester and Rockland Counties. Beginning on January 1, 2012, light-duty diesel vehicles (cars, pick-up trucks < 8,500 lbs) model year 1997 and newer will be subject to NYVIP OBDII inspections statewide.
Q: Are heavy duty diesel vehicles required to pass a roadside emissions inspections?
A: On a statewide basis, HDDVs are subject to roadside emissions inspections. Certified officials from the NYS Department Environmental Conservation may conduct these inspections. If the vehicle fails the roadside inspection, the driver can receive a summons and a fine. The driver can reduce the fine if the vehicle is repaired and passes a re-inspection at a NYS Department Motor Vehicles licensed facility within 30 days of the violation.
Q: Are there any additional inspection requirements for taxicabs?
A: Within New York City, the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission regulates the inspections of certain medallion taxicabs. Taxicabs in the remainder of New York State are inspected through the NYVIP program.
