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Inspection/Maintenance Program in NYS - Information Sheet

Information Sheet

New York State implemented its first motor vehicle inspection program, commonly referred to Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Programs, in 1981. New York currently administers three I/M programs within two defined I/M areas. Inspection requirements vary between the I/M areas. The "Downstate" New York Metropolitan Area (NYMA) includes the geographic area of New York City, Long Island, and Rockland and Westchester Counties (9 counties total). The remaining 53 counties of New York State comprise the "Upstate" I/M area. Each program allows for vehicles to be inspected and repaired at the same location.

New York State I/M Programs

New York Vehicle Inspection Program (NYVIP)

A statewide program featuring on-board diagnostic inspections (OBD II). OBD II is a computer system designed by vehicle manufacturers to monitor the operation of the vehicle's power train and associated emissions control systems. Light-duty vehicles (passenger cars and most SUVs, vans, and pick-up trucks) beginning with the 1996 model year are equipped with standardized OBD II computer systems. If OBD II detects a problem that could result in excessive emissions, a malfunction indicator light located on the dashboard will illuminate to inform the driver of a detected fault code. The NYVIP OBD II inspection pass/fail criteria are based on information (not emissions measurements) collected from the on-board computer. This program was initiated Upstate in December 2004 and in the NYMA in May 2005.

New York Transient Emission Short Test (NYTEST)

This program is limited to the NYMA, and features tailpipe testing using gas analyzers and a dynamometer. This program was initiated in the NYMA in 1998. For most NYTEST inspections, the emissions test requires the vehicle to be run on a dynamometer (a treadmill-like device) where emissions are measured during a standardized driving cycle. Test standards, or "cutpoints," can vary by model year, with older vehicles having less stringent standards than newer vehicles. NYTEST is also equipped to complete a steady state, idle emissions test on certain vehicles. The NYTEST dynamometer test is more appropriate for older technology vehicles not equipped with (OBD II) diagnostic capability.

Heavy Duty Diesel Program

This program is also limited to the NYMA, and features tailpipe opacity testing for diesel vehicles ≥ 8,501 lbs. This program was initiated in the NYMA in 1999.

Test Frequency

All programs are annual (in conjunction with a safety inspection) and with change of vehicle ownership.

Emissions Testing Exemptions

a) Electric powered vehicles, motorcycles, vehicles with historic and farm registrations.
b) All diesel powered vehicles registered Upstate; diesel powered vehicles <8,501 lbs registered in the NYMA.

For NYTEST and NYVIP Only:

c) Vehicles older than 25 model years old (for example, a 1983 vehicle is exempt in Calendar Year 2008).
d) Vehicles less than 2 model years old (for example, 2007 and 2008 vehicles are exempt in Calendar Year 2008).

Most vehicles exempt from emissions testing are still subject to safety inspection requirements.

Test Types/NYMA

  • NYVIP OBD II: Vehicles model year 1996 and newer that are <8,501 lbs.
  • NYTEST Transient (Tailpipe) Testing: Vehicles 25 model years old and newer up to model year 1995 that are <8,501 lbs.
  • NYTEST Idle (Tailpipe) Testing: Vehicles 25 model years old and newer that are >8,500 lbs; all-wheel drive vehicles otherwise subject to NYTEST transient testing.
  • Heavy-Duty Diesel: Diesel-powered vehicles ≥8,501 lbs.

Test Types/Upstate

  • NYVIP OBD II: Vehicles model year 1996 and newer that are <8,501 lbs.
  • Low Enhanced: Anti-tampering checks for vehicles 25 model years old to Model Year 1995.

Anti-tampering visual inspections for air pollution control devices apply statewide.

Test Fees (includes safety inspection fees)

  • NYMA:
    NYTEST - $37.00
    NYVIP - $37.00
    Heavy-duty Diesel - $35.00-$45.00 (depending on registered weight)
  • Upstate:
    NYVIP - $21.00
    Low Enhanced - $21.00

Additional re-inspection fees may apply to vehicles that fail. These costs vary depending on the re-inspection requirements.

Enforcement Type

On-road enforcement (stickers) and registration denial.

Waivers:

Allowed for NYTEST and NYVIP after completing a minimum of $450 in qualifying emissions related repairs.