What vehicles have to be inspected every two years for emissions?
Vehicles that have to be inspected for emissions every two years are:
•
Gasoline and bi-fueled vehicles plated as passenger, not-for-profit, governmental, commuter van,
farmer or farm truck model year 1996 and newer with a gross vehicle weight rating of (GVWR) 8,500
pounds or less, five (5) model years and older, excluding buses.
•
Gasoline and bi-fueled vehicles plated as passenger, not-for-profit, governmental, commuter van,
farmer or farm truck model year 2008 and newer with a gross vehicle weight rating of (GVWR) from
8,501 to 14,000 pounds, five (5) model years and older, excluding buses.
•
Gasoline and bi-fueled vehicles plated as passenger, not-for-profit, governmental, commuter van,
farmer or farm truck model year 2014 and newer with a gross vehicle weight rating of (GVWR) 14,001
pounds or greater, five (5) model years and older, excluding buses.
•
Diesel-powered, passenger motor vehicles plated as passenger, not-for-profit, governmental,
commuter van, farmer or farm truck model year 1997 and newer with a gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR) 8,500 pounds or less, five (5) model years and older, excluding buses.
Which vehicles are required to be inspected annually
for both safety and emissions?
Vehicles required to be inspected annually for safety and emissions are listed below:
•
All vehicles registered as Passenger Vehicle Transportation. This includes vehicles registered as:
— ambulance (OA) — hotel bus (OH)
— jitney (OJ) — limousine (OJ)
— mobility assistance vehicle (OM)
— omnibus 2 (O2) over 10,000 lbs., regardless of fuel type, should be inspected at a Private Inspection Facility
— paratransit (OP) — taxicab (OT)
•
All gasoline or bi-fueled-powered, commercial plated (x-plated) vehicles
•
Diesel-powered, commercial-plated vehicles with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less
Where can I get my vehicle inspected?
Vehicles that require a biennial gasoline emission-only test or an annual mechanical defect (safety) and
emission test can be inspected at either a State Inspection lane, which is a Centralized Inspection
Facility (CIF) or a Private Inspection Facility (PIF).
Heavy-duty diesel-powered motor vehicles (GWVR of 18,000 pounds or greater) are required to have
an annual opacity inspection performed at a Diesel Private Inspection Facility.
What vehicles do not have to be inspected?
The following vehicles are exempt from inspection requirements (N.J.A.C. 13:20-7.2):
•
Gasoline powered vehicles registered passenger, model year 1995 & older
with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less
•
Gasoline powered vehicles registered passenger, model year 2007 & older
with a GVWR of 8,501 to 14,000 pounds
1
VEHICLE INSPECTION FAQS
(continued)
2
VEHICLE INSPECTION FAQS (continued)
•
Gasoline powered vehicles registered passenger, model year 2013 & older
with a GVWR of 14,001 pounds or more
•
Collector Vehicles which are less than 25 years old and driven less than 3,000 miles annually
•
100% Electric vehicles
•
Motorcycles
•
Motorized bicycles
•
Farm tractors and traction equipment
•
Farm machinery and implements
•
In-transit construction equipment
•
Fire trucks having a GVWR of more than 8,500 pounds
•
Historic motor vehicles 25 years and older and have QQ Plates
•
All diesel-fueled motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 8,501 pounds to 17,999
that are plated commercial or passenger are required to be self-inspected by the owner or lessee
•
All diesel-powered vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 8,501 to 17,999 that are
plated passenger, not for profit, governmental, commuter van, farmer or farm truck except buses
•
All diesel-powered vehicles model year 1996 and older that are plated passenger, not for profit,
governmental, commuter van, farmer or farm truck except buses
•
Omnibuses which are subject to inspection by the Commission’s Bus Inspection (School Bus Team)
•
School buses which are subject to inspection by the Commission’s Bus Inspection
•
Tactical military vehicles operated on Federal installations within this State Contractor equipment in transit
•
School buses - with S1 or S2 plates are subject to inspection by the School Bus Unit (Team)
What do I have to bring to have my car inspected?
Bring these documents:
•
Valid driver license
•
Valid vehicle registration document
•
State of New Jersey Insurance Identification Card (E-cards on smart phones are permissible)
All documents must be originals, no copies, faxes, or computer generated PDF files (with the exception
of E-cards accessed through an app or website).
Vehicles with Approved Medical Windshield Tint
by approved Sun-screening material installation facility (SMIF)
Vehicles that have approved medical windshield tint must have an area approximately 6” W x 8” H in
the lower left hand corner of the windshield (as seen from the driver’s position) free from tint in order
that the current sticker can be removed, and a new sticker can be applied to the windshield.
Owners are responsible for providing this tint free area before the vehicle is inspected. Inspection staff
shall not remove any applied windshield tint. https://www.nj.gov/mvc/drivertopics/sunscreen.htm
What if I don’t want to wait in line at the Inspection Station?
If you do not want to wait in line at the Inspection Station, you can always make an appointment at
State Inspection Facilities located in Washington (Warren County), Salem or Cape May.
•
You can make an appointment at one of those three stations by calling (888) NJMOTOR (656-6867)
toll free in NJ or (609) 620-7992 out-of-state. Customer service representatives are available:
— Mon-Fri: 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Sat: 7 a.m.-12 p.m.
(continued)
•
You can also schedule your appointment online at those stations by using the Schedule Inspection
Web Page. To go to the webpage
CLICK HERE.
•
Your other option would be to have your car inspected at your local Private Inspection Facility.
A Private Inspection Facility is a privately-owned garage licensed by the state to perform the same
safety and emission inspection as a state inspection station for a fee.
•
To find the nearest Private Inspection Facility go to:
http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/inspection/inspecthow.htm
Can I have my vehicle inspected early?
Vehicles may be presented for inspection up to two months in
advance of the month in which they are due. For example, a vehicle
due in December may be presented as early as October 1.
InspECt by 12/31/2022: In the example at right, the center number
identifies the month in which vehicle inspection is due and the
number to the left and right identify the year.
Will I be penalized if I present my vehicle past my
inspection due date?
Drivers presenting a vehicle that is past its inspection date will not be fined or otherwise penalized by
or at the inspection station. Please note, however, at any other time, law enforcement has jurisdiction to
cite the driver/owner of a vehicle displaying an expired inspection sticker, which could result in fines
between $100 and $200 and/or imprisonment for up to 30 days. Additionally, the MVC may revoke
registration privileges (N.J.S.A. 39:8-9).
How do I get a replacement inspection sticker?
To get a replacement inspection sticker issued for an inspection conducted at a Private Inspection
Facility or CIF, you must go to designated reinspection area of your local state inspection station. You
must present to the inspector at the station your driver license, vehicle registration and insurance card.
All driver license and vehicle registration documents must be originals, no copies, faxes or computer-
generated PDF files. Electronic insurance cards are now accepted in addition to originals.
You must also present one of the documents listed below:
•
Inspection sticker
•
A police report for stolen sticker
•
Vehicle Inspection Report
(available on the web at
http://pweb.nj-cleanair.com/VIRprint/pages/vir/virsearch.jsf)
•
Original repair invoice from an established glass company for windshield replacement
The inspector will install a new inspection sticker at no cost to the motorist.
What happens if I fail the emissions inspection?
The inspector will give you an Emission Repair Form for a State certified Emission Repair Technician
(ERT) to fill out and a Vehicle Inspection Report that will help your technician determine which part of
your vehicle’s system caused the emissions problem.
If your vehicle did not pass the OBD2/emissions inspection, it is producing more pollutants than the
standard for its model year.
3
NEW JERSEY MOTOR VEHICLE COMMISSION
VEHICLE INSPECTION
EXPIRES LAST DAY OF THE MONTH DISPLAYED BELOW
Year: 2022
Month: 12
HE MO
M
I
S
B
E
J
E
R
R
E
S
V
E
NS
EM
EM
VEHICLE INSPECTION FAQS (continued)
(continued)
When do I have to take my vehicle in for reinspection?
If your vehicle fails the inspection, you will be allowed a specified amount of time to have the necessary
repairs made. Please refer to your vehicle inspection report.
Where can I go for emission repairs?
You must have the necessary emission repairs done by a certified Emission Repair Facility (ERF) or
you may make them yourself.
Be sure to bring your Vehicle Inspection Report and Emission Repair Form for the ERF to complete.
When your vehicle does not pass inspection, you can find an emission repair facility through our
online
ERF database
or call (888) NJ-MOTOR.
What happens once the emission repairs are finished?
Once the repairs are completed, a licensed inspector must reinspect your vehicle at a private or state
inspection facility
.
Remember to bring all emissions-related receipts, your Emission Repair Form and the Vehicle
Inspection Report with you. If you repair the vehicle yourself, you must bring the receipts for any
emissions-related parts you used. A reinspection will not be performed without these documents.
How does maintaining my vehicle’s emissions system benefit me?
If you maintain your emissions system, you can:
•
Reduce your fuel costs from an average of 6% to 13%
•
Avoid more costly repairs
•
Extend the life of your vehicle and make it more reliable
•
Contribute to cleaner air
What is the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD2) test?
The On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) test reads a computer system in your vehicle to identify engine
related problems that may result in the increase of harmful pollutant emissions. By maintaining your
vehicle, you can help improve New Jersey’s air quality.
What should motorists with extended absence do
before returning to New Jersey?
A vehicle which is not used on New Jersey highways is not subject to New Jersey inspection until it
is returned to New Jersey. In any state that has an enhanced emission inspection program,
motorists on extended absence must have an out-of-state inspection performed. A list of those
states are available on the website at:
https://www.obdclearinghouse.com/IMsolutions/. If a state
does not have an enhanced emission inspection program, then call the numbers below to request
an extension.
Once the out-of-state inspection is performed, the motorist may request an Inspection Extension,
which should be made available to any law enforcement officer who may stop you for not having a
valid inspection sticker on the windshield. Extensions are issued on a one time only basis and can not
be given after sticker has expired. In no event shall the extension be valid beyond the expiration of the
inspection cycle established for the motor vehicle. (NJAC 13:20-43.12(a)
A vehicle must be properly registered and have valid proof of New Jersey liability insurance to receive
an extension. To request an out-of-state extension, please call (609) 633-9474 or (609) 633-9460.
4
VEHICLE INSPECTION FAQS (continued)
(continued)
I saw a big diesel truck spewing out all kind of black smoke.
What does the State do to stop these vehicles from emitting this smoke?
Diesel-powered vehicles with a GVWR of 18,000 pounds and greater are required to have an annual
(every year) smoke opacity inspection at a diesel Private Inspection Facility only.
If a car is less than five (5) model years old, is purchased from someone
other than a New Jersey New Car Dealer and has never been inspected in the
State of New Jersey, when does the car have to be inspected?
Any car less than five (5) model years is eligible for a five (5)-year exemption, which means that it can
receive a New Car Dealer Inspection Decal expiring on the last day of the month of which the car was
registered 5 years from the model year. You should have received a green card or SS-19 from an MVC
Motor Vehicle Agency at the time of registration.
The SS-19 instructs you to go to a designated reinspection area of your local NJ State Inspection
Station with your car to receive a New Car Dealer Inspection Decal. At the station, you must present
the inspector with your driver license, vehicle registration and insurance card (E-cards on smart phones
are permissible). All documents must be originals, no copies, faxes or computer-generated pdf
files(with the exception of E-cards accessed through an app or website). After reviewing the
documents, the inspector will install a New Car Dealer Inspection Decal expiring on the last day of the
month in which the car was registered 5 years from the model year.
See the sample below:
For further information, contact: Inspection Services at 609-633-9474.
What if I think the emission results are wrong?
You can request a referee inspection after you complete the first inspection if:
•
You felt the vehicle was not tested in accordance with state requirements.
•
Your vehicle does not pass the reinspection portion of the test after an ERF makes necessary repairs
or finds that none are necessary.
Referee inspections are performed at one of three specialty sites:
• Eatontown, 109 Route 36 West, Eatontown, NJ 07724 • 732-515-4230
• Winslow, 550 Spring Garden Rd., Ancora, NJ 08537 • 609-567-8873
• Secaucus, County Ave and Secaucus Road, NJ 07094 • (551) 220-5356
NOTE: Asking for a referee inspection does not extend the expiration date on your current inspection
sti
cker. (N.J.A.C. 7:27-15.5)
5
VEHICLE INSPECTION FAQS (continued)
NJMV C.gov
NJMV C.gov
(continued)
What is the inspection process for my lifted or high-rise personal vehicle?
Lifted vehicles must pass a high-rise “stability” test to verify structural integrity every two years.
Stability tests are performed at the following Specialty Inspection Facility:
•
Winslow, 550 Spring Garden Rd., Ancora, NJ 08537
609-567-8873
Contact this site directly for an appointment. Lifted vehicles are also required to receive an emissions
test. The emissions test may be performed at any inspection site.
6
VEHICLE INSPECTION FAQS (continued)
