New York State Vehicle Inspection

State Vehicle Inspection Services

Our NAPA Autocare Centers are certified New York State Vehicle Inspection Centers!

NEW YORK STATE VEHICLE INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS

Motor vehicles are required, by law, to be in safe operating condition whenever they are driven on a public street or roadway in New York State.

Each vehicle registered in New York State must be inspected at least every 12 months. The inspection must be done before the expiration date of the current inspection sticker, and whenever the vehicles becomes registered in a different name.

When a vehicle inspection is requested, and inspection station must inspect any vehicle it is licensed to inspect, or must provide in writing, an appointment date that is within eight working days. If an appointment is made, the station may require a deposit that cannot exceed the inspection fee.

The inspection must be done in a licensed inspection station displaying an official sign, and must be performed by a certified motor vehicle inspector.

If your vehicle fails the safety and/or emissions inspection, the inspection station must have your permission before beginning any repairs.

You are not required to have your vehicle repaired or re-inspected at the station that performed the initial inspection. Your vehicle may be taken to any registered repair shop, or you may make the required repairs yourself. Your vehicle must then pass a new inspection, at an inspection station of your choice, before an inspection sticker will be issued.

It is a misdemeanor for an inspector to knowingly issue, or a motorist to knowingly accept, an inspection sticker unless a full and proper inspection has been performed.

ITEMS INSPECTED ON CARS & LIGHT TRUCKS

Seat Belts

Inspect for proper operation and anchorage.

• Model years 1969 and newer - one seat belt is required for each seating position
• Model years 1967 and 1968 - two front seat belts are required (driver position included), and one seat belt is required for each seating position elsewhere in the vehicle
• Model years 1965 and 1966 - two front seat belts are required (driver position included)

Your vehicle's Air Bag Warning Lamp will be checked for proper operation. You will be informed if the vehicle's air bag warning lamp is on or is not working. This is an advisement only and not cause for rejection.

Brakes

At least one front wheel must be removed to inspect the brakes.

• Brake pedal reserve - brake pedal must have 1/3 reserve
• Brake pedal fade - brake must hold for one minute without fading
• Power brake unit - check for proper operation
• Brake master cylinder - check for leakage and proper fluid level
• Disc brake pads - check condition
• Drum brake linings - thickness of linings must be at least 1/16 inch on bonded linings or at least 1/32 inch over rivet head on riveted linings, with no loose or missing rivets or lining
• Brake drums and/or rotors - check condition
• Wheel cylinders and/or calipers - check for leakage
• All brake lines and hoses - check for leaks, cracks, chafing, restrictions, and improper support
• Parking brake - check for components and function
• Brake equalization - test vehicle for a straight stop without significant wheel pull

Steering, Front End, Suspension, Chassis, Frame & Wheel Fasteners

• Front end assembly - check condition
• Steering wheel play - check for excessive free play
• All steering linkage - check for tightness or binding, excessive wear and/or looseness in parts, including idler arm, center control arm, tie-rod ends, drag link ends, steering and pitman arms, gear box, cross shafts, bushings, wheel bearings, steering column or steering wheel shaft mounting
• Power steering - check operation, condition of belt, and for leakage
• Shock absorbers - check shock mountings and for broken or missing shock absorbers
• Springs and torsion bars - check for sagging or broken springs, or a broken, disconnected, missing or bent torsion or stabilizer bar
• Chassis/frame - check for breaks, cracks, or severe rust at the suspension attachment points
• Wheel fasteners - check for missing or broken parts

Tires

(Except spare)

• Tread depth - must be at least 2/32 inch when measured in two adjacent major tread grooves showing the most wear
• Tire condition - check for any fabric break or cut over the length or width of 1 inch, visible bumps, bulges or knots, and any restricted use designation on the tire
• Tire pressure - You will be informed if the vehicle's tire pressure in not within the manufacturer's recommendation. This is an advisement only, and not cause for rejection.

Lights

All lighting must be of an approved type and inspected for operation, proper mounting, and broken or missing lenses. Side marker lamps, parking lamps, and additional flashing turning lamps mounted on the side of the vehicle are not inspected.

• Headlights (low and high beam)
• Tail lamps
• Stop lamps
• Directional signals
• Backup lights (1969 and newer)
• License plate lights
• Hazard warning/four-way flasher (1966 and newer)
• Directional signal indicator

Windshield And Other Glass

No crack of 11 inches long or longer is allowed if any part of the crack is within the area cleared by the windshield wiper.

• Windshield - check for presence and condition
• All windows - approved safety glass or rigid plastic and condition

Windshield Wipers And Blades

(Not including rear window or headlamp wipers)

• Wipers - check for presence and operation
• Blades - check condition

Horn

Check mounting and operation

Mirrors

Check mirror locations for proper mounting, cracks, breaks, and/or discoloration:

• Model year 1970 and newer - must have a left outside mirror and an inside mirror, or both left and right outer mirrors
• Model year 1968 and newer - must have a left outside mirror
• 1967 and older - must have one mirror that is either an inside mirror or a left outside mirror

Note:  Any vehicle that has a permanent obstruction of the view through the rear window (Example: a truck or van) must have both a left-side mirror and a right-side outside mirror.

Fuel Leaks

Any fuel leak that causes dripping or pooling is not acceptable.

What The Emissions Inspection Inspects

Each emissions inspection confirms the presence and connection of the vehicle's required emission control devices. This includes making sure that the vehicle's gas cap is present and in good condition, and fits properly fit.

The emission control devices are examined if the vehicle was originally manufactured with them. The vehicle model years affected are indicated.

• Catalytic converter (CAT) - all model years
• Exhaust gas re circulation valve (EGR) - all model years
• Positive crankcase ventilation system (PCV) - all model years
• Air injection system (AIS) - 1984 and newer
• Evaporative emission control (EVAP) - 1984 and newer
• Fuel inlet restrictor (FIR) - 1984 and newer
• Thermostatic air cleaner (TAC) - 1984 and newer

You can help your vehicle pass an emissions inspection by keeping it properly maintained. If the vehicle's Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL, or "check engine" light) indicates there may be a malfunction or other problem, have the vehicle properly repaired. A well maintained, functioning vehicle uses less fuel and creates less exhaust emissions.

Vehicles Serviced

Below is a short list of the vehicles services at our auto repair shop facilities:

ACURA	ALFA ROMEO	AUDI	BMW
BUICK	CADILLAC	CHEVROLET	CHRYSLER
DAEWOO	DODGE	EAGLE	FORD
GENERAL MOTORS	GEO	GMC	HONDA
HUMMER	HYUNDAI	INFINITI	INTERNATIONAL
ISUZU	JAGUAR	JEEP	KIA
LAND ROVER	LEXUS	LINCOLN	MAZDA
MERCEDES-BENZ	MERCURY	MINI	MITSUBISHI
NISSAN	OLDSMOBILE	PLYMOUTH	PONTIAC
PORSCHE	ROVER	SAAB	SALEEN
SATURN	SCION	SHELBY	SUBARU
SUZUKI	TOYOTA	VOLKSWAGEN	VOLVO

No matter the make or model of your vehicle, our automotive repair shops are here to help!

Auto Repair Shop Search Areas:

Akron	East Aurora	Middleport	Tonawanda
Amherst	Eden	Newstead	West Seneca
Angola	Elma	Niagara Falls	Williamsville
Boston	Grand Island	North Collins	Wilson
Brant	Hamburg	N Tonawanda	Youngstown
Buffalo	Holland	Olean
Cambria	Kenmore	Orchard Park
Cheektowaga	Lancaster	Pendleton
Clarence	Lewiston	Snyder
Depew	Lockport	Springville

Auto Repair Shop Locator

Use our automotive repair shop locator to search by zip code for the closest NAPA Automotive Care Certified location closest to you.