Does New York Have Emissions Testing?
New York State requires vehicle emissions testing in 18 designated counties as part of the annual safety inspection program.
The program is administered by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
6 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12228
Phone: (518) 486-9786
Official Website: New York DMV
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233
Phone: (518) 402-8540
Official Website: New York DEC
The emissions inspection program operates under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 301 and Title 6 of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Part 217. Emissions testing is combined with safety inspections at licensed inspection stations throughout the designated counties.
The program uses a decentralized model where private inspection stations conduct both safety and emissions tests. All testing protocols comply with federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards.
Counties in New York Requiring Emissions Testing
New York City Metro Area:
- Bronx County
- Kings County (Brooklyn)
- New York County (Manhattan)
- Queens County
- Richmond County (Staten Island)
- Nassau County
- Suffolk County
- Westchester County
- Rockland County
- Orange County
- Putnam County
Capital District Region:
- Albany County
- Rensselaer County
- Saratoga County
Additional Counties:
- Erie County (Buffalo area)
- Monroe County (Rochester area)
Vehicles registered in the remaining 44 New York counties require safety inspections only. The geographic coverage is based on federal air quality standards and is subject to change based on air quality measurements.
Vehicles Subject to Testing in New York
Emissions testing requirements vary by vehicle type, model year, weight, and fuel type.
Gasoline-Powered Vehicles:
- Model year 1996 and newer: On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) emissions testing required
- Model year 1995 and older: Tailpipe emissions testing where applicable
- Testing frequency: Annual
Weight Classifications:
- Vehicles with gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 8,500 pounds or less: Emissions testing required
- Vehicles with GVWR between 8,501 and 18,000 pounds: May be subject to diesel emissions testing
Exemptions from Emissions Testing in New York
The following vehicle categories are exempt from emissions testing requirements:
By Age:
- Vehicles less than two model years old
- Vehicles more than 25 model years old (in most cases)
By Fuel Type:
- Electric vehicles (fully electric only)
- Diesel-powered vehicles under 8,500 pounds GVWR (model years 1997 and newer)
By Vehicle Type:
- Motorcycles and limited-use motorcycles
- Vehicles with historic, antique, or collectible plates (may be exempt from all inspections)
- Certain farm vehicles registered for agricultural use
By Registration Location:
- Vehicles registered in counties not subject to emissions testing
Note: All vehicles, including those exempt from emissions testing, must still pass annual safety inspections unless specifically exempted by law.
Special Requirements
Hybrid Vehicles: Plug-in and standard hybrid vehicles must undergo emissions testing on their gasoline engines using the same standards as conventional vehicles.
Commercial Vehicles: Light commercial vehicles under 8,500 pounds GVWR follow the same emissions testing requirements as passenger vehicles.
Newly Registered Out-of-State Vehicles: Vehicles registered in New York for the first time must be inspected within 10 days of registration, including emissions testing if applicable.
Costs & Fees Emissions Testing in New York
Emissions test fees are set by state regulation.
Emissions Testing Fee Schedule
| Test Type | Location | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|---|
| NYVIP3 OBD II | New York Metropolitan Area (NYMA) | $27.00 |
| NYVIP3 Low Enhanced | New York Metropolitan Area (NYMA) | $11.00 |
| NYVIP3 Heavy-Duty Diesel | New York Metropolitan Area (NYMA) | $25.00 |
| NYVIP3 OBD II | Upstate Counties | $11.00 |
| NYVIP3 Low Enhanced | Upstate Counties | $11.00 |
Where to Get Emissions Testing in New York
Finding an Inspection Station
Inspections must be performed at a DMV-licensed inspection station.
Station Locator:
Use the DMV Inspection Station Locator to find facilities by:
- ZIP code
- County
- City or town
Licensed inspection stations include auto repair shops, service stations, and some dealerships. Look for the official New York State inspection station license displayed at the facility.
Timing Requirements in New York
Emissions testing is conducted annually as part of the vehicle inspection process.
- Inspections are valid for 12 months from the month performed
- Testing may be completed up to one month before expiration without losing time
- Vehicle registration renewal requires a valid inspection with passed emissions testing within the past 12 months
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Operating a vehicle without a current emissions test (as indicated by an expired inspection sticker is a traffic violation. Penalties include:
- Fines ranging from $50 to $100
- Mandatory state surcharge of $88 to $93
- Registration suspension
- Points on driving record (in some circumstances)
Emissions Testing and Registration in New York
Vehicles registered in the 18 counties with emissions testing requirements must pass emissions testing to complete their registration renewal. New York tracks emissions testing compliance through the annual inspection process.
Registration Renewal Process:
Registration cannot be renewed without a passing emissions test (recorded as part of the annual inspection) completed within the past 12 months. The DMV maintains electronic records of all emissions testing results.
Renewal options:
- Online at dmv.ny.gov
- By mail using the renewal notice
- In person at a DMV office
Out-of-State Vehicle Provisions
Newly Registered Out-of-State Vehicles
When registering an out-of-state vehicle in New York:
- Emissions testing must be completed within 10 days of registration if the vehicle will be registered in one of the 18 designated counties
- Out-of-state emissions tests are not accepted
- New York emissions testing standards apply regardless of previous state requirements
- A temporary 10-day inspection sticker is issued at registration
Exemptions for Temporary Residents
The following may not be required to obtain New York emissions testing:
- Students from other states temporarily attending school in New York
- Military personnel stationed in New York (based on official state of residence)
- Temporary visitors with valid out-of-state registration
New Residents
When establishing New York residency in an emissions testing county:
- Register your vehicle with the DMV within 30 days
- Complete emissions testing (as part of vehicle inspection) within 10 days of registration
- Emissions testing is required regardless of when the vehicle was last tested in another state
