• Emissions tests help reduce air pollution.the smog of cairo image by Elmo Palmer from Fotolia.com
  
  New York State is required to conduct an inspection program that is designed to reduce harmful emissions from most gasoline powered passenger cars. Most light-duty trucks are also included. The New York State Vehicle Inspection Program (NYVIP) is a compliance requirement under the 1990 Federal Clean Air Act. During the annual vehicle safety inspection, the emissions inspection is performed at the same time.The emissions tests are conducted at New York State licensed inspection stations. These stations display a black and yellow sign which reads, "Official Inspection Station."
  
  

Requirements

• New York State emissions laws require all registered vehicles to get an emissions inspection every 12 months, when a safety inspection is performed. These inspections are required together when vehicle ownership is transferred. If the vehicle is purchased from a New York State dealer, the dealer is required to have the vehicle inspected no more than 30 days before the new owner takes delivery. An inspection extension is granted if the vehicle is purchased out-of-state, with ten days being allowed after vehicle registration. For a new resident of New York State, an out-of-state inspection is valid until it either expires, or for one year after registering in NYS--whichever happens first.
  
  

Exemptions

• Some passenger cars and light-duty trucks are exempt from the emissions inspection. If your vehcile is less than two model years old or more than 26 model years old, it does not have to be inspected. Other exemptions include vehicles that are electric-powered only, or are registered with historical plates. Additionally, most diesel-powered vehicles are also exempt, except for vehicles weighing more than 8,5000 lbs. and registered in New York City and the New York Metropolitan area.
  
  

Inspection

• The New York State Emissions Law requires the inspection to confirm both the presence and the connection of all the required emission control devices on the vehicle. These devices--on all model years--include the catalytic converter, the positive crankcase ventilation system and the exhaust gas recirculation valve. For devices on model years 1984 and newer, the inspection will examine the thermostatic air cleaner, air injection system, evaporative emission control and the fuel inlet restrictor. The inspection also includes a check of the presence of the gas cap and assurance that the cap fits properly and is in good condition.
  
  

Additional Testing

• New equipment is used in New York State to monitor the on-board diagnostic system (OBDII) with results being reported to the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). This computerized system monitors the vehicle's emission control system. When the OBDII detects a problem with excessive emissions, a malfunction indicator light (MIL) will alert the technician. This test is required on all gas-powered vehicles with a model year of 1996 or newer, is more than two model years old and weighs less than 8,501 lbs., according to the vehicle registration. Vehicles that do not fit in this category will receive a high-enhanced emissions inspection, if registered in the New York City Metropolitan area, or a low-enhanced emissions test, if registered in upstate New York.