In order to keep drivers safe, the state of New York enforces annual vehicle inspection laws designed to ensure that all vehicles registered within the state are in proper working order. The inspection consists of two parts - safety and emissions checks - and costs $21 in total payable by the owner of the vehicle.
According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles website, every registered vehicle must submit to a mandatory annual inspection every 12 months or whenever the vehicle becomes registered to a new owner. The inspection must be conducted by a certified motor vehicle inspector in a licensed inspection station that has an official sign prominently displayed. If the vehicle does not pass the inspection a sticker will not be issued and the owner must have the recommended repairs conducted before further inspection can take place.
There are certain things that have to be checked by a mechanic during a vehicle inspection. These include checking the brakes to make sure the drums, discs, pads and air lines are free from wear and tear and checking the muffler for unsafe emissions. Various controls need to be inspected to make sure they are in proper working order, including the horn, lights and windshield wipers. Mechanics also need to check the pressure and tread on all four tires to make sure they have sufficient air and are not too worn down.
If the annual inspection is allowed to lapse longer than 60 days after the expiration date on the inspection sticker, the owner may be fined between $50 and $100. If the inspection sticker is less than 60 days expired, the fees can range between $25 and $50. Driving a vehicle that has no inspection sticker at all can result in a fine between $50 and $100 plus mandatory state surcharges of at least $55.
