Diesel emissions and heavy vehicle inspection in New York

A diesel vehicle over 8,500 lb registered in New York City, Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland or Westchester needs a diesel emissions test (smoke opacity) every year, at the same visit as the safety inspection. The maximum fee is $25 on top of the safety fee.

Diesel emissions test

• Applies to non-exempt diesels over 8,500 lb maximum gross weight registered in the diesel emissions area. The model year does not exempt them.
• Diesels under 8,501 lb from model years within the OBD II range get the OBD II test instead.
• Outside the diesel area, heavy diesels skip the yearly test but can be stopped for a roadside opacity test. A failed roadside test can mean a $700 fine for a first offense and $1,300 for a later one, reduced if repaired and reinspected within 30 days.
• The station must have special equipment and a DMV license for diesel emissions tests.

Heavy vehicle safety inspection

• Required for vehicles over 18,000 lb and vehicles seating more than 14 passengers. Maximum fee: $20.
• Vehicles from 10,001 to 18,000 lb normally get a $15 safety inspection, but the owner can ask for the heavy vehicle inspection instead.
• Heavy trailers over 18,000 lb and all semi-trailers: $12.
• Vehicles that get the heavy vehicle inspection are exempt from the gas emissions tests.

Finding a heavy vehicle station

155 licensed public stations in this directory recorded diesel emissions tests in the past 12 months. DMV inspection records show that most heavy vehicle inspections happen at facilities that are not in the DMV's public inspection station list. To find one, use the DMV facility lookup and enter your vehicle's registration details.

All inspection fees