All gas powered vehicles, will with few exceptions, registered in the NYMA, are subjected to a high enhanced emissions inspection. Inspection facilities in the other 53 counties can not perform this required inspection. A licensed qualified inspection station may perform the appropriate upstate inspection on the vehicle if the VS1078 is presented. The emission inspection test is a comprehensive inspection of a vehicle's air pollution control system and exhaust emissions using sophisticated testing equipment. All vehicles receive a gas cap integrity check and a visual inspection to detect tampering or malfunctions in the air pollution control devices.
Testing is done annually at the same time as the safety inspection.
The fee reflects additional labor and testing equipment costs. 1996 and newer models also undergo a check of the vehicle's on-board diagnostic computer. Annual safety inspections are still required for all vehicles unless otherwise exempt by law. For more about safety inspections, see our brochure Vehicle Safety Inspection Program for Cars and Light Trucks. If a Vehicle Fails Inspection A vehicle must pass the emissions test to receive an inspection sticker, and a vehicle that does not pass may be denied a registration.