A non - exempt diesel - powered motor vehicle may be subject to either the OBDII emissions inspection or the diesel emissions inspection. Additional information about these inspections may be found on the table below. 

Emissions Inspections for Diesel-powered Vehicles 


Vehicles subject to diesel emissions inspection 
All non - exempt diesel - powered vehicles registered in the NYMA or Diesel Emissions Metropolitan Area DEMA some registrations may or may not show they are within DEMA, with a maximum gross weight MGW, as indicated on the vehicle registration certificate, over 8,500 pounds, must get an annual diesel emissions inspection. The diesel emissions inspection must occur at the same time as the annual safety inspection. The DEMA includes the five boroughs of New York City, and Nassau County, Suffolk County, Rockland County, and Westchester County. The model year does not exempt a vehicle from the inspection. Read section 79.2 of the inspection regulations to get information about vehicles that are exempt. All diesel - powered vehicles registered outside of the Diesel Emissions Metropolitan Area DEMA, with a maximum gross weight MGW over 8,500 pounds, do not require an annual diesel emissions inspection, but may be subject to a random roadside diesel emissions inspection. All model year 1997 or newer non - exempt diesel - powered vehicles, registered anywhere in New York State, with a gross vehicle weight rating GVWR less than 8,501 pounds, must get an annual OBDII emissions inspection, and are not subject to the diesel emissions inspection. All model year 1996 or older diesel - powered vehicles, registered anywhere in New York State, with a gross vehicle weight rating GVWR less than 8,501 pounds, are not subject to the OBDII emissions inspection, the low - enhanced emissions inspection, or the diesel emissions inspection. 

Diesel Opacity Emissions 
The Diesel Opacity Emissions inspection is not required in other areas of NY State, or for vehicles register 

user: I'm confused about an inspection. Do I need a Diesel Opacity Emissions inspection for my vehicle that is driven mainly in NY, but is registered in New Jersey?

assistant: No, you don't need one because it's an out of state vehicle.

user: I heard there were random inspections at roadside stations. What happens if it fails?

assistant: If that happens, a traffic ticket may be issued. 

user: Can I get other types of inspections at inspection stations?

assistant: It depends. If the vehicle needs the diesel emissions inspection, then they can't do any other inspections. Other than that though, the station can do other types of inspections. 

user: I need to know where the diesel inspection happens, and also when does it happen?

assistant: Any diesel inspection station can do this. It happens at the annual safety inspection. 

user: So if I have an expired inspection certificate, what do I do?

assistant: Is the vehicle outside the DEMA?

user: Yes, it is. 

assistant: You can go to the DMV to apply for a VS-1078 which is a Temporary Waiver. It needs to be displayed on the vehicle next to the original safety certificate. 

user: What about if I want to become an inspection station? What would I need?

assistant: You need a DMV approved smokemeter. For more information, you should call 1-518-474-0919.

user: What are the criteria for if the vehicle needs a OBDII inspection versus the emissions inspection?

assistant: If the vehicle weighs less than 8501 pounds, and was made in 1997 or newer, these get the OBDII and not the emissions inspection.