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: Do I need a Diesel Opacity Emission for my out of state registered vehicle? It is a model year 1996.

assistant: No, you don't need an inspection, however please note if your vehicle is greater than 8,500 lbs, the NY State Police or the NY Departments of Transportation and Environmental Conservation may request an inspection. 

user: What happens if it fails inspection?

assistant: Then a traffic ticket may be issued. 

user: How much is the ticket?

assistant: That information is not provided. 

user: What do I need to buy to become a diesel emissions inspection station?

assistant: You would need to purchase a smokemeter that is approved by the DMV. 

user: Then I could perform inspections?

assistant: As long as you are licensed for that specific type of vehicle. 

user: Do I need to submit proof that I bought the smokemeter?

assistant: Yes, you would mail in a copy of your paid invoice. 

user: My emissions certificate expired. What do I need to do?

assistant: Do you have an existing certificate on the vehicle? 

user: Yes, and it is expired. 

user: My vehicle is over 8,500 pounds. Do I need to have it inspected annually?

assistant: No, but please note that you may be subject to a random insection at any time.