New York Codes, Rules and Regulations › Title 15 - Department of Motor Vehicles › Chapter I - REGULATIONS OF THE COMMISSIONER › Subchapter F - BUSINESSES REQUIRING LICENSES › Part 79 - Motor Vehicle Inspection › Section 79.21 - Inspection of motor vehicles

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 28, July 10, 2024
This section comprises the safety inspection or the safety
					 portion of a safety and emissions inspection for all motor vehicles that have a
					 seating capacity, as indicated on the vehicle registration certificate, under
					 15 passengers, all motor vehicles and trailers that have a MGW, as indicated on
					 the vehicle registration certificate, under 18,001 pounds, except: motorcycles;
					 those motor vehicles and trailers that have a MGW, as indicated on the vehicle
					 registration certificate, over 10,000 pounds and under 18,001 pounds, when the
					 registrant requests a heavy vehicle inspection; and semi-trailers. Additional
					 safety inspection requirements for all trailers, except semi-trailers, that
					 have a MGW, as indicated on the vehicle registration certificate, under 10,001
					 pounds, may be found in section
					 79.22  of this
					 Part. Additional safety inspection requirements for all motor vehicles and
					 trailers, except semi-trailers, that have a MGW, as indicated on the vehicle
					 registration certificate, over 10,000 pounds and under 18,001 pounds, except
					 when the registrant requests a heavy vehicle inspection, may be found in
					 section
					 79.23  of
					 this Part. The emissions inspection requirements may be found in sections
					 79.24,
					 79.25,
					 and
					 79.26 
					 of this Part.
(a)
Service brake
				  system.
Every vehicle must be tested for brake equalization after a
					 complete inspection has been performed. Such test must be on a dry, hard, level
					 surface, free from loose material (indoors or outdoors) or with approved brake
					 testing equipment set to approved specifications. At least one front axle wheel
					 must be removed for brake inspection. (Identify location of wheel removed on
					 VS-1074 if you use this form, or on the appropriate CVIS when prompted.)
					 However, an inspector may remove as many wheels as necessary to determine the
					 condition of the braking system. A brake tester that has been approved by the
					 commissioner may be used to test the vehicle's braking system in lieu of
					 performing a brake equalization test and the requirement that a wheel be
					 removed.
Procedure
Reject
								if:
1.
Brake Equalization
1.
The vehicle fails to make straight stop without
								significant wheel pull.
Visually Inspect Condition of
								Brake System
2.
Inspect wheel cylinders and calipers for
								leakage.
2.
Wheel cylinders or calipers leak.
3.
Inspect hoses and lines for leaks, cracks, chafing,
								flattened or restricted section and improper support.
3.
Hoses or lines leak, or are cracked, flattened or are
								insecurely fastened, copper tubing or compression fittings are used.
4.
Inspect master cylinder for leakage and reservoir
								fluid level.
4.
Master cylinder leaks or reservoir is not full to its
								designed capacity.
Note:
Visual inspection of mechanical system. It is imperative
					 that brake system reservoir cover and the surrounding area be thoroughly
					 cleaned before cover is removed to assure that no dirt is mixed with brake
					 fluid.
Procedure
Reject if:
Test Pedal Reserve
5.
While the vehicle is stopped, depress brake pedal
								under normal foot pressure (if vehicle is equipped with power brakes, engine
								should be running for this test).
5.
Pedal reserve is less than 1/3 of the possible travel
								or less than the manufacturer's specification.
Test Brake for Fade
6.
Apply brakes, using normal foot pressure. On vehicles
								equipped with power brakes the engine should be running.
6.
Brake pedal does not hold its position for at least
								60 seconds without fading.
Inspect Power Brake
								Unit
7.
With engine stopped apply brakes several times to
								deplete power assist in system. Depress brake pedal and while maintaining
								force, start engine.
7.
Brake pedal does not fall slightly under force when
								engine starts.
Check Condition of Drum Brake
								Linings
8.
Bonded linings Measure the lining thickness at the
								thinnest point.
8.
Thinnest point is less than 1/16 inch.
9.
Riveted linings Inspect for loose or missing
								rivets.
9.
Any rivets are loose or missing.
Measure lining thickness above rivet head at thinnest
								point.
Lining is worn to less than 1/32 inch over any rivet
								head.
Check Condition of Brake Linings
								and Pads
10.
Inspect for audible or visual sign from disc brake
								wear sensors, if vehicle is so equipped.
10.
Disc brake wear sensor is activated.
11.
All linings and pads Inspect for broken or cracked
								linings and parts of linings not firmly attached to their mounting. Also
								inspect for contamination.
11.
Friction material is broken, cracked or not firmly
								and completely attached to its mounting. If friction surface is contaminated
								with oil or grease or there is metal-to-metal contact.
Brake Drums
12.
Inspect the condition of the drum friction surface
								for substantial cracks extending to the open edge of the drum (short hairline
								heat check cracks should not be considered).
12.
There are substantial cracks on the friction surface
								extending to open edge.
Inspect for cracks on the outside of drum.
There are external cracks.
Inspect for mechanical damage.
There is evidence of mechanical damage other than
								wear.
Inspect for contaminated friction surface.
Friction surface is contaminated with oil, grease, or
								brake fluid.
Brake Rotor
13.
Inspect for substantial cracks extending to edge of
								rotor. Inspect for mechanical damage.
13.
There are substantial cracks extending to edge. There
								is evidence of mechanical damage other than wear.
Inspect discs for any distortion or scoring that
								would impair braking system.
Distortion or scoring impairs the braking
								system.
Brake Components
14.
Visually inspect components of the braking
								system.
14.
There is any disconnected, improperly installed,
								broken, frozen, seized, bypassed, or missing component of the braking
								system.
Note:
An inoperative anti-lock brake system or an illuminated ABS
					 warning light are not causes for rejection.
(b)
Parking brake.
If a 1962 or older vehicle is not originally equipped with
					 parking brake, disregard this procedure.
Procedure
Reject if:
Parking Brake
								Function
1.
Set the parking brake firmly. If vehicle is equipped
								with an "automatic parking brake release" type, that releases itself when gear
								selector is placed in a position other than park or neutral, omit paragraph 1
								of this subdivision and inspect all other points of the parking brake.
1.
Parking or holding brake will not hold the vehicle
								stationary with engine running at a slightly accelerated speed with shift lever
								in drive position for automatic transmission or shift lever in low gear while
								engaging the clutch on a standard transmission.
Parking Brake
								Components
2.
Check parking brake components for general
								condition.
2.
Cable(s) are visibly frayed or frozen, or there are
								missing or defective cotter pins or broken or missing retracting springs or
								worn rods or couplings.
There is no reserve travel in the lever or pedal when
								the brake is fully applied.
The ratchet and pawl or other automatic locking
								device does not hold the brake position or cannot be properly released.
Parking Brake
								Independence
3.
Examine means by which parking brake works.
3.
Parking brake is activated by same means as service
								brake. Parking brake is not mechanically activated.
(c)
Tires.
A vehicle which is used primarily in an authorized landfill
					 may be equipped with foam-filled tires. Such tires would not be rejectable
					 under paragraphs 2, 3, 4 and 5. However, the tires must be inspected for the
					 required tread depth and restricted usages.
Note:
If a tire obviously has the required tread depth, it is not
					 necessary to use the tread depth gauge. Use of the gauge is only required when
					 tread depth is questionable and a reading must be obtained to determine whether
					 or not the tire must be rejected. Do not check tread depth at tread wear
					 indicator bar or tie bar.
Procedure
Reject if:
Tires
1.
Tire tread depth readings shall be taken in two
								adjacent major grooves showing the most tread wear. Readings for a tire which
								has the tread design running across the tire or for a siped tire where such
								tread design is permitted, shall be taken at or near the center of the tire.
								Inspect all tires mounted on vehicles (do not inspect spare tire).
1.
Any tire is worn to less than 2/32 of an inch of
								major tread design at the two worst adjacent points at which the gauge readings
								are obtained. However, the front tires of a motor vehicle, other than a
								trailer, with a MGW of 10,000 pounds or more, or truck tractor must not be worn
								to less than 4/32 of an inch of major tread design at the two points at which
								the gauge readings are obtained.
2.
Inspect for breaks or cuts.
2.
Tire has fabric break, or a cut in excess of one inch
								in any direction and deep enough to reach the body cords.
3.
Inspection for bumps, bulges or knots.
3.
Tire has visible bumps, bulges or knots indicating
								partial failure or separation of the tire structure.
4.
Inspect for any ply or cord structure that is
								exposed.
4.
Tire has any portion of the ply or cord structure
								exposed.
5.
Visually inspect for restricted usage marking on
								tires. Every tire manufactured for highway use will be labeled with one symbol
								DOT which indicates that the tire conforms to the applicable Federal Motor
								Vehicle Safety Standards.
5.
Tire is marked "not for highway use," "for farm use
								only," "for racing use only," "for temporary use only," or other markings
								having like meaning or the tire size designation is preceded by a "T."
Wheel Fasteners
6.
Inspect for number and condition of wheel
								fasteners.
6.
Any wheel fastener is missing or broken.
7.
Check tire pressure.
7.
Advise customer if tire pressure is not within range
								recommended by vehicle manufacturer.
Note:
Tire pressure check
								is an advisory only, do not reject the vehicle. The customer must be notified
								in writing.
(d)
Steering, suspension, front end and chassis/frame.
Procedure
Reject if:
Steering Wheel Free
								Play
1.
For vehicles equipped with power steering, the engine
								must be running and the fluid level, belt tension and condition must be
								adequate before testing.
1.
Steering wheel movement exceeds: Power Steering: 2
								inches free play Manual Steering: 3 inches free play
With front tires in straight ahead position, turn
								steering wheel until motion can be detected at the front tires. Align a
								reference mark on steering wheel with a mark on a ruler and slowly turn
								steering wheel in the opposite direction until motion can again be detected at
								the front tires. Measure free play at steering wheel.
Steering Linkage
2.
Turn steering wheel to extreme right or left
								positions to determine if there is any binding or interference (on vehicles
								equipped with power steering, engine must be running). With vehicle raised,
								visually inspect steering linkage and front end components for excessive wear
								and/or looseness.
2.
There is any tightness, binding or interference when
								turning the steering wheel completely to the right or left. There is excessive
								wear and/or looseness in any of the following parts: wheel bearings, upper and
								lower cross shaft and bushing, upper and lower outer pins and bushings, idler
								arm, center control arms, tie rod ends, drag link ends, steering and pitman
								arms, gear box mounting, rack and pinion mounting, steering column mounting or
								steering wheel shaft mounting; the coupler or universal between gear box and
								steering column is frayed or cracked; the adjustable column lock or latch does
								not hold column securely; the steering or shock damper displays visible leakage
								or is missing or broken.
Spring and Torsion
								Bars
3.
Inspect general condition of springs and torsion
								bars.
3.
Any front or rear springs or air springs, if
								equipped, are noticeably sagging or broken or if spring shackles are
								excessively worn or loose. Any torsion bar or stabilizer bar, including
								mechanical linkage is broken, disconnected, missing or bent.
4.
Visually inspect chassis/frame or primary uni-body
								member for general condition.
4.
(i) The front wheels are visually out of line.
(ii) Any axle or front end assembly is bent or
								twisted.
(iii) Chassis/frame or primary uni-body member is
								severely rusted at suspension attachment points.
(iv) Bolts or rivets are loose, missing or in a
								deteriorated condition due to rust.
(v) Chassis/frame or primary uni-body member is
								cracked or broken.
Power Steering
								System
5.
Inspect for power steering operation, leakage and
								condition of belts.
5.
System does not work, there are visible leaks, or the
								power system belt is loose, V- belt(s) is cracked or fraying. Flat serpentine
								belt(s) - is "chunking" (ribs missing) in the micro V area, flat outer surface
								is cracked, belt is fraying.
Note:
Small cracks in
								the micro V ribs, of a serpentine belt are not reason for rejection.
Shock Absorbers
6.
Visually inspect for broken or missing shocks and any
								loose or broken mounting brackets and bolts.
6.
Shock absorbers are missing on a vehicle originally
								equipped with them or are broken. Mounting bolts or mounts are broken or
								loose.
Note:
A leaking shock absorber or MacPherson strut is not cause
					 for rejection.
(e)
Lighting and reflectors.
The following are the only lights that must be
					 inspected:
Low beam headlamps (operation only).
High beam headlamps (operation only).
Tail lamps.
Stop lamps.
Directional signals.
Traffic hazard warning lights (four-way flashers).
Backup lights.
Number (license) plate lamp(s).
Do not reject a vehicle for the condition or operation of
					 any of the following:
Side marker lights (under 80" in width).
Any exterior headlamps, spotlights, fog lights, etc., added
					 on to vehicle, as long as the headlights may be operated independently from
					 such lights.
Note:
Additional signal lights on side mirrors or marker lights
					 that blink (with the turn signals) are not required turn signals, and the
					 vehicle must not be rejected for the condition or operation of such
					 lights.
Procedure
Reject if:
Headlamps
1.
All vehicles must be equipped with an approved
								headlamp system.
1.
Headlamps are not of an approved type.
Lens is missing, broken (piece missing), or has a
								crack that results in an opening.
Visually check operation of high and low headlamps.
								(Not required on trailers)
Any filament in headlamp unit fails to light
								properly. Lights can be moved easily by hand due to a broken fender or loose
								support, or if a good ground is not made by mounting.
Foreign material is placed on headlamps that
								interferes with light beam of lamp (such as shields, painted lens, etc.).
Note:
Modification of an
								original headlamp system must result in the replacement with a complete
								approved system.
2.
Visually inspect only the following for proper
								operation and condition:
2.
Lamps are not securely mounted or do not produce a
								steady light with switch on or brake applied. Lamps do not operate properly in
								all switch positions.
Minimum Lighting
(a) Lamps are not of an approved type.
(b) Any lens is missing, broken (piece missing), or
								has a crack that results in an opening or improperly fit so that light is being
								emitted.
(c) Vehicle is not equipped with minimum lighting
								requirements for its model year.
(d) Any lens has been repaired with unapproved
								material.
1952 and older model vehicles:
REAR
at least one red tail lamp
at least one red or amber stop lamp
1953 and newer model vehicles:
FRONT
at least two amber directional signals (Not required
								on trailers)
REAR
at least two red or amber directional signals
at least two red tail lamps
at least two red stop lamps (1971 or older models,
								red or amber)
at least one white backup lamp (1969 and newer) (Not
								required on trailers)
at least one license plate lamp
3.
Every motor vehicle equipped with directional signals
								must also be equipped with an indicator lamp.
3.
Interior indicator lamp does not function properly.
								(If vehicle has an exterior indicator lamp only, check for proper
								operation.)
4.
1966 and newer vehicles must be equipped with a
								traffic hazard warning device (four-way flasher).
4.
Not properly equipped with a traffic hazard warning
								device which operates independently of ignition or directional signal
								switches.
5.
Supplementary lighting. Any exterior headlamps,
								spotlights, fog lights, etc., added to those originally placed on the vehicle
								by the manufacturer must be operated on a switch or switches separate from the
								headlamp switch.
5.
Add-on exterior lights are not on a switch separate
								from the headlamp switch.
6.
1987 and newer passenger cars must be equipped with a
								high-mounted stop lamp on the vertical centerline, except those with custom as
								the make of the vehicle.
6.
Not equipped with a high-mounted stop lamp on the
								vertical centerline. Stop lamp is not of an approved type, is not securely
								mounted, does not function when brake is applied, has a broken lens allowing
								white light to be visible from the rear of the vehicle, or has any material
								such as tape, cellophane or plastic on or over the lens. All stop lamp bulbs of
								original equipment must light.
7.
Every motor vehicle must have a rear number (license)
								plate lamp. When multiple bulbs were original equipment, all must be present
								and operational.
7.
Rear number (license) plate lamp is not of an
								approved type, is not securely mounted or does not illuminate when the tail
								lamps are turned on.
8.
In addition to the lighting required in paragraph 2
								of this subdivision, vehicles 80" or more in width must have the
								following:
8.
Lamps are not securely mounted or do not produce a
								steady light with switch on or brake applied. Lamps do not operate properly in
								all switch positions. Lamps are not of an approved type, or any lens is broken,
								missing, or improperly fit so that light is emitted without passing through the
								lens.
FRONT
Two amber clearance lamps
One amber identification lamp (three-lamp cluster)
								(Not required on trailers)
EACH SIDE
One amber side marker
One red side marker
One amber Class A reflector
One red Class A reflector
REAR
Two red clearance lamps
One red identification lamp (three-lamp cluster)
Note:
Historical vehicles lighting. In lieu of inspecting
					 headlamps and tail lamps on a vehicle registered as "Historical," and bearing
					 Historical plates, you may accept a Form VS-18 affidavit from the owner or
					 operator certifying that the vehicle is only operated during the daylight
					 hours.
(f)
Windshield
				  and other glass.
Every 1935 or newer vehicle must be equipped with a
					 windshield, except trailers. All must be inspected. A star is considered to be
					 a bruise from which multiple cracks extend, such as a "stone bruise," shot,
					 etc.
Procedure
Reject if:
Approved Glass
1.
Inspect windshield and other windows on vehicle for
								presence of approved safety glazing.
1.
Vehicle is not equipped with a windshield.
Any 1935 or newer model year vehicle is not equipped
								with approved safety glass with an AS-1, AS-10 or AS-14 rating in the
								windshield or an AS-1, -2, -3, -10 or -11 rating in the windows to the left,
								right and rear of the driver.
Any 1935 or newer model year vehicle is not equipped
								with approved safety glass or rigid plastic, if plastic is used, with an AS-1,
								-2, -3, -4, -5, -10 or -11 rating in any rear window on a convertible, pickup
								truck or light-duty truck.
Cracks
2.
Inspect windshield and other windows for cracks or
								sharp edges.
2.
Windshield or other window is broken or has exposed
								sharp or jagged edges.
Windshield Only:
Any "star" larger than three inches in diameter is
								located in any area of the windshield.
There is a crack more than 11 inches long, any part
								of which extends into the path of the windshield wiper(s).
Window Tint
Note:
If a windshield or a window,
								through observation, clearly meets the required visible light transmittance
								standard, it is not necessary to use the tint meter. Vehicles displaying a
								valid MV-80W.2 "Exempt Tinted Windows" sticker need not be inspected for window
								tint.
3.
3.
Model year 1991 or older vehicles:
(a) Inspect the windshield for proper visible light
								transmittance.
(a) Any part of the windshield below the top 6 inches
								allows less than 35% visible light transmittance.
(b) Inspect all side windows adjacent to or forward
								of the driver's seating position for proper visible light transmittance.
(b) Any part of the window allows less than 35%
								visible light transmittance.
(c) Inspect the rear window of any vehicle that is
								not equipped with dual outside rearview mirrors for proper visible light
								transmittance.
(c) Any part of the rear window allows less than 35%
								visible light transmittance.
Model year 1992 or newer vehicles:
(d) Inspect the windshield for proper visible light
								transmittance.
(d) Any part of the windshield below the top 6 inches
								allows less than 70% visible light transmittance.
(e) Inspect all side windows adjacent to or forward
								of the driver's seating position for proper visible light transmittance.
(e) Any part of any side window adjacent to or
								forward of the driver's seating position allows less than 70% visible light
								transmittance.
(f) Inspect all side windows to the rear of the
								driver's seating position on any vehicle classified as "Passenger Car" on the
								FMVSS certification label for proper visible light transmittance.
(f) Any part of any side window to the rear of the
								driver's seating position on any vehicle classified as "Passenger Car" on the
								FMVSS certification label allows less than 70% visible light
								transmittance.
(g) Inspect the rear window of any vehicle that is
								not equipped with dual outside rearview mirrors for proper visible light
								transmittance.
(g) Any part of the rear window allows less than 70%
								visible light transmittance.
(g)
Mirrors.
Procedure
Reject if:
Location and
								Mounting
1.
Inspect mirrors for proper location and
								mounting.
1.
(a) 1967 and older model not equipped with at least
								one mirror, either an interior or left outside mirror.
(b) 1968 and newer model not equipped with a left
								outside mirror.
(c) 1970 and newer model not equipped with an
								adjustable interior mirror in addition to the left outside mirror, unless the
								vehicle is equipped with dual outside mirrors.
(d) Truck-tractor does not have both a left and right
								outside rear view mirror.
(e) There is no left and right outside mirror on a
								vehicle with a permanent obstruction of the rear window.
(f) Any mirror cannot be properly adjusted to provide
								a clear and full view of the rear.
(g) Any mirror is not securely mounted.
Cracks - Broken -
								Discoloration
2.
Inspect reflecting surface for any cracks, breaks or
								discoloration.
2.
Any mirror is cracked, broken or discolored.
Note:
Vehicles with mirrors that are not subject to section (1)
					 are to be inspected and rejected if the mirror is cracked, broken or
					 discolored, unless the mirror and housing are completely removed from the
					 vehicle.
(h)
				  [
Reserved
]
(i)
Windshield wipers.
Windshield Wipers
Note:
Rear window wipers
								are not part of inspection.
1.
Visually inspect for presence of windshield wipers or
								wiper.
1.
Vehicle is not equipped with the number of wipers
								with which it was originally equipped.
Windshield Wiper
								Operation
2.
Inspect for satisfactory operation and condition of
								wiper blades.
2.
Any wiper is inoperative, does not operate freely, or
								is improperly adjusted.
Any wiper blade has dead, torn or badly worn rubber
								or if material other than the rubber wiper blade comes in contact with
								windshield.
Any wiper controls are located beyond the reach of
								the driver so that he cannot readily operate it without having to move from his
								normal driving position.
(j)
Horn.
Procedure
Reject if:
Horn
1.
Inspect for presence of horn and operation.
1.
Vehicle is not equipped with at least one horn which
								shall produce a sound sufficiently loud to serve as a danger warning.
Horn is not securely fastened to the vehicle.
Horn button or actuating device does not work
								properly or is not within easy reach of the driver.
2.
Bulb- or hand-operated horn is acceptable if vehicle
								was originally equipped with such.
(k)
Seat belts.
Procedure
Reject
								if:
1.
Inspect for the required number of seat belts.
1.
(i) 1965 to 1968 models, not equipped with at least
								two safety belts for the front seat.
(ii) 1967 and 1968 models, not equipped with at least
								one safety belt for rear seat for each passenger for which the rear seat of
								such vehicle was designed.
(iii) 1969 or newer model, not equipped with at least
								one safety belt for each passenger seat position.
2.
Check seat belt function by buckling seat belts,
								tugging on them and unbuckling them.
2.
(i) Any seat belt cannot be buckled. (ii) Any seat
								belt is pulled out of its anchors or was not anchored at the start of the
								inspection.
(iii) Any seat belt unbuckles when tugged.
(iv) Any seat belt cannot be unbuckled.
(v) Any automatic adjuster does not recoil.
(vi) Any motorized belt does not activate when the
								front door is closed and the ignition is turned on.
(vii) Any motorized belt does not release when the
								door is opened and the ignition is turned off.
3.
On 1998 and newer models, inspect the inflatable
								restraint system readiness indicator light (air bag warning light). The light
								should illuminate when the key is turned on, and should go out within a few
								seconds of starting the engine.
3.
On 1998 and newer models advise the motorist on the
								invoice or inspection receipt if the warning light does not illuminate, or
								indicates a problem in the restraint system by remaining illuminated with the
								engine running. Do not reject.
(l)
Fuel leaks.
Procedure
Reject
								if:
1.
Check the fuel system, including the fuel tank and
								lines, for leaks, including auxiliary heating or refrigeration units.
1.
Any leak is found in any fuel system, tank or lines
								to such a degree as to cause dripping or pooling of fuel.
2.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas
								(LPG) or Liquefied National Gas (LNG) fuel systems.
2.
Any fuel leakage from the CNG, LPG or LNG system
								detected audibly, visually or by smell.
Note:
Some brief fuel leakage, water vapor at the fittings, or
					 decompression may occur during refueling, causing temporary frosting of CNG of
					 LPG fuel system parts. If the vehicle has been refueled shortly before
					 inspection, care must be taken to distinguish these temporary occurrences from
					 actual leaks. Also, in hot weather some condensation on the system is
					 normal.
Some brief fuel leakage, water vapor at the fittings, or
						decompression may occur during refueling, causing temporary frosting of CNG of
						LPG fuel system parts. If the vehicle has been refueled shortly before
						inspection, care must be taken to distinguish these temporary occurrences from
						actual leaks. Also, in hot weather some condensation on the system is
						normal.