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 79.28 - Inspection of motorcycles

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 28, July 10, 2024
This section is comprised of the safety inspection
					 requirements for motorcycles.
(a)
Brakes.
Procedures
Reject
								  if:
1. Check braking system for required brakes.
1. Not equipped with front and rear brakes (1970 and
								older need only one operating brake); any brake is disconnected.
2. Road test.
2. Vehicle does not stop within 25 feet when brakes
								are applied at 20 mph on a hard, dry, level surface free of loose
								material.
Note:
If a road test is performed on public roadways, a properly
					 licensed operator must perform the test. If a road test cannot be performed,
					 pull at least one wheel on a drum brake system for inspection of the condition
					 of brake linings, drum and wheel cylinders, if vehicle is so equipped. On a
					 disc brake system visually check rotors, pads and calipers.
3. Drum brakes: visually inspect shoes, drum and
								hardware.
3. Riveted lining is worn less than 
								1/32
								" over the rivets or less than 
								1/16
								" on bonded linings; drums are scored and impair braking or linings are
								contaminated; drums are turned below manufacturer's specifications.
4. Disc brakes: visually check pads and rotors.
4. Brake pads are worn to metal; rotor has mechanical
								damage other than normal wear; rotors are cracked or turned below minimum
								specifications.
5. Check mechanical brakes, linkage hardware and
								operation.
5. Rods, springs, and other hardware are bent,
								cracked, broken, missing, frozen, improperly connected or adjusted.
6. Check foot and hand lever free play and
								reserve.
6. Foot pedal does not have at least 1/2 " free
								play or manufacturer's specification, whichever is less. Hand brake does not
								have at least 1/4 " free play or manufacturer's specification, whichever
								is less. Pedal reserve is less than 
								1/3
								of the possible travel or less than the manufacturer's specification.
7. Check hydraulic brake lines, master cylinder,
								wheel cylinders/calipers.
7. Lines or hoses are bent, cracked, abraded,
								crimped, restricted, leaking. Master cylinder, calipers or wheel cylinders leak
								or control rod is improperly adjusted. Fluid level is below full mark.
8. Hydraulic brake pedal drop.
8. Pedal or hand control moves or drops in one minute
								while normal pressure is applied.
(b)
Steering suspension and
								frame.
1. Check frame.
1. Bent, broken or cracked and is considered to be a
								hazard for operation.
2. Check wheels/wheel bearings.
2. Bearings are loose, broken, out of adjustment.
								Spokes or rims are out of alignment or broken.
3. Check steering head and bearings.
3. Loose, broken, out of adjustment or modified
								beyond manufacturer's specifications.
4. Check handlebars.
4. Loose, bent, broken, cracked or damaged, affecting
								proper steering; equipped with bicycle handlebars. The handlebars or grips are
								higher than the operator's shoulders.
5. Check shock absorbers.
5. Broken, defective, do not operate properly.
(c)
Exhaust system and muffler
								(does not apply to electric motorcycles).
1. Check exhaust system and muffler.
1. System or elements are not securely fastened. Not
								equipped with an adequate exhaust system and muffler to prevent excessive
								noise. Equipped with cut outs, bypass or any device which allows excessive
								noise. Equipped with a replacement exhaust system or components that are not
								equivalent to original. Diffusers or resonators or any internal muffler parts
								are removed.
(d)
Headlamp.
1. Check presence/condition.
NOTE:
Certain motorcycles may have a head lamp system that "modulates" between high
								and low intensity. This is an allowed modification only if the system can be
								switched off for normal operation.
1. Not equipped with at least one approved, operating
								motorcycle headlamp. Lamp is not operational; not properly and securely
								mounted, lens is cracked, broken, covered, discolored or obstructed (such as
								shields, paint, etc.). Light is not white or does not operate properly in all
								switching positions. Lights do not have high and low beams.
(e)
Other lights.
1. Check tail, number plate, stop and turn signal
								lights, reflectors.
NOTE:
No lighting other than the
								headlamp(s) referenced in subdivision (d) of this section may be modulated;
								they must emit steady light.
1. Vehicle is not equipped with at least one tail and
								number plate light. If manufactured after October 1, 1968, one stop lamp.
								August 1985 and newer motorcycles must have turn signals. Does not have at
								least one Class B red reflector on rear (may be part of light lens).
Note:
If any motorcycle was originally equipped with more than
					 one of each of the required lights, or such lights have been added when not
					 required, all lights must meet the inspection criteria. A combination tail,
					 stop, and number plate light may be used.
2. Check condition and operation.
2. Tail lamp does not provide light visible for at
								least 300 feet from rear. Number plate is not visible for 50 feet from the
								rear. Tail/stop light lenses do not produce majority of red light (red to amber
								for stop lamp) signal lights other than red or amber on rear, white or amber on
								front. Lens is broken, missing, obstructed, discolored or fits improperly.
								Lamps are not securely mounted. Do not produce a steady light; do not work
								properly in all switching positions (switched on/off, brakes applied,
								etc.).
(f)
Tires.
1. Tread measurement. Tread depth gauge calibrated in
								
								1/32
								of an inch must be used if tread depth is expected to fail. Readings must be
								taken in major tread grooves nearest the center at two points of the
								circumferences not closer than 15 inches. (Do not inspect spare tire.)
1. Less and 
								2/32
								of an inch of tread remains at both points where readings are taken. (If flat
								spots exist, start check at this spot.)
2. Check other tire condition.
2. Any cut in excess of one inch that is deep enough
								to reach the body cords. Tire is temporarily repaired, using a blowout patch or
								boots. Tire has bumps, bulges or knots showing partial failure of the tire
								structure. Tire has exposed ply or cord structure exposed. Tire does not
								display appropriate Department of Transportation markings or indicates "for
								off-road use," "racing use only," or similar wording.
3. Tire pressure. Check tire pressure.
3. 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.
(g)
Horn
1. Required.
1. Not equipped with a horn.
2. Check condition.
2. Not securely mounted; button or activator
								interferes with brakes or other mechanism. Sound is not audible at 200 feet
								under normal conditions. Sound is loud or harsh, horn control/activator does
								not work properly. Vehicle is equipped with gong or siren whistle (only allowed
								or authorized on emergency vehicle).
(h)
Rear view mirror.
1. Required.
1. Not equipped with at least one rear view mirror
								that provides a clear view to the rear.
2. Condition.
2. Not securely mounted. Reflector is deteriorated,
								peeling, tarnished, broken or cracked.