State of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission - Driver Manual

Fraud or abuse of handicapped plates and placards will not be tolerated. It is important that applicants and certifying physicians know that under New Jersey law, making a false statement or providing misinformation on an application to obtain or facilitate the receipt of license plates or placards for persons with disabilities is a fourth-degree crime. A person who has been convicted of an offense may be subject to a fine, not to exceed $10,000, and to a term of imprisonment, which shall not exceed 18 months (N.J.S.A. 2C:21-4a).

All gasoline-fueled vehicles, except new vehicles, registered in New Jersey must pass state safety and emissions inspections every two years at a state inspection facility or a state-licensed private inspection facility (N.J.S.A. 39:8-2c, N.J.A.C. 13:20-7.2). New gasoline-fueled vehicles must pass their first MVC inspection four years after 7.4b). they are initially registered (N.J.S.A. 39:8-2c and N.J.A.C. 13:20-28.6, 13:20. The MVC inspects diesel-fueled passenger vehicles and trucks registered under 10,000 pounds for safety only, but the MVC may require these vehicles to undergo occasional roadside spot inspections. High-rise and reconstructed vehicles must be taken to specially equipped inspection stations in Winslow, Asbury Park and Morristown. Call (888) 486-3339 for more information.

To be eligible for inspection, all motorists must bring a valid driver license and valid New Jersey registration and insurance documents for the vehicle to be inspected at either a state inspection station or a state-licensed private inspection facility. Without the proper documentation, the vehicle will not pass inspection. When moving to New Jersey from another state, a motorist must have his/her vehicle inspected within 14 days after registering it (N.J.A.C. 13:20-7.4). For motor vehicle inspection information, please call 1-888-NJMOTOR (1-888-656-6867) or visit our website.

As of September 1, 2007, customers wishing to obtain off-cycle vehicle inspections must visit a private inspection facility (PIF), which will charge a fee. Only those vehicles that are within two months of the expiration date indicated on the inspection sticker will be inspected at a centralized inspection facility (CIF).

The Inspection Process

Upon inspection, the New Jersey emissions inspector will determine the vehicle’s engine type and prepare it for testing. To comply with state and federal safety standards, the MVC tests the vehicle’s brake suspension, steering, wheel alignment and safety features (headlights, tail lights, tires, horn, windshield wipers and turn signals).

To comply with federal Clean Air Act standards, the MVC inspects a vehicle’s emissions system based on the year, make and model of the vehicle. New Jersey uses an on-board diagnostics, or OBD, test. OBD allows technicians to download emissions information from an on-board computer found in most vehicles manufactured in 1996 or later. The MVC analyzes emissions data in this way to determine if the vehicle passes inspection. Any vehicle with a lit “check engine” light will automatically fail the OBD test.

The final stage of the test will assure that the vehicle’s gas cap is sealing correctly so that it limits the escape of fumes into the environment

After passing, the inspector will place a new certificate of approval in the lower left corner of the windshield that shows the expiration date. No other sticker can appear in the left corner of the windshield unless approved by the MVC Chief Administrator.

To properly maintain a vehicle, a motorist should always check its condition between inspections and before long trips.

Driving a vehicle with an expired inspection sticker may result in fines between $100 and $200 and/or imprisonment for up to 30 days. Additionally, the MVC may revoke registration privileges (N.J.S.A. 39:8-9).

When a vehicle passes inspection, it will receive a certificate of approval. If the vehicle fails inspection (see Inspection Advisories below), the owner will have up to one month from the last day of the month indicated on the inspection sticker to make the necessary repairs and return for re-inspection at a state inspection facility or state-licensed private inspection facility (N.J.A.C. 13:20-7.5). Vehicles overdue for inspection do not receive additional time to make necessary repairs (N.J.A.C. 13:20-43.12). The vehicle may still be cited by law enforcement for equipment out of compliance.

All emission repairs must be completed by a registered emissions repair facility. If a private state-licensed garage is licensed to only do inspections, the facility cannot make emissions repairs.

Inspection of Used Cars

Per N.J.A.C. 13:20-7.4, when a used vehicle is purchased and has a valid New Jersey inspection certificate of approval properly affixed to the windshield, the new owner has two options:

* Use the time left on the previous owner’s inspection certificate of approval.

* Take the vehicle for inspection within 14 days after registration.

If the vehicle is from another state or does not have a valid New Jersey inspection sticker, the vehicle must be inspected within 14 days after registration.

Inspection Advisories

As of March 1, 2007, the MVC has been using Inspection Advisories to inform motorists of certain minor vehicle defects found during an inspection. The vehicle is not given a rejection sticker for these items; rather, the motorist is issued an Inspection Advisory, noting the items that require repair. A motorist then has 60 days from the date of the inspection to make those repairs. If repairs are not made, the motorist may be cited for failure to make repairs and be subject to penalties. At any time, though, a vehicle may be cited for equipment out of compliance. Motorists do not have to re-inspect their vehicles for advisory items. The following items will not be cause for rejection but will cause the motorist to receive an Inspection Advisory:

* Missing or defaced license plates (at least one undamaged license plate must be presented)

* Current registration containing typographical errors in the vehicle identification number (provided the make, model year and license plate number on the registration is accurate)

* Missing or burned-out license plate lights

* High-mounted rear stop light that is missing, obstructed, inoperative or does not operate properly (two stop lights must be operable)

* Headlights that are cracked, chipped or contain moisture or that are equipped with brush guards or grills over the headlights (as long as they are operational and visible)

* Broken, cracked or missing lens on turn signal light (provided that no white light is showing to the rear of the vehicle)

* Improper specialty lights (regardless of number, location and condition) including fog, passing, supplemental driving, spotlight, cowl, fender or any other auxiliary lights

* Excessive rust or sharp edges on the vehicle body or bumper

* Cracked or broken mirrors (as long as the motorist has adequate rearview vision)

* Motorcycle helmets that do not have reflective tape or helmets that are not reflective

Inspection Exemptions

Inspections are not required for certain vehicles, such as historic and collector vehicles (N.J.S.A. 39:8-1).

* Historic vehicles at least 25 years old, used only for exhibition/educational purposes or manufactured before 1945, require a special registration and a QQ plate displayed on the rear of the vehicle (N.J.S.A. 39:3-27.3, N.J.A.C. 13:20-34.2).

* Collector vehicles display two standard license plates and have a triangular decal on the front left windshield that is valid for two years. The owner must provide proof of miles driven annually (3,000 miles or fewer) and special insurance (limited-use collector vehicle) and renew this status every two years or if the owner changes (N.J.A.C. 13:20-43.1, N.J.A.C. 13:20-43.2).