New York vehicle safety requirements

Different rules and regulations for vehicles are practiced and implemented in all the corners of the globe. These regulations not only ensure safety of the car owner, but also of other drivers on the road. A car or a light-weight motor vehicle must meet all these standards, by law, before they can run on the public road. Each and every vehicle in the New York state should pass the safety inspection test that is conducted yearly. If the vehicle is bought outside the New York state, a maximum of ten days are allowed before it can be inspected and licensed. The inspection should be done by a certified motor vehicle inspector in a licensed inspection station.

New York vehicle state safety rules

Brakes and tires

Brakes and tires of the vehicle are important for the safety of the owner and other drivers on the road. Therefore, thorough inspection is required to check proper functioning of these vehicle components. Tires should have sufficient tread that provide additional friction against slippery roads, especially in rain and snow. Brakes (including disks, drums and rotors) should be in good working order. The vehicle inspector might also remove one (or more) tires to get a clear view of the brake pads. Brake pads should be sufficiently thick and smooth and the inspector might also test drive your vehicle to ensure that the brakes apply quickly and safely.

Lighting

All the lights of the vehicle (that include both high and low beam headlights, brake lights, backup lights, turn signals and license plate light) must be mounted correctly and should be functioning properly. Any broken, cracked or fused bulb should be changed before the vehicle can be certified safe for driving.

Glass

A mandatory inspection of the vehicle glass (windshield glass and mirrors) is required to check for any break or crack in the glass. Vehicle inspector may also use a digital meter for checking visible light transmission (VLT) in case of tinted window glasses. VLT of the vehicle should in compliance with state’s standards for visible light transmission.

Other items

Several other components of the vehicle should also be examined during an inspection. These include check engine indicator, horn, steering, shocks, seatbelt, chassis as well as windshield, frame, torsion and wheel fasteners. All these vehicle parts should be intact and working properly.

Fees and policies

There are certain policies and fees related to the inspection process. An inspector should remove the last inspection sticker from the vehicle before starting the inspection. A new sticker cannot be issued if the vehicle fails to clear the inspection test. Also, the latest inspection sticker must be displayed either on the license plate or in a particular position on the windshield. Normally, the safety inspection fee is 10 dollars. If the owner runs the vehicle on the road without the safety inspection sticker, or after the vehicle registration has expired, a fine can be issued. The fine may vary 25 dollars to 100 dollars, depending on the days since expiry.