If you drive a car registered in New Jersey, the inspection sticker on your windshield has a date on it. Here is what that date means and how to get through inspection without surprises.
How often do I need an inspection?
Most passenger cars in New Jersey are inspected every two years. Brand-new vehicles get a longer first period: a new car's first inspection is due five years after its model year. The month and year your next inspection is due are printed on the sticker. If you're not sure, check the sticker or the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) website.
What does the state check?
For most gasoline passenger cars, the NJ inspection is an emissions inspection. On newer cars, the inspector plugs into the car's onboard diagnostic (OBD) port and reads what the car's computer reports about its emissions systems. Older safety-only checks for things like lights and wipers were dropped for most passenger vehicles years ago, but you still need working equipment to drive legally.
The most common reason cars fail is simple: the check engine light is on. If that light is lit, the car will generally fail, even if it seems to drive fine.
Where can I get inspected?
You have two options:
- State inspection centers. These are run by the state and there is no charge, but lines can be long.
- Private Inspection Facilities (PIFs). These are licensed repair shops that can inspect your car. They can charge a fee, but many take appointments, so you don't wait in line.
What should I bring?
- Your valid driver's license
- Your current vehicle registration
- Your New Jersey insurance card
Tips to pass the first time
- Fix the check engine light first. Have the code read and the problem repaired before your inspection.
- Don't disconnect the battery right before you go. Disconnecting the battery or clearing codes resets the car's self-tests. Until the car has been driven enough to finish them, it can be rejected as "not ready."
- Drive it normally for a few days after any repair so the car's monitors can complete.
- Make sure the gas cap clicks. A loose or worn cap is a common cause of an evaporative-system code.
What if my car fails?
You'll get a report that shows why. Get the problem repaired, then return for a re-inspection before the deadline on your paperwork. A licensed emissions repair facility can diagnose and fix the issue, and a facility that is also a reinspection station can re-check it in the same visit.
What if my sticker is expired?
Driving with an expired inspection can get you a ticket and a fine. If you notice your sticker is past due, get the car inspected as soon as you can.
Rules can change. For the official, current requirements, check the NJ MVC inspections page.