If you’re one of the many people moving into our Garden State each month we’re excited to welcome you to the community! One of the very first things motorists need to do when moving in will be registering the vehicle and getting a state inspection completed.
Depending on your previous residence you may not be familiar with the process. New Jersey requires every car newer than 1995 to be inspected for emissions. It may seem like a daunting task but Knebles Auto is here to help you through the journey to scoring a passing inspection and keeping you on the road.
We’ll discuss when you need an inspection, what they’re for, and how you can ensure you pass the first time.
Who needs a New Jersey State Inspection?
Inspections are required for all vehicles newer than 1995 registered here in New Jersey (with some exceptions).
The goal is to keep your vehicle safe and running at its most efficient. Both of which save you money in the long run. So your vehicle will be checked for emission-related issues.
Usually, these will be indicated by a “Check Engine” light illuminated in your dash. If you’ve just moved here, you’ll need to have the vehicle registered here before you can have the inspection completed. New vehicles sold and registered in New Jersey won’t need an inspection during the first five years of their life.
At the end of those five years, it will need to be inspected every two years. Vehicles manufactured after 1995 will need to be inspected continually every two years as well.
What do I need for an NJ State Inspection and where do I go?
To get your vehicle inspected bring your valid drivers’ license, your vehicle registration card, and a current insurance card if you have them. We here at Knebles Auto in Mays Landing are a private inspection station licensed by the state, so we can perform the inspection here and help keep you from those long lines at the DMV.
In fact, you can schedule your appointment online right now! We have a lovely waiting area with coffee, tv, and free Wi-Fi too. You can perform the inspection up to two months before your current inspection expires. If you live far away from us, you can find other inspection stations.
New Jersey State Inspection Vehicle Exemptions
First, as mentioned above, there are some exceptions. For example, if you have an electric vehicle you’re exempt from this legal requirement. That doesn’t mean that your car won’t need some maintenance so don’t forget to bring it in regularly to have things like your brakes and suspension checked for safety.
Second, if your vehicle fails an inspection you’ll have 30 days from the date of the inspection sticker to have the needed repairs completed. This is just one more reason to take advantage of the chance to have the inspection done early.
Because if you wait too long it may be difficult to get the vehicle fixed within the time limit depending on the issue found. After repairs are completed, we’ll test the vehicle to ensure that you’ll receive a passing grade.
Finally, certain vehicles are exempt from inspections, but they do vary, so be sure to check what is required for yours in the chart below. Just like an EV that doesn’t mean that they’re safe so be sure to bring it in regularly to have a checkup.
The following vehicles are exempt from inspection requirements (N.J.A.C. 13:20-7.2):
- Gasoline-powered vehicles registered passenger, model year 1995 & older with a GVWR 8,500 pounds or less.
- Gasoline-powered vehicles registered passenger, model year 2007 & older with a GVWR 8,501 to 14,000 pounds.
- Gasoline-powered vehicles registered passenger, model year 2013 & older with a GVWR 14,001 pounds or more.
- Gasoline-powered vehicles registered passenger, model year 2013 & older with a GVWR 14,001 pounds or more.
- Historic motor vehicles.
- Approved Collector Vehicles that are less than 25 years old.
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