What You Need to Know About New Jersey Car Inspections

New Jersey requires every registered vehicle to pass an annual inspection. The inspection checks your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, horn, emissions, and safety equipment. You can get inspected at any authorized inspection station — there are over 500 across the state, run by private garages and service centers, not by the DMV itself.

Your inspection sticker is valid for one year from the month it is issued. You can have your car inspected anytime during the month before your sticker expires, but you cannot inspect early — if your sticker expires in June, you cannot get a new one in April. If you drive with an expired sticker, you can be cited.

The inspection costs between $15 and $20 depending on your vehicle type. Diesel vehicles, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles have different fees. You pay the inspection station directly when you pass.

Key Takeaways

  • New Jersey inspections are performed at private authorized stations, not at the DMV, and you can choose any station in the state.
  • You can have your car inspected during the month before your sticker expires, but not before that month begins.
  • If your car fails inspection, you have 60 days to fix the problem and return for a re-inspection at no additional cost.
  • Your inspection sticker must be visible on your windshield, and driving with an expired sticker is a violation.

Finding an Authorized Inspection Station

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) maintains a list of all authorized inspection stations on its website. You can search by county or town to find stations near you. Most stations accept walk-ins, but many also take appointments — calling ahead can save you time, especially during busy months like December and January.

Any station that displays the official MVC inspection sign is authorized to perform inspections. Gas stations, tire shops, and full-service garages all run inspection programs. There is no advantage to using one type of station over another — they all use the same inspection equipment and follow the same standards.

What Happens During the Inspection

The inspection takes 15 to 30 minutes. The technician will check your brakes, steering, suspension, lights (headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights), windshield wipers, horn, mirrors, seat belts, and windows. For vehicles 1996 and newer, the station will also plug into your vehicle's computer to check for emissions problems and diagnostic trouble codes.

You will need to be present during the inspection, and the technician may ask you to demonstrate that your lights and wipers work. Bring your registration card with you. If your vehicle has any outstanding recalls, the inspection station will note that, but a recall does not cause an inspection to fail.

If your vehicle passes, you receive a sticker to place on your windshield. The sticker shows the month and year your next inspection is due. If your vehicle fails, the station will give you a written report listing what needs to be fixed.

What Causes an Inspection to Fail

Common reasons for failure include worn brake pads, burned-out lights, cracked windshields, missing or damaged mirrors, non-functioning wipers, and emissions system problems. Rust or damage to the frame or suspension can also cause a failure if it affects safety. Minor cosmetic damage does not cause a failure.

If your check engine light is on, your vehicle will fail the emissions portion of the inspection. This light indicates a problem the vehicle's computer has detected. You will need to have the vehicle scanned to identify the problem, fix it, and clear the code before you can pass inspection.

Tires must have at least 2/32 of an inch of tread depth. The technician will check this with a gauge. Bald or severely worn tires will cause a failure. Mismatched tire sizes across the vehicle can also result in a failure.

What to Do If Your Vehicle Fails

You have 60 days from the date of the failed inspection to fix the problem and return for a re-inspection. The re-inspection is free — you only pay the original inspection fee. You do not need to return to the same station; you can take your vehicle to any authorized station.

Keep the failed inspection report with you when you return. The new station will want to see what was flagged so they can verify the repair was completed. If the same issue is found again, the vehicle will fail again, and you will have another 60 days to fix it.

If your inspection expires before you complete the repair and re-inspection, you should not drive the vehicle on public roads. If you are stopped by police with an expired sticker, you can show the failed inspection report and proof that you are within the 60-day repair window, but this does not may provide you will not be cited.

Inspection Sticker Placement and Validity

The inspection sticker must be placed on the lower right corner of your windshield, visible from outside the vehicle. If the sticker is missing, obscured, or illegible, you can be cited even if your inspection is current. If your sticker is damaged or falls off, you can request a replacement from any authorized inspection station for a small fee.

Your sticker is valid for exactly one year from the month it is issued. If your sticker says "12/24," it is valid through December 31, 2024. Starting January 1, 2025, your inspection is expired. You cannot renew early, so plan to have your vehicle inspected during the final month of validity.

Special Inspection Rules for Specific Vehicles

Motorcycles, mopeds, and motorized bicycles have their own inspection requirements and fees. Diesel vehicles are inspected at designated stations and have different emissions standards. Commercial vehicles and vehicles registered for business use may have additional requirements.

If you own a vehicle that is not currently registered in New Jersey but you plan to register it here, you will need to pass inspection before or when ready after registration. Some stations can perform pre-registration inspections. Contact the MVC or call ahead to confirm a station offers this service.

Vehicles that are temporarily registered or have temporary plates do not need an inspection until they receive permanent registration. Once permanent plates are issued, you will have 60 days to pass inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an inspection if my registration is expired?

No. Your vehicle registration must be current to pass inspection. If your registration has expired, you must renew it first. You can renew your registration online, by mail, or in person at an MVC office.

What if I move to another state — do I need a New Jersey inspection?

No. Once you register your vehicle in another state, you no longer need a New Jersey inspection sticker. You should remove the sticker before you leave. If you move back to New Jersey, you will need a new inspection.

Do I need an inspection if I just bought a used car from a private seller?

Yes. Any vehicle registered in New Jersey must have a current inspection sticker. If the car you bought has an expired sticker, you must have it inspected before you can legally drive it. You have 60 days from the date of registration to pass inspection.

Can I get an inspection for a vehicle that does not start or run?

Most inspection stations will not inspect a vehicle that cannot be driven under its own power. You will need to have the vehicle towed to the station or have the mechanical problem fixed first. Call ahead to confirm the station can accommodate a non-running vehicle.

What happens if I drive with an expired inspection sticker?

You can be stopped and cited by police. The fine varies but can be significant. If you are within 60 days of a failed inspection, you can show proof of the failed inspection and the repair timeline, but this does not may provide you will not be cited.