Official Site of The State of New Jersey

If your vehicle passes inspection, a new sticker is placed on the windshield and you don’t have to return for re-inspection for up to two years. If your vehicle fails inspection, then a red sticker is placed on the windshield.

*IMPORTANT NOTICE: Vehicles must be properly maintained at all times. Law enforcement can issue you a summons whenever you drive a vehicle that has failed inspection. Red, failed inspection stickers do not prevent citations. There is no grace period.

What to do when your vehicle fails inspection
Download a helpful brochure [pdf] to follow step-by-step instructions for repairs and reinspection. Remember to bring your vehicle inspection report and completed emission repair form with you when you return for reinspection.

Inspection Extensions

If there is an acceptable reason according to NJAC 13:20-43.12, that you cannot present your failed vehicle for re-inspection, you may be eligible to receive an inspection extension:

• Vehicle is out of state at time of inspection. See FAQ’s
• Ill health of the vehicle owner, however, a vehicle can be presented for inspection by any individual with valid credentials required for inspection.
• Extensive repairs that cannot be completed within the re-inspection time period. A customer requesting extension for repair issues must present the vehicle to a facility for repair and obtain invoices for parts that have been ordered to repair the vehicle. These invoices will be required to be faxed to receive an extension.

Extensions are granted for no more than two weeks per inspection cycle. Please call 609-633-9474 or 609-633-9460 for more information or to request an extension of your vehicles inspection.

Inspection Report

You will receive a report to help determine what caused the problem and how much time you have to fix it. There are different requirements for emissions defects. Obtain a copy of your Vehicle Inspection Report.

Emissions repairs

If your vehicle fails for emissions violations, you must have the repairs completed by a registered Emissions Repair Facility (ERF) or you may make them yourself . For your convenience, you may find an ERF using our online search or by calling 1-888-NJ-MOTOR.

When you fail the inspection, you will get an Emissions Repair Form and a Vehicle Inspection Report that will help determine what caused the emissions problem. Be sure to bring your Vehicle Inspection Report and Emission Repair Form to the repair facility for the ERF to complete.

If your vehicle did not pass the enhanced emissions inspection, it is producing more pollutants than the standard for its model year - check if it is still under warranty and contact your manufacturer.

Timing

If your vehicle fails inspection, you have up to one month from the last day of the month indicated on the inspection sticker to make 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). Your vehicle may still be cited by law enforcement for equipment out of compliance.

Re-Inspection at State Inspection Facilities

If your vehicle fails inspection and your vehicle can be re-inspected at a State Inspection Facility. Check reinspection information for details.