What if my vehicle failed inspection?

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.

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 two categories of repairs: Emissions or Safety. Check the report to see if the problems are emissions or safety defects. Download a sample vehicle inspection report [pdf].

Emissions repairs
If your vehicle fails for emissions violations, you must have the repairs completed by a registered Emissions Repair Facility (ERF). 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. You can download the Emission Repair Form [pdf] if you did not receive it.

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.

Safety repairs
If your vehicle fails for safety or mechanical defects, you may have it repaired by the mechanic of your choice. No proof of repair will be required – it will simply be retested. To pass re-inspection, repairs must bring your vehicle back in compliance with original manufacturer's specifications for: brakes, suspension, steering, wheel alignment, headlights, taillights, tires, horn, windshield wipers, window and hood operation, glazing, turn signals, mirrors, etc.

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. Dangerous safety defects must be repaired and the vehicle re-inspected within 48 hours.

Re-Inspection at State Inspection Facilities
If your vehicle fails inspection and you choose to have your vehicle re-inspected at a State Inspection Facility, you may not have to wait in line and go through the inspection lane to be retested. Check here for details.