Department of Motor Vehicles

Vehicle Emissions Testing Program

Most of the vehicles registered in New York State must be tested annually to determine whether their exhaust emissions meet prescribed air quality standards. The tests are to be performed by private inspection facilities licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles. We examined whether the tests were properly performed by certified emissions inspectors, and found that they generally were. We also examined the Department’s oversight of the testing program and identified the need for certain improvements. In particular, we determined that the Department needed to better monitor the inspectors’ certification process and perform all required audits of the inspection facilities.

For a complete copy of Report 2008-S-47 click here.
For a copy of the 90-day response click here.