The New NYS Vehicle Inspection Program (NYVIP)

What is the new NYS vehicle inspection program (NYVIP)?

The NYVIP is a program that will include a new test of the emission control systems of vehicles. The NYVIP will help NYS to comply with the Federal Clean Air Act, decrease the emissions from motor vehicles, and reduce air pollution.
The NYVIP will test the emissions with the on-board diagnostic system (OBDII) of vehicles and new equipment at DMV-licensed inspection stations. The station will use new computer equipment, a modem, and a dedicated telephone line to report the inspection results to the DMV.

In the New York City Metropolitan Area (NYCMA), the new test will replace the current high-enhanced emissions inspection for some vehicles. In the Upstate Area, the new test is an addition to the current low-enhanced emissions inspection.

When will the NYVIP begin? Does the program include both the Upstate Area and the New York City Metropolitan Area (NYCMA)?

NYCMA: The NYCMA includes nine counties: the five boroughs of New York City, and Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County, and Rockland County. All DMV-licensed inspection stations must begin the new program no later than April 1, 2005.

Upstate Area: The Upstate Area includes the 53 counties in New York State that are outside the NYCMA. The installation of the new equipment will begin in June of 2004. All DMV-licensed inspection stations must begin the new program no later than September of 2004.

The DMV will contact the DMV-licensed inspection stations to provide information about the program.
The program will operate for seven years, with options to extend the program for two additional one-year periods.

What is "OBDII"?

"OBDII" is the acronym that indicates the "on-board diagnostics - version two". The OBDII is a computer system in a vehicle that monitors the engine and the other systems of the vehicle. All light-duty vehicles that were manufactured during the past 9 years have included the OBDII system. The OBDII diagnoses the vehicle and then warns the driver or the automotive technician about a possible problem. If a problem is not corrected, some of the problems that the OBDII system finds can increase the exhaust emissions to levels that are higher than the levels allowed by Federal standards.

Which vehicles must get the new OBDII test?

The new OBDII test is required for any vehicle that:

• has a model year of 1996 or newer, and
• is more than two model years old, and
• displays a weight that is less than 8,501 lbs. on the vehicle registration.

The NYVIP does not affect the emissions inspections for vehicles that have a model year of 1995 or older.

The new test does not affect the safety inspection of any vehicle.

Some vehicles that are older than the model year of 1996 have OBDII. Is the new emissions inspection required for these vehicles?

No. The emissions inspections for vehicles that are model year 1995 and older will not change.

Can a station continue to conduct emissions inspections if the station does not participate in the NYVIP?

No. To remain or become a DMV-licensed inspection station for light-duty vehicles, a station must purchase the NYVIP equipment and conduct inspections. An inspection station that does not participate in the NYVIP cannot conduct light-duty vehicle inspections (to include safety inspections). A light-duty vehicle is a vehicle that displays a weight that is less than 8,501 lbs. on the vehicle registration.

What are the benefits that a station or a certified inspector will receive from the NYVIP?

The benefits of the NYVIP include:

• Your records will be more accurate and you will have more control over who conducts the inspections at your station.
• You can help reduce exhaust emissions and air pollution.
• There will be a standard emissions inspection with standard results.
• The NYVIP equipment will keep electronic records of inspection activity for your station.
• The station manager can print reports about inspection activity at the station.
• Your customers will receive inspection reports that explain the reasons their vehicles failed.

What will the NYVIP equipment include?

The NYVIP equipment that DMV-licensed inspections stations will use to conduct the new OBDII test will include:

• a computer system that includes a modem, a barcode scanner, and a printer, and
• an OBDII cable that connects the equipment to the OBDII system on the vehicle.

Where will the station get the NYVIP equipment and what will be the cost of the equipment?

A DMV-licensed inspection station must purchase the NYVIP equipment from SGS Testcom. The cost of the first unit is $1,664.02. The cost of each additional unit is higher than the cost of the first unit. For additional costs, a station can purchase a wireless barcode scanner or a laser printer for a unit instead of the standard barcode scanner or the standard printer. Contact SGS Testcom to get more information.

The station must provide a dedicated telephone line to transfer data from the NYVIP equipment to the DMV computers.

In May 2004, SGS Testcom will mail an information package about the NYVIP to all DMV-licensed inspection stations in the Upstate Area. The package will contain information about enrollment, the equipment, and the requirements for participation.

Are there other costs that a station must pay to participate in the NYVIP?

There will be a charge of 36.5 cents for each telephone call made by the NYVIP modem, payable to SGS Testcom. The OBDII test or a low-enhanced emissions inspection requires two telephone calls, and the other types of inspections require one telephone call.

The inspection station must pay for any repairs to the NYVIP equipment that are the result of vandalism, incorrect use, or failure to maintain the equipment correctly.

A station must purchase the printer cartridges, the paper, and other supplies for the NYVIP equipment.

Will motorists pay an increased inspection fee when the NYVIP begins?

NYS has not decided about a change to the current inspection fee.

How will the inspector conduct the new emissions inspection?

The inspector will complete the same low-enhanced emissions inspection that is currently required for the Upstate Area. To conduct the additional test of the OBDII, the inspector will use the OBDII cable to connect the NYVIP equipment to the OBDII diagnostic link connector (DLC) on the vehicle.

A vehicle will fail the OBDII test if:

• The DLC on the vehicle is broken or gone.
• The OBDII malfunction indicator light (MIL) on the vehicle does not illuminate when the ignition is set to the ON position and the engine is not in operation.
• The MIL remains illuminated when the engine is in operation.
• The OBDII readiness monitors on the vehicle report that the OBDII system is not ready for the test.

The SGS Testcom web site will be available in April 2004 and will include the answers to additional questions about the NYVIP, the equipment, and the OBDII test.

Will the vehicle pass the inspection if the vehicle battery is disconnected to clear the OBDII malfunction codes?

No. If you disconnect the battery, the OBDII readiness monitors on the vehicle will report that the OBDII system is not ready for the test. This result causes the vehicle to fail the inspection.

Will the vehicle pass the inspection if the light bulb in the MIL is removed?

No, the vehicle will fail the inspection. Before the inspector conducts the OBDII test, the inspector must make sure that the MIL operates correctly.

How much time will the OBDII test require?

The OBDII test will require less than five minutes. The inspector will conduct the safety inspection, the low-enhanced emissions inspection, and then the OBDII test to complete the inspection.

Can the station use the NYVIP equipment to diagnose a vehicle for other work at the station?

No. A station can use the NYVIP equipment only for inspections and communications related to inspections. A station cannot install software on the NYVIP computer and cannot use the equipment for work that is not related to inspections.

In the future, SGS Testcom will make available equipment that has other functions. The DMV and the Department of Environmental Conservation must approve the new equipment. If the new equipment becomes available and is approved, the DMV will notify the inspection stations.

My station has an OBDII scan tool. Can I use the same scan tool to do the OBDII test?

No. You must conduct the OBDII test with the equipment that you purchase from SGS Testcom. You can use your current OBDII scan tool for other diagnosis and repair work.

How will I use the printer, the barcode scanner, and the modem?

Printer - The station will use the printer to print receipts, daily reports, and other reports related to the emissions inspection. The daily inspection reports from the printer will replace the DMV form VS-1074 that is currently used to record the inspections. The receipts from the printer will replace the rejection notice (VS -1075) that is currently provided to the motorist.

Barcode scanner - The inspector will use the barcode scanner to enter the information from vehicle registration stickers, inspector certification card, and inspection stickers into the system. The barcode scanner can enter the information more accurately and faster than the inspector can enter the information manually.

Modem - The modem will communicate the results of the inspection to the DMV computers. SGS Testcom will also use the modem to send important information about the NYVIP to the inspection stations. For example, if the inspection regulations change, the DMV can provide the information to SGS Testcom and SGS Testcom can send the text of the change to the NYVIP computer at each station.

Will the NYVIP equipment have the same costs to maintain and repair as the equipment for the high-enhanced emissions inspection in the NYCMA?

The equipment is different for the NYVIP and the high-enhanced emissions inspection in the NYCMA. The NYVIP equipment is less complex. For example, the NYVIP equipment does not include a dynamometer. The cost of the purchase, the repair, and the maintenance of the NYVIP equipment is lower.

If a NYVIP equipment malfunction is the result of vandalism, incorrect use, or the failure to maintain the equipment correctly, the station will be responsible for the cost of repairs or replacements. Under all other conditions, Testcom must replace or repair the NYVIP equipment and cannot charge the station. According to the terms of the contract with DMV, SGS Testcom can receive a penalty for the failure to complete any repairs correctly or quickly.

Can a NYVIP inspection station in the Upstate Area conduct an emissions inspection on a vehicle that requires the high-enhanced emissions inspection?

Yes, if the vehicle requires a NYVIP inspection that includes the OBDII test. If the vehicle requires a dynamometer test or idle test then they must follow the current process.

Will the NYVIP require a new type of inspection sticker?

No. The DMV does not plan to issue a new type of sticker for the NYVIP.

Will a certified inspector need a new certification card to conduct the NYVIP inspections?

No. An inspector must complete the OBDII training and pass the NYVIP certification test to perform the inspections that include the OBDII test. If you pass the test, your certification card will be valid to conduct all NYVIP inspections.
Make sure that you have a valid certification card and make sure that a barcode scanner will read the barcode on your certification card. If you must replace your current card, call the DMV Inspector Certification Unit at 518 474-7998.

How do I get training for the NYVIP and the OBDII test?

The NYVIP equipment will include a CD-ROM that contains a training course in English and Spanish. The course will be available on the SGS Testcom web site. Training classes will be available. To get information about other training, call SGS Testcom at 1-866-4NY-VIPS (1-866-469-8477).

How does a station become a NYVIP inspection station?

If your station is not a NYS-licensed inspection station, call the Division of Vehicle Safety Services at 518-474-0919 to request an application package. You must employ at least one certified inspector at your station.

If your station is a NYS-licensed light-duty vehicle inspection station, NYS will send you information about the program and the requirements. To participate in the NYVIP, your station must have:

• A dedicated telephone line that is used only for the NYVIP equipment and for no other purpose.
• A completed purchase and sale agreement (PSA) with SGS Testcom.
• A completed station participation agreement (SPA).
• The successful completion of the OBDII training and the NYVIP certification test by each certified inspector who will conduct inspections at your station.

If a vehicle does not pass the NYVIP inspection, can the DMV prevent the renewal of the vehicle registration?

Yes, but not when the NYVIP first begins. The program that uses vehicle registrations to enforce the inspection requirement currently exists only in the NYCMA, not in the Upstate Area. During the Fall of 2005, the system that prevents a registration renewal for a vehicle that does not pass an emissions inspection will include vehicles inspected under the NYVIP.