Statewide programSources checked Oct 6, 2026
New Jersey emissions testing rules
New Jersey inspects most passenger vehicles for emissions every two years, once they are five model years old, at state inspection lanes or licensed private inspection facilities. Gasoline passenger vehicles from model year 1995 and older (8,500 pounds GVWR or less) and fully electric vehicles are exempt.
Which vehicles are tested
Gasoline and bi-fuel passenger vehicles from model year 1996 and newer with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less are inspected for emissions every two years once they are five model years old; heavier newer vehicles and 1997 and newer light diesels are covered too.
“Gasoline and bi-fueled vehicles plated as passenger, not-for-profit, governmental, commuter van, farmer or farm truck model year 1996 and newer with a gross vehicle weight rating of (GVWR) 8,500 pounds or less, five (5) model years and older, excluding buses.”
- “Diesel-powered, passenger motor vehicles plated as passenger, not-for-profit, governmental, commuter van, farmer or farm truck model year 1997 and newer with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) 8,500 pounds or less, five (5) model years and older, excluding buses.”
How often
Most passenger vehicles get a biennial emissions-only test; commercial-plated gasoline vehicles and passenger-transport vehicles such as taxis and limousines are inspected every year for safety and emissions.
“Vehicles that require a biennial gasoline emission-only test or an annual mechanical defect (safety) and emission test can be inspected at either a State Inspection lane, which is a Centralized Inspection Facility (CIF) or a Private Inspection Facility (PIF).”
Exemptions
Exemptions include gasoline passenger vehicles from model year 1995 and older with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less, 100% electric vehicles, and historic vehicles 25 years and older with historic plates.
“Gasoline powered vehicles registered passenger, model year 1995 & older with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less”
- “100% Electric vehicles”
- “Historic motor vehicles 25 years and older and have QQ Plates”
Registration and enforcement
Check the sticker on your windshield for your due date; you may get inspected up to two months early.
“You may complete your inspection up to two months before the expiration date.”
Where to get tested
You can use a state inspection lane or a Private Inspection Facility, a licensed private garage that does the same inspection for a fee.
“A Private Inspection Facility is a privately-owned garage licensed by the state to perform the same safety and emission inspection as a state inspection station for a fee.”
New Jersey emissions testing questions
Does New Jersey require emissions testing?
Yes. Statewide program.
Which vehicles need an emissions test in New Jersey?
Gasoline and bi-fuel passenger vehicles from model year 1996 and newer with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less are inspected for emissions every two years once they are five model years old; heavier newer vehicles and 1997 and newer light diesels are covered too.
How often is the emissions test in New Jersey?
Most passenger vehicles get a biennial emissions-only test; commercial-plated gasoline vehicles and passenger-transport vehicles such as taxis and limousines are inspected every year for safety and emissions.
Which vehicles are exempt in New Jersey?
Exemptions include gasoline passenger vehicles from model year 1995 and older with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less, 100% electric vehicles, and historic vehicles 25 years and older with historic plates.
Sources
Every quotation above is checked word for word against our saved copy of the page, on the date shown. Rules change; if a page has moved or says something different, tell us at the corrections page.
- New Jersey MVC: Vehicle inspection FAQs (PDF) · checked Oct 6, 2026
- New Jersey MVC: Vehicle inspections · checked Oct 6, 2026