Emissions Testing in New Jersey

New Jersey requires emissions testing for most registered vehicles statewide. The program is administered by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). Safety inspections for passenger vehicles were eliminated in 2010, so the current program is emissions-only for most vehicles. Testing is required every two years at state-operated Centralized Inspection Facilities (CIFs) or licensed Private Inspection Facilities (PIFs). New vehicles are exempt for the first five model years. Gasoline vehicles model year 1995 and older with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less are also exempt. Inspections at state CIF lanes are free. Commercial vehicles, taxis, limousines, and school buses still require annual safety and emissions inspections. Drivers should confirm current requirements with the MVC at nj.gov/mvc or by calling 609-633-9474.

Popular Flemington

11 stations
Popular Cherry Hill Township

7 stations
Popular North Bergen

5 stations
Popular Princeton

5 stations
Absecon

1 station
Asbury Park

1 station
Atlantic City

4 stations
Audubon

1 station
Avalon

1 station
Avenel

3 stations
Barnegat

1 station
Barnegat Township

1 station
Basking Ridge

1 station
Bayonne

2 stations
Bayville

3 stations
Belford

1 station
Bergenfield

1 station
Berkeley Heights

1 station
Blackwood

3 stations
Blairstown

1 station
Bloomfield

1 station
Boonton

1 station
Bound Brook

1 station
Brick Township

3 stations
Bridgeton

2 stations
Bridgewater

3 stations
Brielle

1 station
Burlington

2 stations
Byram Township

1 station
Caldwell

1 station
Califon

2 stations
Chatham

2 stations
Chester

1 station
City of Orange

1 station
Clayton

1 station
Cliffside Park

2 stations
Clifton

1 station
Clinton

2 stations
Closter

2 stations
Colonia

1 station
Cream Ridge

1 station
Dayton

1 station
Delran

2 stations
Denville

1 station
Deptford

1 station
Dover

1 station
East Brunswick

1 station
East Rutherford

1 station
Edison

2 stations
Egg Harbor City

1 station
Egg Harbor Township

4 stations
Elizabeth

1 station
Englewood

3 stations
Englishtown

1 station
Ewing Township

1 station
Fair Lawn

3 stations
Flanders

3 stations
Fords

1 station
Forked River

2 stations
Fort Lee

1 station
Franklin

1 station
Franklin Lakes

1 station
Freehold

2 stations
Galloway

1 station
Garfield

2 stations
Gillette

1 station
Glen Gardner

1 station
Hackensack

1 station
Hackettstown

4 stations
Haddonfield

2 stations
Hainesport

1 station
Hamburg

1 station
Hammonton

2 stations
Harrison

1 station
Hazlet

2 stations
Hightstown

1 station
Hillsborough Township

1 station
Jamesburg

1 station
Jersey City

3 stations
Kearny

1 station
Kendall Park

1 station
Kenilworth

1 station
Kenvil

1 station
Keyport

1 station
Lake Hopatcong

1 station
Lakewood

3 stations
Landisville

1 station
Lanoka Harbor

2 stations
Lawrence Township

4 stations
Lindenwold

1 station
Little Falls Township

1 station
Little Silver

1 station
Livingston

1 station
Lumberton Township

2 stations
Madison

2 stations
Magnolia

1 station
Mahwah

2 stations
Manahawkin

1 station
Manchester Township

1 station
Manville

1 station
Maple Shade

3 stations
Maplewood

1 station
Marlboro Township

1 station
Marlton

1 station
Marmora

1 station
Matawan

1 station
Mays Landing

2 stations
Medford

4 stations
Mendham

1 station
Metuchen

2 stations
Middlesex

1 station
Middletown Township

2 stations
Millville

1 station
Monmouth Junction

1 station
Monroe Township

1 station
Montclair

1 station
Moorestown

1 station
Morristown

3 stations
Mt Ephraim

1 station
Mt Laurel Township

1 station
Mt Royal

1 station
Neptune City

1 station
Neshanic Station

1 station
New Brunswick

2 stations
New Vernon

1 station
Newark

4 stations
Newton

1 station
North Arlington

2 stations
North Brunswick Township

1 station
North Plainfield

1 station
Oakhurst

1 station
Oakland

2 stations
Old Bridge

2 stations
Palisades Park

2 stations
Parsippany

1 station
Parsippany-Troy Hills

1 station
Paterson

1 station
Pennington

2 stations
Penns Grove

1 station
Pennsauken

3 stations
Pennsville

1 station
Piscataway

2 stations
Pleasantville

1 station
Point Pleasant

1 station
Point Pleasant Beach

1 station
Ramsey

1 station
Randolph

3 stations
Raritan

1 station
Red Bank

1 station
Ridgefield Park

2 stations
Ridgewood

2 stations
Ringoes

2 stations
Rio Grande

1 station
River Edge

1 station
Robbinsville Twp

1 station
Rockaway

2 stations
Roselle Park

2 stations
Runnemede

1 station
Sayreville

1 station
Scotch Plains

1 station
Secaucus

1 station
Sewell

2 stations
Shamong

1 station
Short Hills

1 station
Shrewsbury

1 station
Sicklerville

1 station
Somerdale

1 station
Somers Point

1 station
Somerset

2 stations
Somerville

1 station
South Amboy

1 station
South Orange Village

1 station
South Plainfield

1 station
South River

1 station
Southampton Township

2 stations
Sparta

2 stations
Spring Lake

1 station
Stafford Township

2 stations
Stanhope

1 station
Succasunna

2 stations
Swedesboro

1 station
Teaneck

2 stations
Thorofare

1 station
Toms River

5 stations
Trenton

1 station
Upper Deerfield Township

1 station
Verona

1 station
Vineland

1 station
Voorhees Township

1 station
Waldwick

1 station
Waretown

1 station
Warren

1 station
Washington

2 stations
Wayne

2 stations
West Berlin

4 stations
West Caldwell

1 station
West Orange

2 stations
Westfield

2 stations
Whippany

1 station
Williamstown

1 station
Willingboro

1 station
Woodbridge Township

2 stations
Woodbury

1 station
Wyckoff

3 stations

Testing Requirements

Current Testing Requirements in New Jersey

New Jersey operates a statewide biennial emissions inspection program for most registered vehicles. The MVC administers the program through 29 state-operated CIF lanes and over 1,100 licensed PIFs. In 2010, the state eliminated the safety inspection component for passenger vehicles, retaining only the emissions test. The emissions test includes an OBD-II diagnostic scan for 1996 and newer gasoline vehicles, a visual inspection of emissions control components, and a gas cap pressure test where applicable. Tailpipe testing was discontinued in 2016 for vehicles without OBD-II systems, and gasoline vehicles model year 1995 and older under 8,500 pounds became exempt at that time. The MVC does not send inspection reminders. Vehicle owners must track their inspection due date using the sticker on their windshield.

Who Needs an Emissions Test

Most gasoline, diesel, or bi-fueled vehicles registered in New Jersey with passenger, commercial, or nonprofit plates must pass a biennial emissions inspection. Gasoline vehicles model year 1996 and newer under 8,500 pounds GVWR are the primary vehicles tested. New vehicles are exempt for the first five model years from the date of registration. Gasoline vehicles model year 1995 and older under 8,500 pounds are exempt. Electric vehicles are exempt. Motorcycles are no longer required to pass biennial inspections. Collector vehicles that meet specific criteria and purchase a $25 exemption decal are exempt. Diesel vehicles with a GVWR of 8,501 to 17,999 pounds must self-inspect. Heavy-duty diesel vehicles over 18,000 pounds require annual opacity inspections at diesel PIFs. An inspection is also required at initial registration for new residents (within 14 days of registration).

How Often Tests Are Required

Emissions testing is required every two years for most passenger vehicles. The inspection due date is shown on the windshield sticker. The MVC does not mail reminders. New residents must have their vehicle inspected within 14 days of registration in New Jersey. At change of ownership, a seller in New Jersey should provide a passing inspection to the buyer. Commercial vehicles, taxis, limousines, jitneys, and school buses require annual safety and emissions inspections.

Where Emissions Testing Is Required

Emissions testing is required statewide in New Jersey. There are no county-by-county exemptions. All 21 counties across the state follow the same inspection requirements. The MVC operates 29 CIF lanes across the state. Over 1,100 licensed PIFs are also available.

What Happens During the Test

For 1996 and newer gasoline vehicles under 8,500 pounds, the test is an OBD-II diagnostic scan. The technician checks for stored diagnostic trouble codes, readiness monitor status, and the malfunction indicator lamp. A lit check engine light causes automatic failure. A visual inspection confirms the presence and connection of emissions control components including the catalytic converter. Tailpipe testing was discontinued in 2016 for most vehicles. Heavy-duty diesel vehicles receive an opacity test at specialized diesel PIFs. The inspection typically takes 10 to 20 minutes at a CIF and may vary at PIFs.

Areas in New Jersey That Require Emissions Testing

Every city and county in New Jersey requires emissions testing for applicable vehicles. Cities where state CIF lanes and PIFs are available include Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, Trenton, Camden, Clifton, Passaic, Union City, East Orange, Bayonne, Vineland, New Brunswick, Hoboken, Perth Amboy, Plainfield, Hackensack, Atlantic City, Toms River, Cherry Hill, Wayne, Woodbridge, Edison, Brick, and Hamilton. The state also operates CIF lanes with appointment availability in Washington (Warren County), Salem, and Cape May.

How the Emissions Test Works in New Jersey

Drivers can visit any of the 29 state-operated CIF lanes or over 1,100 licensed PIFs. State CIF inspections are free. PIFs charge a fee capped at $2.50 for the approval sticker, though additional service charges may apply. No appointment is needed at most CIF lanes, though appointments are available at three locations (Washington, Salem, Cape May) by calling 888-656-6867. Bring your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of New Jersey insurance. All documents must be originals. If the vehicle passes, results are recorded electronically and the vehicle receives an inspection sticker valid for two years. If the vehicle fails, the owner receives a Vehicle Inspection Report and an Emission Repair Form detailing the issues. Repairs can be completed at a state-approved Emission Repair Facility (ERF) or by the owner. Driving with an expired inspection sticker is not penalized at the inspection station, but law enforcement may cite drivers with fines between $100 and $200. The MVC may revoke registration for continued non-compliance.

FAQ

Common questions

Have a question not covered here? Contact us and we will respond within one business day.

Does New Jersey require emissions testing?

Yes. New Jersey requires biennial emissions testing statewide for most registered vehicles. The safety inspection for passenger vehicles was eliminated in 2010. The current program is emissions-only for most vehicles.

Which vehicles need an emissions test in New Jersey?

Most gasoline vehicles model year 1996 and newer under 8,500 pounds registered in New Jersey. New vehicles are exempt for the first five model years. Gasoline vehicles 1995 and older under 8,500 pounds, electric vehicles, and motorcycles are exempt. Diesel vehicles have separate self-inspection or opacity test requirements depending on weight.

How often do I need an emissions test in New Jersey?

Every two years. The MVC does not send reminders. Your inspection due date is shown on your windshield sticker. New residents must test within 14 days of registration.

Which areas in New Jersey require emissions testing?

All areas. New Jersey requires emissions testing statewide across all 21 counties. There are no geographic exemptions.

Are electric or hybrid vehicles exempt from emissions testing in New Jersey?

Electric vehicles are exempt from emissions testing. Hybrid vehicles that use gasoline and meet the model year and weight criteria are subject to the biennial emissions inspection like other gasoline vehicles.

Do diesel vehicles need emissions testing in New Jersey?

Diesel vehicles with a GVWR of 8,501 to 17,999 pounds must self-inspect under a state-regulated program. Heavy-duty diesel vehicles over 18,000 pounds require annual opacity inspections at diesel PIFs. Light-duty diesel vehicles may be subject to OBD testing depending on model year.

What happens if my vehicle fails the emissions test in New Jersey?

You receive a Vehicle Inspection Report and Emission Repair Form. Repairs can be completed at a state-approved ERF or by the owner. You must return for reinspection. Driving with an expired sticker can result in fines of $100 to $200 if cited by law enforcement. The MVC may revoke registration for continued non-compliance.

How much does emissions testing cost in New Jersey?

Inspections at state-operated CIF lanes are free. PIFs charge a fee capped at $2.50 for the sticker, with possible additional service charges. New Jersey has one of the most affordable inspection programs in the country.

Do I need an appointment for emissions testing in New Jersey?

No appointment is needed at most state CIF lanes. Appointments are available at three locations (Washington, Salem, Cape May) by calling 888-656-6867 or scheduling online. PIFs set their own scheduling policies.

Where can I find emissions test locations in New Jersey?

The MVC operates 29 state CIF lanes across the state. Over 1,100 licensed PIFs are also available. Locations are listed at nj.gov/mvc. The MVC Inspection Services line is 609-633-9474.

Own an Emissions Testing or Smog Check Station in New Jersey?

List your New Jersey station for free and connect with drivers actively searching for certified emissions testing and smog check locations near them. Every visitor on this page is looking for exactly what you offer. A verified listing is the most efficient way to advertise your station, putting you directly in front of local drivers at the exact moment they need an inspection.

Register Station for Free Learn More

No credit card required. Free plan available forever.