Regular car inspections are necessary for meeting official state emissions and safety standards. In New Jersey, there are state-operated as well as private car inspection facilities that offer different types of inspections for different types of vehicles. The costs of car inspection in New Jersey vary, usually costing a few hundred dollars.
There are different inspection methods used for cars, depending on the age of the car and whether it takes gas or diesel. The age of the car and its model will have the greatest bearing on the inspection process. Inspection exemptions for new residents who just moved to the state of New Jersey are limited. Check the State of New Jersey Department of Motor Vehicles for more information. Vintage or historical cars, as well as motorcycles are usually exempt from needing inspection.
The cost of inspection may also vary depending on whether the vehicle is licensed for commercial use or not. Car inspection rules in New Jersey are different for vehicles operated commercially. Commercial vehicles need annual inspections, versus car inspections every two years for private use automobiles.
Different mechanics or auto body shops offer different inspection processes, and may also charge different prices. Shopping around might help, but it is also critical to understand which parts of the inspection process are covered. When the vehicle passes inspection, you will get a sticker that indicates the date of inspection. Sometimes, the inspection will reveal problems that need to be fixed in order for the vehicle to pass and be deemed safe to drive. For this reason, it is usually best to get the inspection done by a mechanic that you trust. If you trust the mechanic who does the inspection, then paying for any additional repairs can be painless, simple, and inexpensive.
