What Can Cause Your Car to Fail Inspection in NJ?

Vehicle inspections are a crucial part of keeping the roads safe and environmentally friendly. Every driver in the state is responsible for ensuring their car meets safety and emissions standards. But many don’t realize what can cause their vehicle to fail inspection. 

For most drivers, passing an inspection is a routine process, but for others, it can bring unexpected challenges. When your car fails inspection, it could point to underlying issues that affect your safety and that of others on the road.

At Rosengard Law Group, we’ve seen how vehicle problems can lead to dangerous situations and even accidents. In this guide, we will explore the reasons why vehicles fail inspection in New Jersey, the steps you should take if this happens, and the consequences of driving with a failed inspection. 

Types of Automobile Inspections

In New Jersey, two main types of inspections are required for most vehicles:

1. Emissions inspection: This test ensures your vehicle isn’t releasing harmful levels of pollutants into the air. It’s part of New Jersey’s commitment to protecting the environment.
2. Safety inspection: Although not required for most passenger vehicles, this inspection checks key systems like brakes, lights, and tires to ensure nothing is in danger of failing. Commercial vehicles are still subject to safety checks.

Both inspections are designed to keep drivers safe and protect the environment and both are regulated by New Jersey’s state law. 

Requirements for Vehicle Inspections in New Jersey

To keep your car road-legal in New Jersey, you must meet specific inspection requirements. These requirements are designed to ensure vehicles are safe and meet environmental standards. 

Most passenger vehicles, trucks, and motorcycles must undergo an emissions inspection every two years, according to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC). New vehicles are exempt for their first five years, provided they have proper registration. 

Commercial vehicles and taxis require annual inspections, which include both emissions and safety checks. However, the law provides a long list of vehicles that are exempt from inspections in New Jersey. The list includes historic vehicles (more than 25 years old) as long as they are properly registered as “historic.”

Here’s what you need to bring for a vehicle inspection: 

• A valid driver’s license
• Your vehicle’s registration
• Proof of insurance

Inspections can be done at state-operated inspection stations or private, licensed inspection facilities. Ensure your inspection sticker is current. Inspections are due by the last day of the month indicated on your existing sticker.

Common Reasons for Failing a Car Inspection in NJ

Failing an inspection isn’t uncommon, but it can nonetheless be frustrating. Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Check engine light: If your check engine light is on, it’s an automatic failure during emissions testing.
• Excessive emissions: High levels of pollutants from the exhaust can cause a failure. This is often linked to problems with the catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, or exhaust system.
• Faulty brakes: If your brakes are worn or not functioning properly, they can be flagged during a safety inspection.
• Damaged or worn tires: Tires with low tread or visible damage may not pass inspection, as they pose a safety risk.
• Broken lights: Headlights, brake lights, and turn signals must all be in working condition to pass inspection.
• Windshield damage: Cracks or chips in the windshield can lead to failure if they obstruct the driver’s view.
• Missing or expired documentation: You’ll fail inspection if you don’t have proper registration, insurance, or an inspection sticker.

Regular upkeep not only avoids inspection headaches but also protects you, your passengers, and others on the road from unnecessary risks. Addressing these common problems can help you pass inspections and keep your vehicle safe on the road. 

What to Do if Your Vehicle Fails Inspection

If your car fails, don’t panic. You’ll receive a detailed report explaining the issues. Here’s what you can do if this happens:

1. Fix the problems: Address the specific issues mentioned in the report. Visit a trusted mechanic if necessary.
2. Retest your vehicle: Once repairs are made, return for a reinspection. In most cases, you have 30 days to complete this process without additional fees.
3. Keep records: Save receipts for any repairs made. This documentation can be helpful if you have questions or disputes about the inspection results.

Taking quick and appropriate action to resolve the problems not only helps you meet legal requirements but also gives you peace of mind knowing your vehicle is in top shape. 

Consequences of Driving with a Failed Inspection

If you know your vehicle failed an inspection and continue driving without addressing the issue, you expose yourself to: 

• Fines and penalties: Law enforcement may issue a ticket if your inspection is expired or you’re driving with a failed sticker.
• Increased risk of accidents: Issues like faulty brakes or worn tires increase the likelihood of accidents, potentially putting you and others in danger. Even if equipment failure isn’t the primary cause of the crash, it can still affect your compensation due to New Jersey’s comparative fault laws. 
• Higher insurance rates: An accident caused by a vehicle in poor condition may lead to increased premiums or claims denials.

At Rosengard Law Group, we’ve seen how vehicle maintenance issues can lead to preventable automobile accidents. If you or a loved one is hurt due to someone else’s negligence, we are here to help you fight for justice and fair compensation. You can contact us via our website or by calling (856) 284-6446 to schedule a free case evaluation.