Most vehicles in New Jersey must be inspected for emissions every two years, though there are notable exceptions to that rule. Some vehicles, including ambulances, hotel buses, taxicabs and limos must be inspected annually. Others, including gas-powered passenger cars that are model year 1995 or older and weigh 8,500 pounds or less, don’t have to be emission tested at all. Owners of vehicles that do need to be inspected have two options: they can have this service performed at a state-owned or privately owned NJ certified emissions repair facility. Read on for the pros and cons.
Option 1: Take Your Vehicle to a Private Inspection Facility in NJ
On the “fun meter,” most people would rank getting their New Jersey state inspection right up there with going to the DMV to have their driver’s license renewed. Both are chores drivers must take care of to stay legal but prefer to get out of the way as quickly as possible. If your vehicle’s inspection deadline is looming and you fall into that category, do yourself a huge favor. Skip the state-run emissions inspection facilities and head to a private state inspection facility in NJ.The reasons are compelling. Private emissions test facilities:
- Are located in many places throughout New Jersey, not just a handful.
- Deliver much faster service and shorter wait times.
- Usually have comfortable waiting areas and clean restrooms.
- Usually are open much earlier and later than state facilities.
- Are staffed by true vehicle experts who know all of a car’s systems inside and out. In fact, they know about more than just the emissions system so they may be able to alert you to problems in other systems they notice while checking your emissions.
- Usually are staffed by people who actually like their jobs so they’re happy and nice.
You’ll pay more for an emissions test conducted by a private facility, but most people classify the price of a private emissions test as a minor expense.
Option 2: Take Your Vehicle to a State Inspection Facility in NJ
If you are on an extremely tight budget and every dollar matters when it comes to making ends meet, your best bet may be a state inspection facility. There is one (arguably only one) benefit of using a state-operated facility for your car’s emissions test: It is free! Despite this compelling fact, many people conclude their time is valuable and money they spend to avoid state facility’s long lines, cranky customers and workers, limited hours of operations and inconvenient locations is money well spent, indeed.
What You’ll Need to Bring
Whether you opt for a private or state-run smog test facility, don’t forget to bring your valid driver license, valid vehicle registration and proof of insurance. If you go with a state facility, it’s a wise call to find out what the wait times are for the facility you’re planning to use, especially for sites that don’t require appointments or you could end up waiting hours. If you want to get in and out, do yourself a favor. Contact us today to schedule your emissions testing appointment or simply stop by. You’ll be glad you avoided the hassle of the state facilities.
