New York requires annual emissions testing in conjunction with the state's annual safety inspection. Non-exempt vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) less than 8,501 pounds and that are model year 1996 or newer must undergo an OBD inspection. Vehicles manufactured prior to 1996 are subject to a low enhanced inspection.
Diesel Vehicles:
Diesel-powered vehicles that that are 1997 or newer and that have a GVRW less than 8,501 pounds are subject to annual emissions inspection.
Exemptions:
1. New vehicles for the newest two (2) model years
2. Vehicles that are more than 25 model years old
3. Electric vehicles
3. Vehicles registered with historical plates
For more information visit: https://dmv.ny.gov
New York Consolidated Laws Service
Vehicle and Traffic Law § 375. Equipment
31. Mufflers and exhaust systems. Prevention of noise. Every motor vehicle, operated or driven upon the highways of the state, shall at all times be equipped with an adequate muffler and exhaust system in constant operation and properly maintained to prevent any excessive or unusual noise and no such muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cut-out, bypass, or similar device. No person shall modify the muffler or exhaust system of a motor vehicle in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the motor or exhaust system of such vehicle above that emitted by the muffler or exhaust system originally installed on the vehicle and such original muffler and exhaust system shall comply with all the requirements of this section.
A muffler is a device consisting of a series of chambers or baffle plates, or other mechanical design for the purpose of receiving exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine, and effective in reducing noise.
An exhaust system is a series of mechanical devices for the purpose of receiving exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine and expelling it into the atmosphere.
§ 386. Motor vehicle sound level limits
c. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or cause of be operated on a public highway any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles, except motorcycles, with a maximum gross weight of ten thousand pounds or less, at any time, under any condition of grade, load, acceleration or deceleration in such a manner as to exceed the applicable A-weighted sound level set forth in table II. The maximum allowable sound levels in table II are based on a sound level measured at, or adjusted to, a distance of fifty feet from the center of the lane in which the motor vehicle is traveling:
TABLE II
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE A-WEIGHTED SOUND LEVELS
Maximum Speed Limit
35 miles per hour or less: 76 dB(A)
Over 35 miles per hour: 82 dB(A)
4. The commissioner of environmental conservation shall promulgate regulations establishing the measurement procedures and instrumentation to be utilized in the enforcement of this section.
a. These procedures shall allow, to the extent feasible, motor vehicle sound measurements to be accomplished in reasonably confined areas such as residential areas of urban cities and may provide for sound measurement at distances other than fifty feet and in the vicinity of sound reflecting surfaces.
b. The regulations shall take into consideration recognized scientific and professional standards for the measurement of vehicular sound levels.
5. The provisions of this section shall not apply to vehicles and implements or combinations thereof used solely for farm purposes, nor to authorized emergency vehicles.
Historical
Available for vehicles that are at least 25 years old, used only as collector's items or exhibition pieces, and not for daily transportation. Some vehicles that are less than 25 years old with unique characteristics may qualify for historical registration.
YOM
Vehicles that are more than 25 years old may display YOM plates with DMV approval. Vehicles registered with YOM plates may not be used for daily transportation.