New Jersey Emissions Test
Diesel, hybrid, and gas cars across New Jersey get tested through the New Jersey MVC inspection. That covers model years 1996 to 2021 in 2026. Your car needs the test every 2 years, though you may test up to two months ahead.
Which cars have to be tested?
Model years tested in New Jersey for 2026 appear in the green band. A 5-year sticker is issued for new cars. Gas cars from 1995 or earlier, up to 8,500 lb, don't need the test.
Look up your own car by model year and fuel.
New Jersey emissions test at a glance
| Program | The New Jersey MVC inspection |
|---|---|
| Where | Statewide |
| Fuels tested | Gas, hybrid, diesel |
| Model years tested in 2026 | 1996 to 2021 (diesels from 1997) |
| How often | Every 2 years the test comes due, but you may do it up to two months ahead. |
| The test | A plug-in OBD test plus a check of emission parts |
| Fee | No charge at state inspection stations; private inspection facilities set fees themselves |
| New cars | New cars get a 5-year sticker |
| Older cars | Gas cars from 1995 or earlier that weigh up to 8,500 lb don't have to test |
How the test works, and what if the car fails?
During an OBD plug-in test, the inspector connects a reader to the port below the dashboard and checks what the car's computer has stored. Its self-checks (readiness monitors) must be finished, and the check engine light must be off.
When a car fails, the report lists what failed. Fix that first, then return for the retest.
The pages these New Jersey rules are based on
- Inspection questions answered: nj.gov inspection FAQ
- About the inspection program: nj.gov inspection overview
- Which vehicles are exempt: nj.gov inspection exemptions
- How the inspection works: nj.gov inspection steps