VS-1079DE Form – The VS-1079DE Form, officially titled the Diesel Emissions Inspection Certification and Waiver Form, is a critical New York State document used by official diesel emission inspection stations (ODEIS) to certify repairs and grant a hardship waiver for heavy-duty diesel vehicles that fail the smoke opacity emissions test.
Published by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) in partnership with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), this form helps vehicle owners and inspection stations comply with New York’s strict diesel emissions regulations under 6 NYCRR Subpart 217-5. The current version is VS-1079DE (11/22).
Purpose of the VS-1079DE Diesel Emissions Inspection Certification Form
The primary purpose of the VS-1079DE Form is to document that a diesel-powered vehicle has undergone sufficient emissions-related repairs to qualify for a waiver after failing the required smoke opacity test at least twice within the last 30 days. This waiver allows the Official Diesel Emission Inspection Station to issue a valid Safety/Diesel Emissions Inspection Certificate (Form VS-1082D) despite the initial failure.
It ensures transparency by requiring detailed records of repairs, costs, and certifications from both the inspector and the vehicle owner. The form supports New York’s Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicle (HDDV) emissions program, primarily affecting vehicles registered in the New York Metropolitan Area (NYMA), which includes the five boroughs of New York City plus Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, and Westchester counties.
Who Needs the VS-1079DE Form?
- Official Diesel Emission Inspection Stations (ODEIS): Licensed stations must complete and sign the form when granting a waiver.
- Vehicle Owners/Customers: The customer (or representative) must certify that the listed repairs were performed.
- Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicle Operators: Applies to diesel vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) over 8,500 pounds that are subject to annual diesel emissions (smoke opacity) testing in the NYMA.
Fleet operators, dealers, and individual truck owners in regulated areas rely on this form to maintain legal registration and avoid penalties.
Diesel Emissions Waiver Requirements in New York
To qualify for a waiver using the VS-1079DE Form, all of the following conditions must be met (per NY DMV and DEC regulations):
- The vehicle must have failed the diesel emissions (smoke opacity) inspection at least twice within the last 30 days.
- The vehicle must pass the applicable safety inspection and emissions control device checks.
- Emissions-related repairs (excluding replacement of missing control devices) must meet or exceed the minimum repair cost threshold based on GVWR:
- 8,501 to 18,000 lbs: $1,000
- 18,001 to 26,000 lbs: $2,000
- Over 26,000 lbs: $4,000
All repairs must be documented with original invoices and receipts attached to the form. The waiver is valid for one year from the waiver date listed on the form.
How to Download the Official VS-1079DE PDF?
The VS-1079DE Form is available as a free, fillable PDF directly from the official NY DMV website.
Download the current VS-1079DE PDF here: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/vs1079de.pdf
Always download from the official DMV source to ensure you have the latest version and avoid outdated or unofficial copies.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the VS-1079DE Form
- Vehicle and Facility Information: Enter mileage, engine model year, make, VIN, plate number, certificate number, inspection station number, inspector number, waiver date, and average opacity test reading.
- Vehicle Repairs Performed: List each repair shop, items repaired/adjusted, cost, and facility number. Calculate and enter the Total Cost.
- Check Proper Weight & Waiver Cost: Select the correct GVWR category and confirm the minimum repair cost threshold is met.
- Reason for Waiver: Provide a clear explanation.
- Inspector’s Certification: The certified inspector signs and prints their name, certifying that supporting invoices are attached.
- Customer’s Certification: The vehicle owner signs and prints their name, confirming the repairs were performed.
Important: Attach all repair invoices and previous Vehicle Inspection Reports (VIRs). The form is fillable online or printable.
Record-Keeping and Submission Requirements for VS-1079DE
After granting the waiver:
- The inspection station must keep copies of the completed VS-1079DE Form, all invoices, receipts, and previous VIRs/smokemeter printouts for 2 years for review by DMV or DEC auditors.
- Within 3 days of issuing the waiver, the station must mail or fax copies of the form, invoices, receipts, and smokemeter printouts to:
NYSDEC, Division of Air Resources, Bureau of Mobile Sources and Technology Development, Heavy Duty Vehicle Program, 625 Broadway, Albany NY 12233-3255 (Fax: 518-402-9035).
Failure to follow these rules can result in penalties for the inspection station.
Related NY DMV Diesel Emissions Forms and Resources
- VS-1074SD: Vehicle Inspection Record for Safety and Diesel Emissions
- VS-1082D: Safety/Diesel Emissions Inspection Certificate
- VS-1078: Temporary Certificate of Emissions Waiver (for vehicles outside NYMA)
- Full regulations: NY DMV Motor Vehicle Inspection Regulations (CR-79)
For questions about the VS-1079DE Form, contact DEC Division of Air Resources at (518) 402-8292.
Frequently Asked Questions About the VS-1079DE Form
Q: Is the VS-1079DE Form required for every diesel inspection?
A: No — only when requesting a hardship waiver after multiple opacity test failures.
Q: Can I fill out the VS-1079DE Form myself?
A: No. It must be completed jointly by a certified inspector at a licensed ODEIS and the vehicle owner.
Q: Where can I get my diesel vehicle inspected?
A: Only at NY DMV-licensed Official Diesel Emission Inspection Stations. Use the DMV station locator on dmv.ny.gov.
Q: How long is the waiver valid?
A: The waiver noted on the VS-1079DE expires one year from the waiver date.
Q: Is the form free?
A: Yes — download the official PDF at no cost from the NY DMV website.
For the most current information on New York diesel emissions requirements, always refer to the official NY DMV and DEC websites. Proper use of the VS-1079DE Form helps keep commercial vehicles compliant while supporting cleaner air standards across the state.