CR-79 Form – The CR-79 form is the official New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) publication titled Motor Vehicle Inspection Regulations. It serves as the complete regulatory guide for Part 79 of the NYCRR (New York Codes, Rules and Regulations) governing mandatory annual safety and emissions inspections for most registered vehicles in New York.
Whether you own a passenger car, truck, motorcycle, trailer, or fleet vehicle, understanding the CR-79 rules ensures compliance with Vehicle and Traffic Law requirements, helps avoid registration issues, and keeps your vehicle safe on the road. This guide breaks down everything from the form’s purpose to key inspection procedures, station requirements, and how to download the latest CR-79 PDF directly from the NY DMV.
What Is the CR-79 Form?
The CR-79 is not a simple one-page application but a comprehensive 103-page regulatory handbook (revised CR-79 10/18, effective January 1, 2017 with prior amendments). It details every aspect of New York’s motor vehicle inspection program under Article 5 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
Licensed inspection stations, certified inspectors, fleet operators, and vehicle owners use it to understand:
- Safety and emissions standards
- Inspection station licensing
- Certified inspector qualifications
- Record-keeping and signage rules
- Penalties for violations
The official PDF is available free from the NY DMV website and remains the authoritative source for current rules.
Purpose of CR-79: NY Motor Vehicle Inspection Regulations
CR-79 ensures every registered motor vehicle in New York meets minimum safety and (where applicable) emissions standards before receiving a valid inspection certificate (sticker). The program protects public safety, reduces air pollution, and supports proper vehicle registration and renewal.
Key goals include:
- Verifying brakes, steering, tires, lights, glass, seat belts, and other critical components
- Conducting OBD-II emissions checks for 1996+ light-duty vehicles and diesel opacity testing in the New York Metropolitan Area (NYMA)
- Regulating official inspection stations and certified inspectors
- Providing clear procedures for certificates, rejection notices (VS-1075), and waivers
Who Must Get a New York Vehicle Inspection?
Nearly all vehicles registered in New York require an annual inspection before the expiration date shown on the current sticker (midnight on the last day of the punched month/year).
Vehicles subject to inspection include:
- Passenger cars and light trucks (under 15 passengers / MGW under 18,001 lbs)
- Motorcycles
- Trailers (light-duty, medium-duty, heavy-duty)
- Heavy vehicles (MGW over 18,000 lbs or over 14 passengers)
- Diesel-powered vehicles in the NYMA
Exemptions (per CR-79 §79.2) include certain fire vehicles (except ambulances), farm tractors used only for agriculture, snowmobiles, and specific transit or government vehicles.
New vehicles from dealers must be inspected before delivery to the buyer (with limited exceptions).
Official Inspection Stations: Types and Requirements
CR-79 §79.7–79.9 outlines strict rules for operating an official inspection station. Stations must be licensed by the DMV, maintain proper space (300–600 sq ft depending on group), equipment (gauges, CVIS for emissions, etc.), and employ only certified inspectors.
Station types:
- Public inspection stations
- Fleet stations (for businesses with 25+ vehicles)
- Dealer stations (for vehicles held for sale)
- Portable fleet stations
Stations must display specific signs, keep records for 2 years, and cannot require repairs as a condition of inspection (though they must inform customers of defects).
Certified Motor Vehicle Inspector Qualifications and Duties
Only DMV-certified inspectors may perform inspections. CR-79 §79.17 requires inspectors to be at least 17 years old, have relevant automotive experience or training, pass written (and sometimes skills) tests, and renew certification every 3 years.
Inspectors must:
- Conduct thorough, prompt inspections
- Use official CVIS equipment for emissions data
- Issue accurate rejection notices or certificates
- Never share or alter their certification card
Step-by-Step New York Vehicle Safety Inspection Procedures
CR-79 §79.20–79.28 provides detailed “Inspect for” and “Reject if” criteria for every major component.
Core safety checks (light vehicles) include:
- Service and parking brakes (linings, drums, rotors, equalization, push-rod travel)
- Tires (minimum 2/32″ tread depth, no cuts or exposed cords)
- Steering, suspension, and chassis/frame
- Lighting and reflectors (headlights, taillights, stop lamps, turn signals)
- Windshield and glass (safety glass, no excessive cracks)
- Mirrors, wipers, horn, and seat belts
- Fuel system (no leaks)
Heavy vehicles and motorcycles have additional or modified procedures (see §79.27 and §79.28). Trailers require hitch system and brake checks where applicable.
Emissions Inspection Rules (OBD-II and Diesel)
New York mandates emissions testing alongside safety for most 1996+ gasoline and light-duty diesel vehicles.
- OBD-II: Checks malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), readiness monitors, and control devices (catalytic converter, PCV, etc.).
- Diesel opacity: Required in the NYMA for heavier diesels.
- Waivers: Available for OBD-II failures after documented repairs meet cost thresholds (e.g., $450+ adjusted for inflation); temporary 10-day waivers for certain diesel vehicles outside the NYMA.
Reinspections within 30 days are often partial and may have reduced fees.
Inspection Schedule, Certificates, and Fees
Inspections are due annually. A valid certificate must be displayed; operating without one can prevent registration renewal.
Sticker fees (paid to DMV):
- Safety only: $2
- Safety + emissions: $6
- Replacement certificate: $2
Stations charge their own inspection fees (capped by group). A rejection notice allows time to repair and return for reinspection.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
CR-79 §79.14 outlines serious consequences for stations and inspectors, including license suspension, revocation, and civil penalties. Vehicle owners face fines, registration refusal, and potential operation violations if driving without a valid sticker.
Download the Official CR-79 PDF
Get the most current version directly from the NY DMV:
Direct download: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/cr79.pdf
The file is large—save it to your device for easy reference. The DMV also offers a Small Business Regulation Guide (79-SBG) for additional compliance help.
Frequently Asked Questions About CR-79 and NY Inspections
Is the CR-79 form the same as the inspection sticker?
No. CR-79 is the regulations handbook; the sticker is the physical certificate issued after passing inspection.
Do out-of-state inspections count in New York?
Temporarily, under limited conditions (see §79.4).
Where can I find inspection checklists?
The DMV provides VS-471 (light vehicle) and VS-472 (heavy vehicle) checklists that reference CR-79 sections.
Has CR-79 been updated since 2017?
The core regulations remain in effect as the official DMV reference (still linked on dmv.ny.gov as of 2026). Always check the DMV website for any new advisories or forms.
For the latest station locator, inspector certification details, or specific questions, visit the official NY DMV inspections page or contact the Vehicle Safety Services Bureau at (518) 474-5282.
Stay compliant, keep your vehicle safe, and download the CR-79 PDF today to understand every New York motor vehicle inspection rule in detail.