Understanding diesel emission inspection

All heavy-duty diesel vehicles 18,000 pounds GVWR or more are required to be tested for smoke emissions annually at a licensed Diesel Emission Inspection Center (DEIC) within 90 days of your vehicle's registration or renewal.

DEICs provide inspections and certifications as required by MVC:

• Engine emissions
• Exhaust system and emission control apparatus
• Governor (if applicable)
• Emission control system (if applicable)
• Any inspection item not in another category

You must have your driver license, registration, International Registration Plan documentation (if applicable) and proof of insurance to complete the inspection.

Diesel-powered motor homes and recreational vehicles 18,000lbs GVWR or more must also have a biennial safety inspection. The safety inspection may be performed by a Centralized Inspection Facility (CIF) or a Private Inspection Facility (PIF).


Diesel Emission Inspection Centers (DEICs)
Class I DEICs are authorized to perform smoke emission inspections (opacity) and certification of all heavy-duty diesel trucks 18,000 lbs GVWR and above. DEICs are required to offer smoke emission inspection services for any heavy-duty diesel truck 18,000 lbs GVWR or more and cannot refuse inspection once the process has begun.

Class II DEICs must have a fleet of 10 or more heavy-duty diesel vehicles 18,000 lbs GVWR or more and are only authorized to inspect other owners or lessees of fleets of 10 or more.

Locate a Diesel Emission Inspection Center.


Emission Tests
DEICs may set their own fee for inspection and may not charge sales tax for the inspection or the inspection sticker. Your vehicle must complete one of the following tests:

• Rolling acceleration test is performed on all electronically controlled heavy-duty diesel vehicles with low-speed engines and idle speeds less than 1600 rpm, or with engine speed rise times during the snap acceleration of over 1.7 seconds
• Stall acceleration test is conducted on all heavy-duty diesel vehicles with GVWR of 18,000 pounds or more that are equipped with medium or high-speed diesel engines and automatic transmissions
• Snap acceleration test is used on all heavy-duty diesel vehicles with GVWR of 18,000 pounds or more that are equipped with low-speed engines and manual or automatic transmissions, or equipped with medium-speed engines and manual transmissions

Fines
If you fail to have your vehicle inspected, you may be subject to a summons of $500 if stopped by law enforcement.

If you fail a roadside smoke emission inspection conducted by MVC in conjunction with the New Jersey State Police, you will be subjected to the following penalties:

• $700 for the first offense (reduced to $150 if paid within 45 days and with proof of repairs)
• $1300 for the second offense (reduced to $500 if paid within 45 days and with proof of repairs)

For more information on diesel emission testing call (609) 292-5330 or write to:

Motor Vehicle Commission
Heavy Duty Diesel Audit Unit
P.O. Box 177
225 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08666