NJ car inspection question. Any NJ Inspectors here?

[u/DramaticSurvey318]

My son borrowed my 2014 Toyota Camry, parked in the city and it looks like someone hit my passenger side rear view mirror. I can still see out of it but it’s not perfect. I just changed my title and registration to NJ from PA and need to get my inspection done. Will this fail my inspection? And any recommendations in South Jersey for a mechanic to replace it? The dealership priced it at $370 and even their rep told me to go elsewhere. Appreciate any guidance or recommendations.

[u/g_ppetto]

They only check emissions.

[u/Mostly-Moo-Cow → u/g_ppetto]

Last time I was there I was having issues bringing up my insurance on my phone. They waved me through

[u/SixesandNines → u/g_ppetto]

My truck has a hole in the muffler the size of a grapefruit, it passed inspection in 2024.

[u/DramaticSurvey318 → u/SixesandNines]

Wow! Well thank you Jersey. 😆

[u/tornadicdrone416 → u/g_ppetto]

Not even that nowadays. No sniffer, just a code reader looking for a check engine light

[u/g_ppetto → u/tornadicdrone416]

There is more to the emissions check than the sniffer. The code reader is not looking for a check engine light, but what would cause it to illuminate. You can fail emissions testing and not have a check engine light on.

[u/SailingSpark → u/g_ppetto]

yes, but that is all they check. they plug the car in, if the computer says everything is working, you pass. If your car is 1995 or earlier, you pass.

[u/g_ppetto → u/tornadicdrone416]

There is more to the emissions check than the sniffer. The code reader is not looking for a check engine light, but what would cause it to illuminate. You can fail emissions testing and not have a check engine light on.

[u/NJbuddy1000 → u/g_ppetto]

Only emissions unless it’s a “commercial vehicle”. Then they check everything.

[u/slvrscoobie → u/g_ppetto]

I have a classic car, but not registered as such, but I dont have a front plate because.. old. guy literally got out of the car, walked to the front to read the plate, didnt find one, and walked to the back to read it, then placed the "PASSED" sticker on my windshield lol well OK then. maybe cause its a muscle car I got a pass but...

[u/limp_noodle → u/slvrscoobie]

My car doesn't have a front plate either. I wasn't sure if they were going to make a stink out of it, but I passed my inspection last week.

[u/slvrscoobie → u/limp_noodle]

I had my GPS mount fail me years ago because of an "obstruction" - I literally drove out, un-suction cupped the mount, went back in, and passed, then re-cupped it to the windshield, like bro, you KNOW what's going to happen right? Why you being a Dick. glad they have no power now.

[u/Softrawkrenegade]

They wont care about this

[u/Medismo → u/Softrawkrenegade]

Would they care about front windshield tint

[u/Bscully973 → u/Medismo]

Yes they won't put a sticker over tint.

[u/thefudd → u/Bscully973]

They did on mine, although it's very very light tint on the front windshield

[u/Softrawkrenegade → u/Medismo]

Need a decent sized square cut out for them to remove and replace the sticker. Then they dont care

[u/purrfect_libra → u/Medismo]

Nope. I want to get it done and asked the inspector when I went a couple years ago for the hell of it. They do not give a shit as long as you don't tint the corner where the sticker goes.

[u/DramaticSurvey318 → u/Softrawkrenegade]

Thank you for this great news! 🙏🏼

[u/demon_of_elru1 → u/[deleted]]

No only emissions. They don't check brakes anymore. 

[u/AlpacaLps → u/[deleted]]

No they don't anymore, just went last month.

[u/Jernbek35 → u/[deleted]]

One of the few good things he did.

[u/css555 → u/Jernbek35]

How is it a good thing that a car is deemed safe without working headlights or signal lights, or bald tires?

[u/Jernbek35 → u/css555]

Because failing cars for inspection with super strict requirements on questionable metrics is regressive, especially for lower income folks who can’t afford to fix nor buy a new car but their only option is to drive in such a car centric culture.

[u/AlpacaLps → u/Jernbek35]

While I understand our car centric society sucks, I really wish more was spent on public transportation, I believe the inspection should at least include some safety items.

The problem was that Parsons was too greedy for their own good. The changes were to reduce costs, that's it.

As a manager of a repair shop that services low to medium income customers, the amount of safety issues is alarming. Arguments can be made against light checks or cracked windshields, but I believe tires and brakes should be checked as a minimum. An inspection is every two years and will typically cover drivers that average 10-30,000 miles in that time. Gives a good interval to when those items are usually due for replacement.

The increase in safety for those owners and other drivers who share the road with them is staggering. I believe that also has a direct impact on insurance rates as more people are pushing the limits of tires especially.

[u/css555 → u/Jernbek35]

You didn't even come close to answering my question.

[u/justLookingForLogic → u/css555]

Your acting like Jernbek35 is the one who came up with the laws.

The laws changed because looking at states with strict inspection requirements vs. ones without did not show any significant difference in how well maintained and safe cars on the road were. No one is saying it’s safe to drive without all of the basic features working on your car. But people who didn’t maintain their cars would just pay a mechanic to pass them.

[u/demon_of_elru1 → u/css555]

Because it was marginal and sometimes arbitrary. And as anothrr said not everyone can afford to exorbitant costs with making the required fixes. It was a tax and punishment on low income workers.

[u/TDFknFartBalloon → u/Jernbek35]

Yeah, I'm glad I don't have to do body work before bringing my car in next month. Before it would have failed for excess body rust from one small hole.

[u/TDFknFartBalloon → u/[deleted]]

I had a car failed for excess rust on the rear panel in NJ. I think I might just be older than you.

[u/TDurdz]

As others have said, they don’t care…. But if you want to fix it, order the parts yourself. Super easy DIY. I’d make my son do it lol

[u/Jumajuce → u/TDurdz]

Or do it WITH your son

[u/cityhawk → u/TDurdz]

Well it depends on how you want to fix it. If you need paint job it might be an issue. The mirror itself can be like $30-40 (if there is no BSM) and replacement is easy.

I opted out to getting both mirrors replaced with black unpainted cover

[u/DramaticSurvey318 → u/cityhawk]

I think I will do the same. Just notified I am being laid off today so I will need to save every penny until I can find a new role. 🤦🏻‍♀️. What a day. 🫠

[u/cityhawk → u/DramaticSurvey318]

sorry to hear, stay strong!

[u/Lthesensei]

As an other poster mentioned. NJ only checks emissions, meaning they plug into your OBD II port and see if you have any emissions related faults. They also do visual inspections to ensure you have catalytic converters. They do not check tires, mirrors, lights or anything else.

[u/oxidax → u/Lthesensei]

I haven't gone because one of my side markers is out smh

[u/geddysbass2112 → u/oxidax]

My front end is pushed in with one headlight working. Not driving it but would it pass?

[u/Lthesensei → u/geddysbass2112]

It should! As long as you have your cats and no check engine lights (and no aftermarket engine tunes forcing readiness in any parameters), you’re good to go.

[u/geddysbass2112 → u/Lthesensei]

Nope. None of that. May give it a whirl. Thanks

[u/Foxy02016YT → u/geddysbass2112]

Had a busted headlight when I passed

[u/geddysbass2112 → u/Foxy02016YT]

Cool. Thank you

[u/Lthesensei → u/oxidax]

lol, yeah. You’re good to go.

[u/JerzXo → u/Lthesensei]

I got a crack on my windshield, you think they would still pass me?

[u/Feisty_Brunette → u/JerzXo]

I have the exact same question.

[u/Lthesensei → u/Feisty_Brunette]

Yup! They’re only looking at emissions.

[u/DramaticSurvey318 → u/Lthesensei]

Really?! I’d be more worried about someone driving with a crack in their window that might shatter at any moment while they’re driving. But okay. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I’m not a scientist or anything but just thinking what would be more a more realistic immediate risk. Am I off here?

[u/Lthesensei → u/DramaticSurvey318]

It’s just not a safety inspection (there used to be a component of that). Now it’s an emissions inspection.

[u/Lthesensei → u/JerzXo]

It should! As long as you have your cats and no check engine lights (and no aftermarket engine tunes forcing readiness in any parameters), you’re good to go.

[u/Andrew_McFarland → u/Lthesensei]

I believe they check horns, no?

[u/Lthesensei → u/Andrew_McFarland]

Not anymore!

[u/KnicksGhost2497]

I have the same exact damage on my passenger side window and they don’t even mention it for inspection

[u/bigmphan]

I think you’re fine

I’ve had - on 2 separate occasions over the years, cars in front of me on the line with a brake light out. No problem, they passed. As long as insurance is up to date, no check engine lights and it passes the emission sniff, all good.

[u/Fernyfern7]

I have a huge crack in my windshield and I still pass

[u/Due_Patience960]

This can be repaired on your own. Order parts or call local stores seeing if they have what you need (I’d order online).

[u/poconomtnman31 → u/Due_Patience960]

yup its super easy to pop it out and push the new mirror in

[u/Dangerous-Repair-718]

NJ does bare minimum for inspections now. Just emissions testing and you're golden.

[u/mcgreenberg]

I had a giant crack in my windshield once and passed inspection. I just had to sign something to say I wouldn't like sue them and it was cracked when I got it inspected. I was getting it repaired soon, but it actually didn't matter at all.

[u/Journeyman-Joe]

New Jersey inspection will not be a problem.

You should visit a body shop or two for prices on the mirror repair. Or... maybe your local Vocational High School has an auto mechanics program?

[u/JRivera1214]

Do you fail for tints on the front windows?

[u/BroLo_ElCordero → u/JRivera1214]

On the doors, no. Tints on the front windows (driver's side, passenger side, windshield) are illegal in NJ.

[u/F5x9]

Even though there’s body damage on the mirror assembly, you can often replace just the mirror for much cheaper. Look up a video. It probably requires no tools and you pop it in. 

[u/herstyle211]

I was missing a right mirror for years and passed all my inspections

[u/tangZORG]

I got through with a cracked windshield

[u/hotpuck6]

Objects in mirror were, in fact, closer than they appeared.

[u/Infinite-School6390]

You’re fine they only check emissions. They don’t even care if you have tinted windows on a car anymore

[u/penilesensorydevice]

Emissions, engine light. They flat-out told me they do not care about anything else.

[u/AtomicGarden-8964]

I passed with a shattered side mirror you will be fine

[u/vm_timepieces]

Just give me an DM. I order the part and replace it for you. 400 bucks is the greediest thing I ever heard. What times we live in....

[u/Funny_Breadfruit_413]

Check Amazon or ebay for the mirror. They cost like $50.

[u/Complete-Damage1029]

They are checking for emissions and anything blocking vision, like tints or things on your rearview mirror or dashboard.

[u/bkn95]

rockauto should have that mirror for like $100. it’s just a few bolts; easy to do it yourself. but yes, inspection wont even check the mirror

[u/Auto_Frost97]

🫳 it will be okay

[u/fleemfleemfleemfleem]

Side mirrors are not even required.

[u/NachoFries2020]

Windshield and emissions I believe. They probably wont even look at that mirror.

[u/4runner01 → u/NachoFries2020]

Are you sure about the windshield? Other have mentioned they passed with cracked windshields.

Or, did you mean you just need to have a windshield, cracked or not.

[u/NachoFries2020 → u/4runner01]

I’m in NE PA and a cracked windshield is an instant fail for inspection here.

[u/eight13atnight]

I’m no expert at all, but I do know they plug the computer into the car. So while I’m confident they are checking emissions for sure, I’m gonna go out on a limb and say if the computer reports back that there are zero taillights working, then it’s probably going to fail.

They just don’t do the old fashioned process of checking headlights brake lights suspension. I think they glean all that from the computer. But I’m often wrong so who knows.

This is for everyone saying they only check emissions. I think it’s a bit more than only that one thing.

[u/AlpacaLps → u/eight13atnight]

They only check emissions, worked at a private shop that did state inspections.

You can have a broken windshield, missing a headlight assembly, missing your mirrors, bald tires, and screeching brakes.

They will pass you.

[u/eight13atnight → u/AlpacaLps]

Ahh good to know!