Every registered vehicle must carry liability insurance, even if it sits in the driveway, and must pass a state inspection. Letting insurance lapse without turning in the plates can cost you your registration and eventually your license.
Know the rule
Your vehicle must be covered by liability insurance as long as it is registered, even if you do not drive it.
Handbook p. 27 ↗Minimum liability coverage (per incident)
| Covers | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Death of one person | $50,000 |
| Death of two or more persons | $100,000 |
| Injury to one person | $25,000 |
| Injury to two or more persons | $50,000 |
| Property damage | $10,000 |
Know the rule
Before your insurance expires or is discontinued, return the plates to a state or county office and get an FS-6T receipt. Otherwise you may pay a civil penalty for each uninsured day or have your registration suspended. Uninsured for 90 days without turning in plates? Your license is suspended too.
Handbook p. 27 ↗Know the rule
Motorcycles must be insured, but you don't have to turn in the plate when motorcycle insurance ends. Read and answer any DMV letter about your insurance.
Handbook p. 27 ↗Know the rule
Anyone who drives in New York, including non-residents, must be able to prove the vehicle has acceptable liability insurance. Driving uninsured, or letting someone drive your uninsured vehicle, means revocation for at least one year.
Handbook p. 27 ↗Know the rule
Most vehicles sold in New York must be inspected within 30 days of the sale and have a certificate before delivery. Bought from someone who isn't a NYS dealer? Inspect within 10 days after registering; request a Ten-Day Time Extension (VS-1077).
Handbook p. 27 ↗Know the rule
If you move to New York, an inspection certificate issued before is valid until it expires or one year from its issue date, whichever comes first.
Handbook p. 27 ↗Retail transfers exempt from the inspection requirement:
- Transfer to a "welfare to work" program
- Transfer of a chassis
- Factory direct delivery
- Transfer for registration in another state or country
- Transfer of a scrap vehicle
- Transfer to a long-term lessee (lease buyout)
Know the rule
After the first inspection, re-inspect at an official state-licensed station (yellow and black "Official Motor Vehicle Inspection Station" sign) before the current certificate expires, and whenever the registrant changes. Heavy vehicles use Heavy Vehicle stations; motorcycles use Motorcycle Inspection Stations.
Handbook p. 27 ↗Know the rule
Signing a registration renewal certifies the vehicle was inspected as required. Pass: you get a sticker. Fail: you get a rejection notice and usually must repair and re-inspect, so schedule early.
Handbook p. 27 ↗Know the rule
A vehicle failing a high enhanced or OBD II emissions inspection can qualify for a waiver only after a repair attempt costing at least $450.
Handbook p. 28 ↗Know the rule
Many gasoline vehicles (not motorcycles) get an emissions check with the safety inspection. Exceptions, safety inspection only: vehicles 26 or more model years old, less than two model years old, or registered as historic.
Handbook p. 28 ↗Know the rule
Diesel vehicles in NYS, even if registered elsewhere, face random roadside tests; those over 8,500 lbs GVWR need a diesel emissions inspection.
Handbook p. 28 ↗Know the rule
DMV regulates dealers, inspection stations and repair shops. Try to settle a complaint with management first. DMV accepts a repair shop complaint only within 90 days or 3,000 miles of the repair, whichever comes first.
Handbook p. 28 ↗Put it into practice
You're selling your car and cancel its insurance. Before the policy ends, turn in the plates at a motor vehicle office and keep the FS-6T receipt. Skip that step and you may owe a civil penalty for every uninsured day.