BRONX, NY – As New Yorkers begin to settle in to what is widely expected to be a lengthy period of restrictions on social gatherings and businesses, vehicle owners have started to fret about whether they should continue to get the annually required state Vehicle Safety/Emission Inspection during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Under guidance issued by Governor Andrew Cuomo on essential businesses, automotive repair shops (where most safety/emission inspections are performed) are permitted to stay open. However, there are also strong recommendations by Governor Cuomo and the NYS Department of Health for all New Yorkers to stay home whenever possible.

Assemblyman Dinowitz believes there is a simple solution to this problem: all current New York State Vehicle Safety/Emissions Inspections should be extended until after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided. His office has contacted the Department of Motor Vehicles to inquire about any plans to extend impending inspection expirations, but has not yet heard back.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D - Bronx) said: “In times of global health crisis, we need to be able to make adjustments that protect the public health. Extending expirations on vehicle safety and emissions inspections is a common-sense solution which will allow people to focus on staying healthy and supporting each other through this time of crisis. Nobody should have to worry about getting their annual inspection, especially as most people are not going to be using their cars very much anyway.”