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Several states require drivers to obtain vehicle safety inspections regularly. In these states, a failed vehicle inspection can result in a rejected inspection sticker. In addition, a driver who fails to obtain an inspection or has an expired inspection may be subject to fines or face auto insurance suspension. This issue is further complicated when a driver whose car inspection expired gets into an auto accident. In this article, we examine vehicle inspections and discuss whether a person can face a denied car accident claim after his or her car inspection expires.
About New York Vehicle Inspections
The state of New York requires all motor vehicles that are over two model years old and under 25 years old to undergo an emissions and safety inspection. Once a vehicle passes a safety inspection, the state issues an inspection sticker that the owner must display on the vehicle. All vehicles that are registered in the state of New York State must obtain an emissions and safety inspection every 12 months. Both of these inspections are also required whenever the ownership of a vehicle is transferred.
Expired Inspection Penalties
In addition to the suspension of one’s car insurance, a driver in New York with an expired inspection faces the following possible penalties:
- For an inspection sticker that has expired in the previous 60 days, the owner of the vehicle faces a fine of between $25 and $50.
- For an inspection sticker that has been expired for more than 60 days, the owner of the vehicle faces a fine of between $50 and $100.
In addition, an owner who operates a vehicle with no inspection sticker faces a fine of between $50 and $100. Further, the state adds a mandatory surcharge that fluctuates based on the driver’s location.
The Effect of an Expired Inspection on a Car Accident Claim
If a person’s car inspection expires, this typically won’t impact his or her car accident claim, and it usually doesn’t impose additional liability on the owner. However, this is not always the case. For example, if a car owner’s failure to maintain an inspection contributed to the accident in question, then the other driver may be able to present this as evidence of the owner’s negligence. Ultimately, though, the specific circumstances surrounding an auto accident will dictate the effect that an expired inspection has on a car accident claim. Therefore, if you were involved in an accident after your car inspection expired, you should contact a Long Island car accident lawyer for assistance.
Contact a Long Island Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in the state of New York, the distinguished law firm of Dell & Dean, PLLC, is here to help. When you come to us for help with your New York car accident case, we will provide you with compassionate and aggressive representation, doing everything possible to successfully resolve your situation. Please contact us as soon as possible to arrange a meeting with an experienced Long Island car accident lawyer.
