Expired Inspection Ticket in New York: Fines and Fixes

If your inspection sticker is expired, even by a day, you can get a ticket in New York. This can lead to fines, penalties, and suspesnions. Police don’t need any other reason to stop you. They just have to see the expired sticker on your windshield.

Here’s what that means, what it costs, and what to do next.

What is an Expired Inspection Ticket?

Every vehicle registered in New York State must pass a safety and emissions inspection once a year. When you pass, the shop gives you a small sticker with the month and year.

If that sticker expires and you keep driving, police can issue a ticket for an expired inspection under VTL Section 306(b).

You can get the ticket:

• While parked

• During a traffic stop

• If your car is spotted by patrol or traffic camera enforcement

It doesn’t matter if you “just forgot.” The law doesn’t give a grace period once the month ends.

What to Do If You Get a Ticket for Expired Inspection: Steps To Follow

You have two problems to solve. The expired sticker and the ticket itself.

Here’s what to do:

1. Get the car inspected right away. Don’t delay. The longer you wait, the harder it is to fix.

2. Bring your car to any NYS-licensed inspection station. You don’t have to go to the same shop every year.

3. Keep your receipt and the new inspection sticker. You’ll need this if you want to challenge or reduce the ticket.

4. Respond to the ticket within the deadline. This is usually 15 days from the issue date.

5. Talk to a traffic lawyer in NYC before pleading guilty. A lawyer can help you ask for a dismissal or reduction.

Ignoring the ticket can result in a default conviction and a license suspension.

How Much is a Ticket for an Expired Inspection? Fines and Fees

The fine for an expired inspection ticket depends on how long the sticker has been expired.

Here’s what you can expect:

If expired less than 60 days:

• Fine: $25 to $50

• Mandatory surcharge: $88 (city) or $93 (town/village)

• Total: Around $113 to $143

If expired more than 60 days:

• Fine: $50 to $100

• Mandatory surcharge applies

• Total: Up to $193

Other possible penalties:

• Parking tickets from meter agents

• Tow or boot if found during street sweeps

• Inspection holds that stop you from renewing registration

These tickets may seem small, but they often come with other issues, like insurance points or DMV flags if ignored.

Can You Get an Expired Inspection Ticket Dismissed?

Yes, you may be able to get the ticket dismissed if you fix the problem quickly. Courts sometimes reduce or dismiss the charge if:

• You get a valid inspection before your court date

• You show proof (inspection receipt and photo of sticker)

• You have no prior violations

This is called a “fix-it” dismissal, but it’s not automatic. The court has the final say.

If your inspection was more than 60 days overdue, or if you’ve had similar violations in the past, they may not dismiss it.

A traffic lawyer can help you:

• Present proof the right way

• Request dismissal or reduction

• Avoid points or surcharges tied to multiple violations

If you also got a speeding or registration ticket with the expired inspection, it’s even more important to speak with a speeding ticket lawyer in New York.

Need Help With a Ticket?

We handle expired inspection tickets across New York City and Long Island. Every case is reviewed by Michael E. Beer, an attorney with over 30 years of experience.

Here’s how we help:

• We respond to the court for you

• We help gather the right documents

• We fight to get the ticket dismissed or reduced

Don’t wait. You only have 15 days to act.

Contact us now for a free review of your ticket. Learn more about our traffic ticket lawyer services.