DATE: 12/20/2022
TO: ALL INSPECTION STATIONS
FROM: NEW YORK STATE DMV  
 
SUBJECT: Inspection Station Altered Vehicle (Stretch Limo) Reminder   
 
PLEASE BRING THIS MESSAGE TO THE ATTENTION OF THE STATION OWNER AND/OR MANAGER
 
This is an important reminder of updates to NYS law for licensed inspection stations as it relates to altered vehicles (stretch limousines). You must report all altered vehicles (stretch limousines) that are presented for inspection at your facility to DMV, regardless of whether an inspection is conducted (Vehicle and Traffic Law 308-a).  Inspection stations can report using NYVIP2, or by submitting form VS-1074SL.
 
A vehicle is “altered” if it has been stretched or widened to increase seating capacity. 
 
Transportation Law now requires registrants to obtain a DOT exemption letter for altered vehicles with a seating capacity of 9 or more persons (including driver) as of February 3, 2021, in order for such vehicles to be inspected at a DMV licensed inspection station. If an altered vehicle does not have an exemption letter from DOT, Transportation Law requires vehicles to be inspected by NYSDOT semi-annually (Transportation Law 151). Without an exemption letter, the vehicle cannot be inspected by a DMV licensed facility.   
 
Reject Inspection: 

          I. An altered vehicle that DOES NOT have a Federal Alterer’s Safety Certificate affixed to the vehicle (normally found on the door jamb) must be REJECTED and must be reported to DMV.

         II. An altered vehicle that seats 9 or more persons (including driver) and whose operator does not possess a NYS Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) exemption letter must be REJECTED and must be reported to DMV. 

Inspection Allowed: 

         I. An altered vehicle that seats less than 9 persons (including driver) and has a Federal Alterer’s Safety Certificate affixed to the vehicle can be inspected.

         II. An altered vehicle that seats 9 or more persons (including driver) and has a Federal Alterer’s Safety Certificate affixed to the vehicle can be inspected only if a NYSDOT exemption letter is presented.

If you have any questions regarding this reporting requirement, please call the DMV Office of Clean Air at (518) 473-0597 and select option #4.    
 
Important Note: Inspection Stations not using a NYVIP2 CVIS will need to use the attached VS-1074SL form for all altered vehicles (stretch limousines) and submit to DMV.  The VS-1074SL form can also be downloaded from the WWW.NYVIP.ORG website under the “Forms and Downloads” tab.