SUBJECT: Altered Vehicle (Stretch Limo) Reminder 

 

PLEASE BRING THIS MESSAGE TO THE ATTENTION OF THE STATION OWNER AND/OR MANAGER 

 

As provided in station message #280 issued December 20, 2022, this is another 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 NYVIP, or by submitting form VS-1074SL. 

 

A vehicle is “altered” if it has been stretched or widened to increase seating capacity. If you have any questions regarding a specific vehicle, err on the side of caution and please call DMV Office of Clean Air at 518-473-0597 and select option #4. 

 

As of February 3, 2021, Transportation Law requires registrants to obtain a DOT exemption letter for altered vehicles with a seating capacity of 9 or more persons (including the driver) in order for such vehicles to be inspected at a DMV licensed inspection station. 

 

Failure to follow these rules could result in substantial penalties up to and including revocation of your inspection license and or certification. The Department of Motor Vehicles has taken administrative action on more than 50 inspection stations and certified inspectors to date for violations related to altered vehicles. Charges include failure to report an altered vehicle, and improper altered vehicle reporting, and violations of Vehicle and Traffic Law §308-a. DMV takes these violations seriously and will pursue all possible enforcement actions including revocation. 

 

To learn more regarding safe limousine operation, special requirements, and Limo operator safety performance data, please go to https://webapps.dot.ny.gov/operator-safety-inspection-performance-data 

 

Important Note: Inspection Stations not using a NYVIP CVIS will need to use the VS-1074SL form for altered vehicle reporting needs (stretch limousines) and submit to DMV. The VS-1074SL form can be downloaded from the WWW.NYVIP.ORG website under the “Forms and Downloads” tab.