In Ohio if you spend X amount of money in trying to correct the emissions failure you can get a waiver. Not sure if NY has a simular law but its worth looking into.
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What is a waiver?
When a vehicle has failed at least one emissions test and the owner has made efforts to have that vehicle repaired, a waiver may be issued at an E-Check test facility. The motorist must bring all original emissions- related repair receipts, as well as the vehicle, to the station in order for a waiver to be issued. Repairs may be performed at any repair facility or by the vehicle owner. In the case of self-repairs, only receipts for parts will count toward a waiver. An owner may not submit receipts for her/his own labor. Tampering-related repairs do not count towards either waiver option. Note: waivers are not transferable to the new owner if the vehicle is sold.
Option 1 - Applies to the Tailpipe Test Only:
CONDITIONAL PASS WAIVERS are issued after the initial tailpipe test. To qualify for this waiver, the vehicle must be a 1995 or older model year and must show:
a) at least a 30 percent improvement from the initial emissions readings for which the vehicle failed without causing initially passed readings to exceed state standards; AND
b) eligible receipts for emissions-related repairs totaling at least $200. Tampering-related repairs do not count towards this option. Receipts will only be accepted for repairs performed within sixty days of the initial inspection.
The above type of waiver applies only to vehicles tested via the tailpipe test.
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