DATE: 9/9/2019
TO: ALL INSPECTION STATIONS
FROM: NYS DEPT. OF MOTOR VEHICLES
SUBJECT: ALTERED VEHICLE (STRETCH LIMOUSINE) REPORTING
 
Effective October 9, 2019, Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 308-a requires all inspection stations to report to DMV any time an altered vehicle is presented for inspection, regardless if an inspection is conducted.
 
A vehicle is “altered” if it has been stretched or widened to increase passenger capacity.
 
Within 24 hours of an altered vehicle being presented for inspection, you must send an “Altered Vehicle Report” (VS-1074SL - download here) to DMV via email at limoreport@dmv.ny.gov or fax to (518) 474-2739. 
 
In the near future, the NYVIP2 Computerized Vehicle Inspection System (CVIS) will be updated to enable inspection stations to report to DMV via CVIS.
 
Inspection Allowed:
I. An altered vehicle that seats less than 11 persons (including driver) can be inspected.
 
II. An altered vehicle that seats 11 or more persons (including driver) can be inspected only if a   NYS Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) exemption letter is presented (Sample for download here).
 
Reject Inspection:
An altered vehicle that seats 11 or more persons (including driver) and whose operator does not possess a NYSDOT letter must be REJECTED.
 
CVIS Altered Vehicle VIN “Block”:
 
Effective immediately, DMV has applied a CVIS VIN “Block” to known altered vehicles. A VIN Block prevents an inspection of that vehicle using your NYVIP CVIS.
 
If you have any questions regarding this new reporting requirement, please call the DMV Office of Clean Air at (518) 473-0597, and select option #4.
 
Please share this information with all appropriate staff.