New York Codes, Rules and Regulations
Title 15 - Department of Motor Vehicles
Chapter I - REGULATIONS OF THE COMMISSIONER
Subchapter F - BUSINESSES REQUIRING LICENSES
Part 79 - Motor Vehicle Inspection
Section 79.28 - Inspection of motorcycles

Universal Citation: 15 NY Comp Codes Rules and Regs ยง 79.28

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 12, March 20, 2024

This section is comprised of the safety inspection requirements for motorcycles.

(a) Brakes.

Procedures

Reject if:
1. Check braking system for required brakes. 1. Not equipped with front and rear brakes (1970 and older need only one operating brake); any brake is disconnected.
2. Road test. 2. Vehicle does not stop within 25 feet when brakes are applied at 20 mph on a hard, dry, level surface free of loose material.

Note:

If a road test is performed on public roadways, a properly licensed operator must perform the test. If a road test cannot be performed, pull at least one wheel on a drum brake system for inspection of the condition of brake linings, drum and wheel cylinders, if vehicle is so equipped. On a disc brake system visually check rotors, pads and calipers.

3. Drum brakes: visually inspect shoes, drum and hardware. 3. Riveted lining is worn less than 1/32 " over the rivets or less than 1/16 " on bonded linings; drums are scored and impair braking or linings are contaminated; drums are turned below manufacturer's specifications.
4. Disc brakes: visually check pads and rotors. 4. Brake pads are worn to metal; rotor has mechanical damage other than normal wear; rotors are cracked or turned below minimum specifications.
5. Check mechanical brakes, linkage hardware and operation. 5. Rods, springs, and other hardware are bent, cracked, broken, missing, frozen, improperly connected or adjusted.
6. Check foot and hand lever free play and reserve. 6. Foot pedal does not have at least ½ " free play or manufacturer's specification, whichever is less. Hand brake does not have at least ¼ " free play or manufacturer's specification, whichever is less. Pedal reserve is less than 1/3 of the possible travel or less than the manufacturer's specification.
7. Check hydraulic brake lines, master cylinder, wheel cylinders/calipers. 7. Lines or hoses are bent, cracked, abraded, crimped, restricted, leaking. Master cylinder, calipers or wheel cylinders leak or control rod is improperly adjusted. Fluid level is below full mark.
8. Hydraulic brake pedal drop. 8. Pedal or hand control moves or drops in one minute while normal pressure is applied.
(b) Steering suspension and frame.
1. Check frame. 1. Bent, broken or cracked and is considered to be a hazard for operation.
2. Check wheels/wheel bearings. 2. Bearings are loose, broken, out of adjustment. Spokes or rims are out of alignment or broken.
3. Check steering head and bearings. 3. Loose, broken, out of adjustment or modified beyond manufacturer's specifications.
4. Check handlebars. 4. Loose, bent, broken, cracked or damaged, affecting proper steering; equipped with bicycle handlebars. The handlebars or grips are higher than the operator's shoulders.
5. Check shock absorbers. 5. Broken, defective, do not operate properly.
(c) Exhaust system and muffler (does not apply to electric motorcycles).
1. Check exhaust system and muffler. 1. System or elements are not securely fastened. Not equipped with an adequate exhaust system and muffler to prevent excessive noise. Equipped with cut outs, bypass or any device which allows excessive noise. Equipped with a replacement exhaust system or components that are not equivalent to original. Diffusers or resonators or any internal muffler parts are removed.
(d) Headlamp.
1. Check presence/condition. NOTE: Certain motorcycles may have a head lamp system that "modulates" between high and low intensity. This is an allowed modification only if the system can be switched off for normal operation. 1. Not equipped with at least one approved, operating motorcycle headlamp. Lamp is not operational; not properly and securely mounted, lens is cracked, broken, covered, discolored or obstructed (such as shields, paint, etc.). Light is not white or does not operate properly in all switching positions. Lights do not have high and low beams.
(e) Other lights.
1. Check tail, number plate, stop and turn signal lights, reflectors. NOTE: No lighting other than the headlamp(s) referenced in subdivision (d) of this section may be modulated; they must emit steady light. 1. Vehicle is not equipped with at least one tail and number plate light. If manufactured after October 1, 1968, one stop lamp. August 1985 and newer motorcycles must have turn signals. Does not have at least one Class B red reflector on rear (may be part of light lens).

Note:

If any motorcycle was originally equipped with more than one of each of the required lights, or such lights have been added when not required, all lights must meet the inspection criteria. A combination tail, stop, and number plate light may be used.

2. Check condition and operation. 2. Tail lamp does not provide light visible for at least 300 feet from rear. Number plate is not visible for 50 feet from the rear. Tail/stop light lenses do not produce majority of red light (red to amber for stop lamp) signal lights other than red or amber on rear, white or amber on front. Lens is broken, missing, obstructed, discolored or fits improperly. Lamps are not securely mounted. Do not produce a steady light; do not work properly in all switching positions (switched on/off, brakes applied, etc.).
(f) Tires.
1. Tread measurement. Tread depth gauge calibrated in 1/32 of an inch must be used if tread depth is expected to fail. Readings must be taken in major tread grooves nearest the center at two points of the circumferences not closer than 15 inches. (Do not inspect spare tire.) 1. Less and 2/32 of an inch of tread remains at both points where readings are taken. (If flat spots exist, start check at this spot.)
2. Check other tire condition. 2. Any cut in excess of one inch that is deep enough to reach the body cords. Tire is temporarily repaired, using a blowout patch or boots. Tire has bumps, bulges or knots showing partial failure of the tire structure. Tire has exposed ply or cord structure exposed. Tire does not display appropriate Department of Transportation markings or indicates "for off-road use," "racing use only," or similar wording.
3. Tire pressure. Check tire pressure. 3. Advise customer if tire pressure is not within range recommended by vehicle manufacturer. Note: Tire pressure check is an advisory only, do not reject the vehicle. The customer must be notified in writing.
(g) Horn
1. Required. 1. Not equipped with a horn.
2. Check condition. 2. Not securely mounted; button or activator interferes with brakes or other mechanism. Sound is not audible at 200 feet under normal conditions. Sound is loud or harsh, horn control/activator does not work properly. Vehicle is equipped with gong or siren whistle (only allowed or authorized on emergency vehicle).
(h) Rear view mirror.
1. Required. 1. Not equipped with at least one rear view mirror that provides a clear view to the rear.
2. Condition. 2. Not securely mounted. Reflector is deteriorated, peeling, tarnished, broken or cracked.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. New York may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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