Car Inspection Alternative to Newark

The shortest line is in Flemington (off of 202S, slightly south of Flemington).

DaveSchmidt said:

Now that the Newark inspection lanes are closed, what’s the go-to MVC station? Looks like Rahway, Wayne and Secaucus are all about the same distance away, but maybe an outlier like Randolph is worth the extra 15 minutes. 

I've driven to Randolph when I'm in the mood for a drive in the country. (Versus the Industrialized urban sites typically where they seem to hide most of the inspection stations.)

DaveSchmidt said:

Now that the Newark inspection lanes are closed, what’s the go-to MVC station? Looks like Rahway, Wayne and Secaucus are all about the same distance away, but maybe an outlier like Randolph is worth the extra 15 minutes. 

I used to go to Randolph when I worked in the Morristown area. It was never crowded and always quick, but this was many years ago.

The Wayne station is good.  No lines the last several times I was there.  No appointment needed.  

You can go to a mechanic and pay.  I think the convenience is often worth it.

Secaucus, in and out in 15 minutes. 

Anyone tried Rahway?

DaveSchmidt said:

Now that the Newark inspection lanes are closed, what’s the go-to MVC station? Looks like Rahway, Wayne and Secaucus are all about the same distance away, but maybe an outlier like Randolph is worth the extra 15 minutes. 

Switch from fossil fuel to electric.

paulsurovell said:

Switch from fossil fuel to electric.

But at what cost? 

max_weisenfeld said:

Anyone tried Rahway?

I love Rahway. Pre-covid, they passed my sons accord that was straight piped due to theft of the catalytic converter so I’ve been going ever since. 

I was at Rahway yesterday - Friday. Painless quick drive: down GSP to Clark Circle, then quiet leafy streets to DMV, via Google Maps. Hardest part was not missing tiny sign directing you to turn right (for inspection) shortly after entering driveway to the complex. Zero wait. Staff efficient, professional and friendly (as it also was for prior inspection at Frelinghuysen Ave site).

Edit: I arrived about 11A

I’m reading now that only 14 states now test for emissions and safety. 13 require no periodic testing or VIN inspection for personal autos.

I go to my regular mechanic (CP Auto in Maplewood.) Yes, there's a fee as set by the state, but he takes care of our cars (and even sometimes gives us "freebies" for small things.) So I think it is worth it, not only for the convenience but also for giving him all of our auto service business that we can. (Very occasionally there is a recall or special item that requires a dealer visit. But those are rare, thankfully.)

Thanks, everyone. Looks like there’s no consensus, so I’ll check the traffic and make a pick when I go next month.

(In addition to saving the fee, my circumstances make a trip to the MVC more convenient than taking our car to the mechanic. Similarly, my circumstances make Paul’s EV proselytizing mistargeted. It’s a common occupational hazard for proselytizers.)

DaveSchmidt said:

paulsurovell said:

Switch from fossil fuel to electric.

But at what cost? 

$28,995 for a 260 miles range Chevy Bolt. Obviously less expensive to get a used one. 

However, either way, more expensive than driving to Rahway or even Randolph and getting your fossil inspected for free.

I happened to be near Red Bank a few weeks ago so got it done at Eatontown - in and out in 15 minutes.

How reliable are electric vehicles?  Maplewood's relatively new electric accessible senior transportation vehicle has been "in the shop" for over a month due to a faulty battery. Recently while walking on Valley Street, I saw the new electric Wyoming jitney being towed because it had broken down. 

DaveSchmidt said:

paulsurovell said:

Switch from fossil fuel to electric.

But at what cost? 

This is a good way to make the transition: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1114089

paulsurovell said:

DaveSchmidt said:

paulsurovell said:

Switch from fossil fuel to electric.

But at what cost? 

This is a good way to make the transition: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1114089

Another example of Boots Theory in praxis.

paulsurovell said:

This is a good way to make the transition: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1114089

My household has owned two cars over the last 37 years, back-to-back Civics. Given that we’ve almost always driven them less than 5,000 miles a year, I expect our second Civic, bought used 14 years ago, to be the last car we ever need.

Big fan of the inspection process at Randolph. A couple of weeks ago, I arrived and was done within 7 minutes. Two years before, it was a total of 9 minutes. I understand the loyalty factor and the convenience of a trusted service station, but I just can’t justify spending that kind of money for something that takes so little time. 

DaveSchmidt said:

paulsurovell said:

This is a good way to make the transition: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1114089

My household has owned two cars over the last 37 years, back-to-back Civics. Given that we’ve almost always driven them less than 5,000 miles a year, I expect our second Civic, bought used 14 years ago, to be the last car we ever need.

Partially off topic, but for the last 10 years we've generated solar on both sides of our roof, heated and cooled the house with electric mini-splits, cooked primarily with electric instant pots and charged both of our GM electric vehicles at home. Haven't bought or burned fossil fuel for 10 years. We just got our electric bill: 

joan_crystal said:

How reliable are electric vehicles?  Maplewood's relatively new electric accessible senior transportation vehicle has been "in the shop" for over a month due to a faulty battery. Recently while walking on Valley Street, I saw the new electric Wyoming jitney being towed because it had broken down. 

they are extremely reliable, especially as they age.  There are far fewer parts, moving parts, and heat generating parts than in a gas car.  Every manufacturer has recalls and hiccups, but EVs are very reliable

DanDietrich said:

joan_crystal said:

How reliable are electric vehicles?  Maplewood's relatively new electric accessible senior transportation vehicle has been "in the shop" for over a month due to a faulty battery. Recently while walking on Valley Street, I saw the new electric Wyoming jitney being towed because it had broken down. 

they are extremely reliable, especially as they age.  There are far fewer parts, moving parts, and heat generating parts than in a gas car.  Every manufacturer has recalls and hiccups, but EVs are very reliable

Joan,

I wonder why they can't replace the battery. Do you know who the manufacturer is?

paulsurovell said:

Partially off topic, but for the last 10 years we've generated solar on both sides of our roof, heated and cooled the house with electric mini-splits, cooked primarily with electric instant pots and charged both of our GM electric vehicles at home.

Off topic, and off target, from the start. But always welcome.

Inspection at Randolph seems to be pretty quick most of the time, though there is often a substantial queue first thing in the morning especially on the first and last days of the month.

joan_crystal said:

How reliable are electric vehicles?   

I've been driving an electric vehicle for 2+ years now and never had a moment's trouble with it. Very low maintenance - no oil changes, antifreeze, transmission, or catalytic converter to worry about. All I've had to do thus far is get the tires rotated and brakes checked. And yes, inspection is not required.

As to cost - New Jersey charges an additional registration fee on electric vehicles ($270 in 2026).  However, I spent far more than $270 on gas in a year with my former car so I feel I'm still way ahead.

Side note:  I work at the Randolph MVC.