On the ticket this prints as: INSP. STICKER-EXPIRED/MISSING
Parked on a street with an expired or missing inspection sticker.
13%
of contested cases are dismissed outright — and 26.1% end dismissed or reduced. From 934,900 decided hearings in the city's own records.
Is it worth fighting?
~13% dismissed at hearing — but this one has a special path: prove the inspection was done (or the vehicle passed shortly after) and hearing officers frequently reduce or dismiss, because the defect is curable. Newly bought vehicles in the grace window also win.
What actually wins
The sticker was valid — photograph it (agents do misread month/year windows)
Vehicle recently purchased and within the inspection grace period (10 days in NY — verify current rule)
Inspection completed shortly after: bring the certificate; officers often exercise discretion
Vehicle was not parked on a public highway when ticketed
Evidence to gather
Photo of the windshield sticker
Inspection certificate with date
Purchase paperwork for grace-period cases
Fighting it is free. New York lets you dispute online, by mail, or in person — no fee, no lawyer required, decision from a hearing officer. Start at nyc.gov → Dispute a ticket. Check the response deadline printed on your ticket, and answer before it to avoid late penalties.