I dont think I've EVER paid for an inspection. I ALWAYS have my car registered in a different state then I live. I may change that.
The reason:
They cannot pull me over no matter if I have a sticker or not (for insp. or any other state specific vehicle violation), as long as I'm not in the registered state.
They cannont give me a ticket for inspection nor can they give me a fix it ticket for anything on/in the vehicle. Why, because they don't know if it's legal in the registered state. They could pursue it and have to go through a whole bunch of paperwork, months of waiting and then still have it thrown out.
Example:
Full tinted windows
Illegal in NJ
Not in parts PA
Car is Reg. in PA
If I get pulled over in NJ for whatever reason, they CANNOT give me a ticket for the windows, no question about it.
But just get a mechanic to help you out, explain the situation and ask "if he can help".