they can only scrape an expired sticker, if they scraped a valid sticker then i’d call the dmv
They can not hold your car by any means, call the police for that one
if you fail for a safety item you have 30 days to get it re-inspected w/ out having to pay the full $21 again, cops can still issue a ticket but most will not if you show them the inspection report saying that your getting it taken care of. if they do issue a ticket, you just need to have the inspector sign it once you’ve passed the inspection and you will only have to pay postage unless you drop it off at the police station.
if you failed for an inner tie rod then it must’ve been really bad, if it has a little play in it it’s still passable, i’d call the dmv if you think ur being ripped off and they’ll go to the shop personally and figure this stuff out.
almost all questions can be answered here http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/vehsafe.htm
any other questions you might have i’m sure pauly, loudgp, or myself can answer them for you.
and for all those looking for an inspection ‘hook-up’, try the valvoline’s first, there idiots