Need help understanding how the 25 year old car emission inspection exemption works in NY

Hello everyone I'm not in Syracuse but I'm a little up north and didn't know where else to ask this question. I've found conflicting information on how the 25 year old car emission inspection exemption works. On the surface it looks like cars that are 25 years old or older are exempt from emissions inspections according this this page from the DMV website

"Most New York State vehicle inspections include a check of the onboard diagnostic system (OBDII). This includes a test of vehicle emissions control systems, designed to reduce air pollution and keep New York State in compliance with the Federal Clean Air Act. Diesel vehicles receive a diesel emissions inspection at the time of the safety inspection.

Vehicles are exempt from emissions inspection if they are

motorcycles less than two model years old (the model year is greater than or equal to the calendar year minus one) more than 25 model years old (the model year is less than or equal to the calendar year minus 25 ) diesel-powered, except diesel-powered vehicles that are 1997 or newer and that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVRW) of less than 8,501 pounds electric-powered issued historical plates subject to the heavy vehicle safety inspection"

So according to this a car 25 years old would be exempt from an OBDII test, there's also this excerpt from a different DMV page

"On-Board Diagnostics Generation II (OBDII) Inspection Most 1996 or newer gasoline-powered vehicles and most 1997 or newer diesel-powered vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) less than 8,501 pounds are subject to the OBDII emissions inspection. This test examines the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), also known as the "check engine" light, for operation/illumination, and verifies the test results of the vehicle's "on-board emissions diagnostic" system.

Low Enhanced Inspection A "Low Enhanced" emissions inspection is required for most other vehicles, unless they are subject to the OBDII test or are exempt from all emissions inspections. This inspection is required for all vehicles from and including model year 1996 and older, through and including vehicles that are up to 25 model years old, and that weigh 18,000 lbs. or less.

Each emissions inspection for gasoline-powered vehicles confirms the presence and connection of the vehicle's required emissions control devices. This includes making sure that the vehicle's gas cap is present, is in good condition, and fits properly."

So according to this it seems that any car after 1996 made with OBDII is required to have the test done regardless of its age.

This matters to me because I have a 1999 turbocharged Miata that's running an aftermarket ECU that cannot be plugged into OBDII. I have no problem getting a visual inspection as a have a catalytic converter, PCV, EVAP and eveything else. I just can't plug into the OBD-II.

Of course the nuclear option would be to tear the thing back apart put back all the OEM stuff and send it in for inspection and put it back together but that's a pain to do every year.

I could also think about getting historic plates, but that would limit my usage of the car.

I've gone to a local mechanic and he told me that any car made with OBD2 after 1996 is required to be plugged in, but I've heard conflicting information from others.

So before I go try again at a different place, does anyone have any experience or knowledge on this subject? Thank you.