North Carolina Vehicle Inspection Checklist: What's Checked for a State Safety Inspection.
- Brakes. All brakes, including the parking brake, need to be in proper working order. The thing that gets most people is the parking brake. After all, ...
- Lighting.
- Horn. This one's pretty easy. Your horn must work. It must be firmly mounted and have no frayed or disconnected wires. It must be audible for at least ...
- Tires. Your tires are your most critical safety component and are also one of the things most likely to cause you to fail a safety inspection. All ...
- Steering and Suspension.
Full Answer
Does NC require vehicle inspections?
Safety inspection always required. Regardless of age or mileage, all vehicles in North Carolina must pass a yearly auto safety inspection before the vehicle's registration can be renewed. The safety inspection requirement is in effect in all 100 North Carolina counties and is designed to protect the motoring public from unsafe vehicles.
What are the car inspection requirements in North Carolina?
- New vehicles made within the 3 most recent model years driven less than 70,000 miles
- Vehicles made in the 1995 model year or earlier
- Diesel vehicles
- Farm vehicles
- The alternative – fueled vehicles that do not use gasoline
- Vehicles weighing more than 8501 lbs
- Motorcycles
- Recreational vehicles (RVs)
- Motorhomes
How much is a car inspection in NC?
North Carolina state vehicle inspection fees are $13.60. Emissions inspection fees, which include vehicle inspections, cost $30.00. Your vehicle must pass inspection before its registration can be renewed. What do they check for car inspection in NC? During a safety inspection, a licensed mechanic examines a vehicle’s headlights, signals ...
What states require vehicle inspection?
These states include:
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Nebraska
- Mississippi
- Rhode Island
How old does a car have to be to not need inspection in NC?
Exemptions. Vehicles more than 30 years old are exempt from the annual safety inspection.
Is there a grace period for car inspection in NC?
According to the NCDOT, you can drive for up to 15 days after your registration renewal date in North Carolina without getting a ticket. This window is a “grace period” to give you more time for your registration renewal.
What year cars have to be inspected in NC?
20 yearsAs of December 1, 2019, vehicles with a model year with in 20 years of the current calendar year will require a safety and emissions inspection.
What does it take to pass an NC inspection?
What an NC DMV Inspection ChecksLights, including headlights, brake lights, accessory lights, and signals.Brakes – both your foot brake and parking brake.Steering.Tires – they must have the required amount of tread.Mirrors.Horn.Windshield wipers.Exhaust.
How long can you ride around with expired tags?
And according to most states, there is no amount of time you can drive with expired tags. It's automatically an offense, although police officers may decide not to issue you a ticket if you promise to get your tags renewed. In some cases, you may just get a warning or a small fine.
Is there a 15 day grace period on tags in North Carolina?
Registration Renewal Late Fees Although an individual can legally operate their vehicle up to 15 days after their registration expires ("valid through" date), the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicle charges a late fee up to $25 on all registration renewals paid after the license plate's expiration date.
What vehicles are exempt from inspection in NC?
Vehicles are exempt from emissions inspections under the following conditions:Some light-duty vehicles less than 3 years old or have fewer than 70,000 miles.Vehicle is 20 years old or olderDiesel-operated.Registered as a farm vehicle.
What vehicles need to be inspected NC?
During a safety inspection, a licensed mechanic examines a vehicle's headlights, signals, brakes, steering, windows and tires. Motor vehicles registered in 22 North Carolina counties must also pass an emissions inspection, which is conducted at the same time as the safety inspection.
What will fail a car inspection?
One or more worn, damaged, or fouled sparkplugs are present. Catalytic converter is clogged, missing, or ineffective * Malfunctioning oxygen sensor. Internal engine parts may be malfunctioning or damaged.
Will a cracked windshield pass NC inspection?
Car Inspection Check 8: Windshield Glass In some (but not all) cases, a cracked windshield can lead to a failed inspection in North Carolina. This is often the case if the cracked windshield obstructs the driver's vision in a way that impacts the car's safety.
What do I do if my car wont pass inspection in NC?
The vehicle owner must take the vehicle that failed the emission inspection, the two failed emission inspection records (VIRS), and the original repair receipts to the local DMV office. DMV will review all documentation and inspect the vehicle for the repairs before a waiver can be issued.
Will a tire pressure sensor fail inspection in NC?
No. TPMS is inspected but it is not grounds for inspection failure.
What is a safety inspection in NC?
During a safety inspection, a licensed mechanic examines a vehicle's: Motor vehicles registered in 22 North Carolina counties must also pass an emissions inspection, conducted at the same time as the safety inspection. Failure to get a vehicle inspected by the due date will result in a vehicle's registration being blocked until ...
How old do you have to be to get an antique license plate?
Vehicles more than 30 years old are exempt from the annual safety inspection. Vehicles 30 years old or older may qualify for an antique automobile license plate. Those vehicles with an antique automobile license plate are exempt from both annual safety and emissions inspections.
Do you need a safety inspection to renew your car registration in NC?
Safety Inspections. A motor vehicle registered in North Carolina must pass an annual safety inspection before its registered owner can renew its vehicle registration.
Does NC require emissions inspection?
Motor vehicles registered in 22 North Carolina counties must also pass an emissions inspection, conducted at the same time as the safety inspection. Failure to get a vehicle inspected by the due date will result in a vehicle's registration being blocked until the vehicle is inspected.
Do you have to bring your car in for inspection in NC?
North Carolina residents new to the state aren't required to bring their vehicles in for inspections until it's time to renew their NC registrations. North Carolina requires most vehicles in designated counties to undergo safety and vehicle emissions inspections.
Do you have to have a vehicle inspection before you can renew your registration?
There are two parts to the inspection process: emissions inspections and safety inspections. Your vehicle must pass both inspections before you can renew your registration.
How old does a car need to be to have an emissions inspection?
If your vehicle is three years old or newer and has less than 70,000 miles, you do not need to have an emissions inspection. This is due to a new law granting the exception. Effective December 1, 2019, vehicles that are twenty years old or older are exempt from emissions inspections.
How much does a vehicle inspection cost?
The annual vehicle safety inspection cost $13.60. If you are in one of the 48 counties that require onboard diagnostics emissions inspections, the price is $30, which includes both the emissions and safety inspections. Aftermarket window tinting costs an additional $10.
How much tread depth do you need for a safety inspection?
All tires must be in good condition and have at least 2/32 inch of tread depth remaining. Any tires under this specification must be replaced before your vehicle can pass.
What are the requirements for exterior lights?
This includes the headlights, brake lights, taillights, license plate lights, turn signal lights, and parking lights. The lights must all be properly mounted and have no cracks in the lenses. The headlights must be properly aimed, not pointing at the ground or up in the air.
What happens if a vehicle fails a safety inspection?
What Happens If The Vehicle Fails An Inspection. If your vehicle fails inspection, you can present it for re-inspection within 60 days. If you failed the safety inspection, only the failed components will be reevaluated the second time.
How old are antique cars?
Antique vehicles are those that are at least 35 years old measured from the date of manufacture. These vehicles are not required to undergo safety inspections, though you should ensure that all safety-related defects in these vehicles are corrected for your safety and the safety of others.
Can a windshield wiper get caught up on a windshield?
And it can't be big enough so that a windshield wiper can get caught up on it. If you can rub a fingernail over the crack and it catches, you will fail the inspection. In any case, it's always a good idea to have your glass replaced if it's cracked.
What is the number to call for NC inspection?
For answers to questions not addressed on this page, send a message to the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles or call (877) 421-0020.
How does NC electronic inspection work?
How does North Carolina's electronic inspection program work? When your vehicle is inspected, a record of your vehicle’s inspection is entered electronically into the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles' vehicle registration database within two hours, which is used by license tag agencies and law enforcement personnel.
How often do you need to inspect a permanent plated vehicle?
Permanent-plated vehicles must be inspected every year , but their inspections are not synchronized with registration renewal. The date of the inspection will not affect the vehicle’s registration, if the inspection occurs on a yearly basis. Last updated Jan. 15, 2021.
How to get an out of state vehicle exemption?
To receive an out-of-state exemption, you will need to submit a vehicle maintenance receipt such as an oil change, tire rotation performed or other maintenance on the vehicle. The service invoice must include the name, phone number and address of the company who performed the service.
Exemptions
Vehicles are exempt from emissions inspections under the following conditions:
Failure to Pass Inspection
The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles’ License & Theft Bureau may issue a waiver for a vehicle that meets all the following conditions:
When will a 1999 model year vehicle be exempt from emissions inspection?
For example, a 1999 model year vehicle would be exempt from obtaining an emissions inspection starting Dec. 1. The following year a 2000 model year vehicle would be exempt from obtaining an emissions inspection. The change came about as a result of the passage of Senate Bill 131 (Regulatory Reform Act of 2016-2017).
Do you need a safety inspection in NC?
By law, a motor vehicle must pass an annual safety inspection before it can be registered in North Carolina or the registration can be renewed. All North Carolina counties still require the safety inspection. Emissions inspections are still be required in 22 counties and will still be required for vehicles under 20 years old, starting Dec. 1.
What is the minimum requirement for light transmittance in North Carolina?
All devices used within the State of North Carolina to measure light transmittance through vehicle windshields or other windows shall as a minimum meet the requirements of Rule .0552 of this Section before being approved for use in enforcing state inspection laws and for law enforcement use throughout the state.
What happens if you pay inspection fee at the time of the original inspection?
Payment of the inspection fee at the time of the original inspection by the owner or operator of a " disapproved" vehicle entitles the vehicle to reinspection, free of charge, by the initial inspection station.
What is the emission test for 1975?
This exhaust emission test is in addition to the safety inspection required in the rules in this Section and shall be administered as a part of the regular inspection only. The exhaust emission readings resulting from the test must be at or below the standards as set forth in Paragraph (e) of this Rule or a waiver must be issued by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles or his designated agent as specified in 19A NCAC 3D .0551. The current year model vehicle shall be subject to the exhaust emissions inspection if presented for reinspection at anytime after the original inspection.
Can you apply for an appointment as a safety equipment inspection station?
No application for appointment as a safety equipment or safety equipment exhaust emissions inspection station or self-inspector shall be approved unless the requirements are met as set out in this Section.
Who issues a written waiver for exhaust emissions?
The Commissioner, or Enforcement Section employees who are designated by the Commission er, may issue a written waiver from the applicable exhaust emissions test standards for any vehicle, except vehicles listed in Paragraph (g) of this Rule, if the waiver issuance criteria have been met.
Do brakes need inspection stickers?
No vehicle brakes shall be approved for an inspection sticker unless the items indicated in this Rule are inspected and found to meet the minimum requirements established in G.S. 20-124 and this Rule.
How many miles does a vehicle have to be to qualify for a safety inspection?
Does My Vehicle Qualify? If your vehicle is light-duty, gasoline powered, three years old or less, registered in one of the 48 emissions counties, and has less than 70,000 miles, it is exempt from an emissions inspection under General Statute 20-183.2 and will receive a safety-only inspection.
How much does an emissions test cost in NC?
A safety inspection costs NC drivers $13.60, with an additional $16.40 for the emissions inspection. That isn't much money, unless your vehicle does not pass. It's then that costs can add up with repairs that can be very simple and cheap to complicated repairs that can cost thousands of dollars.
What happens if your check engine light is on?
If you meet the exemptions but your check engine light is on, you won't fail the safety inspection and you won't be required to have an emissions inspection. If your vehicle is not exempt from the emissions inspection, you will fail the emissions inspection.
How much does an emissions inspection cost?
If you are exempt and still want an emissions inspection, you are still allowed to get one. It's just not required. The emissions inspection only costs $16.40, which can be a very inexpensive cost to pay to find out you have a problem that can be repaired free of charge by a dealership under the federal emissions warranty.
How long after a second inspection does a vehicle have to be inspected?
If your second inspection occurs more than sixty (60) days after the first failed inspection, your vehicle will be re-evaluated for exemption under this program. If it is more than three years old or has more than 70,000 miles, it must then have an emissions inspection in addition to repeating the safety inspection.
How long does it take to get a safety inspection after a failed inspection?
If you return within sixty (60) days of the first failed inspection, your vehicle will still need only a safety inspection even if your vehicle no longer qualifies under this program. This can happen if you fail an inspection at 69,999 miles but need to return after you cross the 70,000 mile threshold.
Do new cars fail emissions inspections?
Newer cars and trucks rarely fail emissions inspections. Even if one of these vehicles has an emissions-related problem, the problem must be corrected by a dealer free of charge under the federal emissions warranty that comes with new motor vehicles manufactured after 1995. So, it is in the best interests of consumers to not pay for this test needlessly.
New North Carolina Residents
North Carolina Inspection Requirements and Exemptions
- Most vehicles in qualifying counties must undergo vehicle emissions and safetyinspections. There are two parts to the inspection process: emissions inspections and safetyinspections. Your vehicle must pass both inspections before you can renew your registration. You must complete both inspections within 90 daysbefore your registration expires; othe...
How to Get A Vehicle Inspection in NC
- You can search for an inspection location nearest you using the North Carolina Inspection Station Locations list. Make sure to call ahead for days and hours of operation. You'll need to bring: 1. Your vehicle registration. 2. Applicable fees, which include: 2.1. $30 for the emissions inspection. 2.2. $13.60 for the vehicle safety inspection. North Carolina no longer issues inspection stickers for your windshield; once you pass your inspections, the insp…
What If You Failed The NC Vehicle Inspection?
- If your vehicle fails the safety inspection, you must make the necessary repairs and undergo another inspection. If your vehicle fails the emissions inspection, you might be eligible for an emissions waiver as long as it meets the criteria set forth in the North Carolina General Statute 20 – 183.5. For more information about waiver eligibility, the NC DMV recommends contacting them at (877) 421-0020.