What counties in NC require emissions testing?
What counties in NC require emissions testing? Emissions inspections are required in 22 counties: Alamance, Buncombe, Cabarrus, Cumberland, Davidson, Durham, Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Johnston, Lee, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, New Hanover, Onslow, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Union, or Wake.
Does NC have emissions testing?
The State of North Carolina requires vehicle emissions tests for vehicles registered in 48 counties. North Carolina is in the process of revising its current emissions testing program to increase the number of counties exempt from testing. Most vehicles throughout the state must pass a safety inspection.
What are NC inspection requirements?
North Carolina Tire Regulations
- All tires must be in good condition and have at least 2/32 inch of tread depth remaining.
- 20-122. Restrictions as to tire equipment. ...
- Tire Problems. Too much or too little air pressure. ...
- Wheel and Rim Problems. Damaged rims. ...
Does NC require a smog check?
Some states, like North Carolina, only require smog checks in certain counties, typically the more densely populated ones. Also, there are states such as Hawaii and West Virginia that don’t require smog checks, only vehicle safety inspections.
Is NC doing away with emissions testing?
In the fall, the Environmental Protection Agency approved a reduction in North Carolina counties required to perform yearly vehicle emissions tests. Starting Dec. 1, this will bring to 78 the total number of counties in North Carolina that will no longer require annual vehicle emissions tests.
What year vehicle is exempt from emissions in NC?
20 years old or olderVehicles 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 older
Do you need emissions inspection in NC?
North Carolina requires emission systems tests for cars and light-duty trucks as part of the annual safety inspection in 22 counties. Vehicles from 1996 and newer are usually equipped with On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) systems, which help inspectors check that the vehicle's pollution controls are working.
What counties in NC require emissions testing?
The testing would still be required in 22 counties: Alamance, Buncombe, Cabarrus, Cumberland, Davidson, Durham, Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Johnston, Lee, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, New Hanover, Onslow, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Union and Wake.
How do I get a NC emissions waiver?
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.
How old does a car have to be to not need emissions inspection in NC?
20 years oldIf your car is at least 20 years old, you'll no longer need to get it tested for emissions in North Carolina starting Dec. 1. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this fall agreed with state legislators that it's not necessary to test the emissions equipment on cars and trucks older than 20 years.
How much is NC registration fee?
The annual registration fee for a private passenger vehicle will go from $36 to $38.75. Copyright 2022 Nexstar Media Inc.
How much is tag renewal in NC?
Registration Renewal and Vehicle Inspection: You must have your vehicle inspected no more than 90 days before your plate expires. Registration Renewal costs around $33 and Vehicle Inspection costs around $43. Go to any local service station (such as JiffyLube) for vehicle inspection.
Is there a grace period for expired tags in NC?
NC Expired Tag Grace Period 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 will fail a car inspection in NC?
5 Things to Check Before Your Next North Carolina State InspectionProblem 1: Tire Tread. ... Solution: Tire Replacement. ... Problem 2: Faulty Turn Signals. ... Solution: Light Bulb Change. ... Problem 3: Headlights. ... Solution: Headlight Service. ... Problem 4: Brakes. ... Solution: Brake Maintenance.More items...
Do I need inspection before registration in NC?
Will my vehicle need to be inspected before I obtain my North Carolina license plate? You will be allowed to register the vehicle without an inspection. When your next annual registration renewal is due, you must have the vehicle inspected to renew your registration.
What is needed to pass NC inspection?
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.
Smog and Emissions Testing in North Carolina
Emissions testing in North Carolina is required for most vehicles registered in 48 of 100 counties in the state. Drivers of these vehicles will nee...
North Carolina Emissions and Smog Check Requirements
North Carolina vehicle inspection guidelines are set by the state Division of Motor Vehicles, or DMV. The multiple-step safety and emissions inspec...
Smog Check Exemptions in North Carolina
Certain vehicles are exempt from emissions testing in NC, including vehicles registered in counties other than those listed above. Other vehicles e...
Out-Of-State Emissions Testing in North Carolina
If your NC emissions inspection is due while you are out of the state, you can obtain a smog test where your car is located if that state's standar...
Emissions Waivers in North Carolina
Vehicles that fail the North Carolina emissions inspection but pass the safety tests may be eligible for a waiver if they meet certain requirements...
Testing Fees in North Carolina
The state caps the maximum annual fee for NC vehicle inspections at $30 for emissions testing and $13.60 for safety tests. However, emissions testi...
Where to Perform An Emissions Check in North Carolina
North Carolina vehicle emissions testing is available at any of the 7,500 licensed inspection stations located across the state. Many emissions tes...
Failing A North Carolina Smog and Emissions Test
If you fail your emissions test, you are required to obtain the necessary repairs and have a re-inspection as soon as possible. Be sure to keep all...
How many counties in North Carolina require smog checks?
North Carolina requires smog checks in 48 of its 100 counties for gasoline vehicles manufactured in the 1996 model year or newer that weigh less than 8501 lbs must get a safety inspection and smog check if registered in one of the following counties:
What happens if a car fails a safety inspection?
When a vehicle fails an inspection, the owner must repair their vehicle and have it reinspected. However, if a vehicle passes a safety inspection but does not pass its emissions test, the vehicle owner may be eligible for a North Carolina Vehicle Repair Waiver.
How long is a 1995 emissions system warrantied?
Federal law states emissions systems on vehicles made in the 1995 and newer model years must have their emissions systems warrantied for two years or 24,000 miles. If the OBDII diagnostic system or catalytic converter on your vehicle made in ...
What is car insurance?
Getting car insurance is one of the requirements that vehicle owners need to fulfill in order to register and claim the title for their vehicles in the Department of Motor Vehicles. Vehicle insurance companies in the United States offer full auto insurance and liability coverage that protects the drivers in case of a traffic accident.
Does North Carolina require emissions testing?
North Carolina Smog Check / Emissions Test. The State of North Carolina requires vehicle emissions tests for vehicles registered in 48 counties. North Carolina is in the process of revising its current emissions testing program to increase the number of counties exempt from testing. Most vehicles throughout the state must pass a safety inspection.
Does the DMV store a copy of a receipt?
North Carolina DMV also stores a copy of the receipt in its vehicle registration database. On-Board Diagnostic Tests: The North Carolina DMV administers an ODBII test on most gasoline motor vehicles made in the 1996 or newer model years registered in one of the 48 counties that require emissions tests.
How much does a car inspection cost in NC?
If you’re wondering how much is a car inspection in NC, the fees are as follows: Safety inspection $13.60. While all vehicles need a safety inspection, not all require an emissions inspection.
What is the number to call for a car inspection?
If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 336-993-7697.
How many counties in NC require emissions testing?
Emissions testing in North Carolina is required for most vehicles registered in 48 counties in the state. Licensed NC drivers of vehicles in these counties will need a two-part safety and emissions test before renewing a car registration.
What happens if my car fails an emissions inspection?
If your vehicle fails its emissions inspection, you are required to obtain the necessary repairs and have a re-inspection as soon as possible. Be sure to keep all repair receipts. If the vehicle fails the second inspection, you will need receipts to apply for an emissions waiver, as described above.
What vehicles are exempt from NC smog?
Other vehicles exempt from smog testing are those manufactured in 1995 or before, diesel vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles with a GV WR over 8,501 pounds and vehicles powered by alternative fuels without gasoline.
Can you have your car tested in NC?
If your NC emissions inspection is due while you are out of the state, you can have your vehicle tested in the state you are in if that state’s standards meet those set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Do emissions testing stations charge less?
However, emissions testing stations may choose to charge less through the issuance of smog check coupons or other cost-reducing measures. Most testing stations accept a range of payment methods, including cash, checks and major credit cards.
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.
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 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 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.
What is an EPA label?
EPA emissions certification label. An EPA emissions certification label, titled "Vehicle Emission Control Information," is included on all vehicles built since 1995. It contains the manufacturer's name, trademark of the manufacturer, and an unconditional statement of compliance with EPA emission regulations.
Where is the EPA label located?
For light-duty vehicles and light-duty trucks, the emission label is located on the underside of the hood or in the engine compartment. Motorcycles and motor scooters have an EPA emissions label located in a readily accessible location, such as under the seat, on the frame, or in the glove compartment. Heavy-duty vehicles and engines have an EPA ...
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.
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 ...
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.
What happens if you have a NC emissions inspection?
If a North Carolina emissions inspection is required and your vehicle's battery is replaced or emission repairs were completed, the monitors will be set to "not ready" status. In this situation, your everyday driving pattern may not be sufficient to set required monitors in a short period of time.
How many times should you test your car for emissions in NC?
Below are several suggestions that could be followed to ensure you receive a North Carolina emissions inspection: The inspector-mechanic should attempt to test the vehicle at least three times.
Why is my vehicle rejected from emission inspection?
The vehicle is rejected from receiving an emission inspection because it has too many "not ready" monitors, exceeding the acceptable limit. The customer attempts to get the vehicle's monitors to set by performing any of the following steps. Repairs, and/or.
How long does it take to get a check engine light back?
The retest is free if you return to the original inspection station within 60 days.
Does the DMV do an OBD inspection?
Under the supervision of DMV the inspection station will proceed with the OBD inspection making special allowance to complete the emission inspection. The vehicle must pass the visual tamper and safety inspection portion of the emission inspection before a waiver number can be entered into the analyzer.