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 older
- Diesel-operated
- Registered as a farm vehicle
Full Answer
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.
What cars are exempt from emissions testing?
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 older Diesel-operated Registered as a farm vehicle
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.
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 year vehicles are exempt from emissions in North Carolina?
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 older
How do I get a waiver for 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.
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.
What vehicles are exempt from safety inspection in North Carolina?
The law exempts from emission testing, vehicles that are registered in or sold in North Carolina if they are within the three most recent model years and have less than 70,000 miles on the odometer.
How can I turn off my check engine light to pass emissions?
2:496:01Tricks to Use to Pass an Emissions Test Every time - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll you have to do to reset your cars computers to this can make sure negative battery terminal.MoreAll you have to do to reset your cars computers to this can make sure negative battery terminal.
Will my car pass NC inspection with check engine light on?
For the emissions inspection the check engine light must be in working order (illuminate when the car is first started) and be off otherwise. For the safety only inspections the check engine light must work but it does not have to be off to pass inspection.
Does a 20 year old car need inspection in NC?
As 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.
Did 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 counties in North Carolina do not require emissions testing?
Details of the plan can be found on the website of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality. All counties will still require the safety inspection. Fifty-two counties already do not require annual vehicle emissions tests....Those counties include:Brunswick.Burke.Caldwell.Carteret.Catawba.Chatham.Cleveland.Craven.More items...•
Do all cars have to be inspected in NC?
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.
Do I need an emissions test in North Carolina?
Emissions Testing 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 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.
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.
How long does it take to get a vehicle inspection in NC?
The inspection must be completed within 90 days of renewing the vehicle. During a safety inspection, a licensed mechanic examines a vehicle's headlights, signals, brakes, steering, windows and tires.
How to request an exemption from the IRS?
To request an exemption, go to the License & Theft Bureau Portal and select "Request a Service.". You can also fax the information to 910-645-7197. Be sure to include your name and phone number on your fax sheet. Safety Inspections. Emissions Inspections.
What is a safety inspection in 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.
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.
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.
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.
What is a waiver for a vehicle?
Waivers are available for vehicles unable to pass an emissions inspection test and are granted by authorized DMV personnel. A vehicle receiving a waiver is exempted from meeting the full requirements of the emissions test portion of the inspection for one year.
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.
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.
What is a parts waiver?
A parts waiver can be issued if an emission control devices has either been tampered or is inoperative and the part is no longer available. The vehicle owner must produce three (3) forms of documentation from a dealership, automotive part store, and salvage yard supporting the claim the part is no longer available.
When can a repair waiver be issued?
A repair waiver can be issued when a vehicle cannot pass an emission inspection but the owner has made the attempt in correcting the emission failure. The following are the basic steps that need to be followed in order to be eligible for a repair waiver.
Why is the check engine light off?
Motorists should beware of offers to turn the "Check Engine" light off in an attempt to pass the OBD II test without making repairs. If the light has been turned off without making necessary emission-related repairs, it will come back on and the vehicle will not pass the test.
How long does a manufacturer's drive cycle last?
A manufacturer's drive cycle may be conducted in place of driving the vehicle for several days. The drive cycle performed must be presented to DMV personnel. The vehicle returns for another inspection and again has too many "not ready" monitors, exceeding the acceptable limit.
What is an OBD test?
Completing an Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) test on vehicles manufactured after 1996. A tampering visual inspection to make sure emissions components are present and functional. Vehicles manufactured in 1995 or earlier will not have an OBD emissions test, because these vehicles were not equipped with this computerized system.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 sticker…
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 the…