nc inspection checklist

• Do your own inspection and walkthrough – Sometimes, you just can’t rely on what’s visible. ...
• Work on minor repairs – If you find minor defects that need repair, perform the repairs on your own. ...
• Provide easy access to your home – Whether you will be around during the inspection or not, make sure to provide easy access for the inspector. ...

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Full Answer

How much does vehicle inspection cost 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: Your vehicle registration. $30 for the emissions inspection. $13.60 for the vehicle safety inspection.

Does NC require car inspections?

Safety Inspections A motor vehicle registered in North Carolina must pass an annual safety inspection before its registered owner can renew its vehicle registration. They can be conducted no more than 90 days before the license plate and registration expires.

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 is a NC safety inspection?

Safety Inspections

• Fees
• Failure to Pass Inspection. A vehicle that passes a safety inspection but fails the emissions inspection and can't be repaired might be eligible for a waiver​.
• Learn More

What is checked during a car 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.

What will fail a NC car inspection?

This includes your parking brake, foot brake, and pretty much anything else that might prevent you from successfully bringing your vehicle to a safe and timely stop. Damaged brake lights can also be a traffic safety hazard, which is why these can prevent you from passing your inspection.

What is needed to pass NC inspection?

Motor vehicles registered in 22 North Carolina counties must also pass an emissions inspection, conducted at the same time as the safety inspection....During a safety inspection, a licensed mechanic examines a vehicle's:Headlights.Accessory lights.Directional signals.Foot brake.Parking brake.Steering.Tires.Horn.More items...•

Will a check engine light fail inspection in NC?

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.

Will a tire pressure sensor fail inspection in NC?

No. TPMS is inspected but it is not grounds for inspection failure.

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 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.

How many incomplete monitors are allowed in NC?

Gasoline Powered Vehicles: - 1996-1999 model year vehicles will be allowed one incomplete readiness/emission monitor; any (1) one "not ready" monitor is allowed. - 2000 and newer model year vehicles will need all emission monitors in READY or COMPLETE status, with the exception of the EVAP monitor.

How much does NC inspection cost?

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. You must have your vehicle inspected no more than 90 days before your plate expires.

What year vehicle is exempt from inspection in NC?

If 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 can I turn off my check engine light to pass emissions?

You may turn off the check engine light using a scan tool or by disconnecting your car's, truck's, van's or SUV's battery. You may have already read information describing how to turn off the check engine light or service engine soon light prior to the emissions test in order to pass the smog inspection.

How do I turn my check engine light off?

0:143:01How To Reset The Check Engine Light-EASY And FREE - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt completely disconnected from the battery. And leave it off for about a minute if you want to beMoreIt completely disconnected from the battery. And leave it off for about a minute if you want to be extra safe leave it off for two minutes. But about one minute should be enough for most cars.

North Carolina Car Inspection Exemptions & Requirements | DMV.ORG

SUMMARY: North Carolina Vehicle Inspections. The North Carolina inspections process consists of two parts: vehicle emissions inspections and safety inspections.Many North Carolina counties require both inspections upon registration renewal, though there are a few initial exceptions.North Carolina residents new to the state aren't required to bring their vehicles in for inspections until it's ...

Official NCDMV: Vehicle Emission Inspection

In conjunction with an annual safety inspection, motor vehicles registered in 22 North Carolina counties in the table below must undergo an on-board diagnostic emissions inspection as part of requirements to keep air quality standards in compliance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.*

Emissions Inspections Exempts 20-Year-Old Vehicles Starting Dec. 1

RALEIGH – Beginning Dec. 1, North Carolina’s vehicle inspections requirement will exempt vehicles 20 years old from obtaining a yearly emissions test in the 22 counties which emissions testing is required.

Emissions Inspection Not Required for First Three Years or 70,000 Miles ...

State inspections got easier for some vehicle owners in 2015, but many are still confused about whether they qualify for an emissions test exemption. Vehicles that were produced within three years of the current year and have less than 70,000 miles on the odometer are exempt from the annual emissions inspection since they are covered by a warranty and very seldom have emission component failures.

NC DMV Inspection Requirements - How to Pass with Flying Colors

If you own a vehicle in North Carolina, you probably need an annual NC DMV inspection. In most counties, you also need an emissions test. In order to drive your vehicle, these are requirements.

North Carolina Safety and Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs

Overview . The 2017 session of the North Carolina General Assembly directed the Department of Transportation (DOT), Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Department of

What is home inspection?

A home inspection is an objective appraisal of the home’s current condition before the purchase is final. The home’s visible and accessible components are evaluated. These elements include the plumbing, roof, electrical, etc. Everything is inspected by a licensed professional according to the North Carolina Home Inspectors Standards of Practice.

Is a home inspection an appraisal?

Note: A home inspection is NOT an appraisal of the value of the home or the estimated cost of repairs needed. Instead, it is an evaluation of the home’s condition on the day of inspection.

What is NC emissions inspection?

While NC emissions inspections are relatively new, exhaust system checks have been around for years as a part of the annual safety inspection. This safety inspection step checks for removed, broken, tampered, or disconnected exhaust system parts and emissions control devices. Depending on your vehicle, this can include your catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipe, air pump system, EGR valve, PCV valve, and oxygen sensor, among others.

What is the first check for car inspection?

As you might have guessed, proper steering is essential to vehicle safety. One of the first checks here involves “free play” with your steering wheel , which is the term used to describe any extra motion needed from your steering wheel before it begins to turn your wheels.

Why does my windshield fail inspection?

It may also cause a failed inspection if the damage impacts the proper functioning of any other vehicle safety device , such as the windshield wipers or rearview mirror mounting.

What is the DMV accessory light?

Listed as “accessory lighting” by the DMV, this component of your car inspection includes checking your brake lights, taillights, license plate lights, reverse lights, and any other lights that may need servicing.

Do motorcycles need inspections in NC?

For example, instead of requiring two properly-functioning headlights, motorcycle inspections, naturally, only require one.

Can you renew your NC registration if it has failed inspection?

Unfortunately, you cannot renew your NC registration with a failed inspection. Instead, the DMV will block your registration application until your vehicle passes. Thankfully, these inspections are completed by mechanics, who happen to know a thing or two about repairs.

Do you need to be inspected for tinting in NC?

If you have had your windows tinted, they may need to be inspected to ensure that they meet the NC state guidelines. This only applies to after-factory window tinting. An expert will use a photometer to ensure that the tint has a light transmittance of more than 32% and that the light reflectance is not 20% or less. They will also ensure that the tint is properly placed and colored. Any professional tinting your windows should follow state guidelines, so this is unlikely to cause you to fail your inspection.

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 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.

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 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 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.