Requirements to Become a North Carolina Home Inspector
- North Carolina home inspection education hours: 120 hours
- Inspections: 80 hours field with 10 site visits
- Exam Required: NC Exam
- Application Fee: $35 (other fees may apply)
Full Answer
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.
How much does a state inspection cost 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. You must have your vehicle inspected no more than 90 days before your plate expires.
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
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 needed for 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 old does a vehicle have to be to not need an inspection in NC?
Exemptions. Vehicles more than 30 years old are exempt from the annual safety inspection.
What is required for a car to pass 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 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.
Does a 20 year old car need to be inspected 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.
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.
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 tire pressure sensor fail inspection in NC?
No. TPMS is inspected but it is not grounds for inspection failure.
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.
Will my car pass inspection with check engine light on in NC?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 an NC DMV Inspection Checks
A licensed mechanic will check your vehicle during your state inspection. These safety checks make sure your vehicle is safe to operate on the road. It does not necessarily ensure your vehicle won’t break down. Here’s what it does check:
Window Tinting Requirements
In order to pass your NC DMV inspection, any window tinting must be within acceptable bounds. A mechanic must check any after-market tinting with an approved window tint meter. This incurs an extra charge at the time of inspection. If your vehicle’s manufacturer tinted the windows, a mechanic doesn’t have to check the tinting.
Emissions Testing
Along with an annual state inspection, you may need an annual emissions test. This is required here in Forsyth county, as well as 21 other counties in North Carolina. You can see the full list here. If you live in the Triad, you most likely need an annual emissions test for your vehicle.
What Happens if You Fail Your NC Safety Inspection
Vehicles that don’t pass inspection need repairs to be able to pass inspection. You can have them done here at Kernersville Auto Center, but you are also welcome to shop around if you wish. Typically, we can do repairs at the time of inspection. Many vehicles simply need a new light bulb to replace one that has burned out, for example.
How to Ensure You Pass your Annual Inspection
The easiest way to ensure you pass is to keep your car in good conditional all year long. Before your inspection, check the following:
FAQs about Car Maintenance
Along with ensuring you pass your inspection, we can also help with other vehicle maintenance needs. The inspection only covers what keeps your vehicle safe on the road. However, it doesn’t check things like your battery or transmission to keep your car from breaking down. Here are a few frequently asked questions about vehicle maintenance.
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 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.
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.
What is the minimum light transmittance for tinting windows?
Window Tinting. Window tinting must have a light transmittance of 32% or greater. Tint may not be red, yellow, or amber. Windshield tint cannot extend more than 5 inches below the top of the windshield or below the AS1 line, whichever is greater. Total light reflectance of a tinted window shall be 20% or greater.
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.
Do you need a rearview mirror in North Carolina?
A rearview mirror is required for all the vehicles in North Carolina unless the vehicle is constructed or regularly loaded in such a way that a rearview mirror will be ineffect ive. In this case you are required to have a both driver and passenger side mirror.
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:
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 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 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 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. . I’m moving from a non-emissions county to an emissions county.
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…