FAQS

NC State Official Inspection Station

THIS SITE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY DMV RULES AND REGULATIONS CHANGE CONTACT DMV FOR FINAL CLARIFICATION ON ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS Do all cars and light trucks need to have a NC Auto Inspection preformed? No Any car or light truck, 35 years and older is exempt from the inspection process. No sticker required. What does a NC Auto Inspection cost? All NC Emissions test fees are strictly regulated by the State of NC DOT. * Emissions inspection price is $30.00 ( includes a safety inspection.) * Safety Only inspection price is $13.60 Do all counties have the same rules? No. * DMV determines what counties fall under the rules for emission inspection testing or if the county is a safety only inspection. * Use our DMV link to review the current listings of emission counties. Do I need a registration card to get my inspection done? No. * We use your current or expired registration card for required information. When does my NC Inspection expire? Your NC Inspection expires on the month and year shown on your plate. * There is no grace period, however, read more at the Dept. of Air Quality. Are there any fines for having an expired NC Inspection sticker? Yes * If your inspection is 4 months overdue, a $50.00 fine can be assessed by the state through the registration denial program. * Blocked registration activity can be implemented until you pay the fine and have your vehicle inspected. Can my car pass the Inspection if my Check Engine light is on? No * A 1996 or newer vehicle will not pass the emissions inspection portion of the inspection if the check engine light is on. * The system will print out information for any problems that need to be repaired that affect the emission system. *You will need to have the problem fixed. After the car is repaired the computer is reset, you must drive about 60-100 miles of highway and city normal driving to complete the drive cycle in the cars computer. If the drive cycle not complete, you will receive a Not Ready Rejection. Will a cracked windshield pass the Safety Inspection? Yes * If the crack does not tear, cut or interfere with your windshield wiper blades. Do I have to pay if I fail the Emissions or Safety Inspection? Yes * The cost is split into two portions. * On the day of the inspection you will have to pay $23.75 (cost of emission inspection). $12.75 if safety inspection. *You then have up to 60 days to fix the problem and return for the re-inspection * You will have to pay $6.25 (cost of emission sticker) to complete your inspection. $0.85 if safety inspection. What items are checked during the Safety and Emissions Inspection? Headlights Windshield Wipers Catalytic Converter Parking Lights Rear View Mirrors Air Injection System Tail Lights Foot Brake PCV Valve Beam Indicator Light & Switch Emergency Brake Unleaded Gas Restrictor License Plate Light Steering Mechanism Exhaust Gas Recirculation Stop Light Tires Thermostatic Air Control Directional Signals Exhaust System Fuel Evaporative System Horn Clearance Lights Oxygen Sensor / Gas Tank Cap OBD II Compliances are tested during the comunication portion of the test from the DMV analyser to your vehicle.