State Inspection FAQs
How soon can I get my vehicle inspected prior to the registration being renewed? A motor vehicle must pass an annual safety inspection before it can be registered in North Carolina or the registration can be renewed. The inspection must be completed within 90 days of renewing the vehicle. Failure to get a vehicle inspected by the due date will result in a vehicle's registration being blocked until the vehicle is inspected.
When do vehicles become exempt from inspection? Vehicles more than 30 years old are exempt from the annual safety inspection. Vehicles 30 years old or older may qualify for an antique automobile license plate. Those vehicles with an antique automobile license plate are exempt from both annual safety and emissions inspections. Antique plates should be used for vehicles primarily used for exhibitions, club activities, parades and other public interest events.
How much are vehicle inspections? An On-board diagnostic emissions inspection is $30, a Safety inspection $13.60. Depending on the year model and county a automobile is registered will determine what inspection is required for your automobile. The state also requires that any vehicle with window tint undergo a window tint inspection which is an additional $10 fee if applicable.
What vehicles are exempt from the emissions inspection? Vehicles are exempt from emissions inspections under the following conditions. The vehicle has a GVWR of over 8500. The Vehicle is 20 years old or older. The vehicle is Diesel-operated. The vehicle has been Registered as a farm vehicle. Some light-duty vehicles less than 3 years old or have fewer than 70,000 miles for more information I've attached the exemption calculator. https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/air-quality/motor-vehicles-air-quality/inspection-maintenance-program/3-year-70000-miles-exemption-calculator
If the registration cannot be issued until it is inspected – and I can’t drive it to the inspection station – how do I legally get the car in compliance? The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles may issue a 10-day temporary license plate that authorizes an individual to drive their vehicle for inspection and registration. You should contact an NCDMV license plate agency for the plate.
Is my window tint legal? Tinted windows cannot measure darker than 32 percent with a North Carolina-approved window tint meter. The tint on a windshield cannot extend more than 5 inches below the top of the windshield or below the AS1 line of the windshield, whichever is longer.
I’m moving to North Carolina from another state. 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.
