When it’s time to renew your car’s registration with the DMV, you need a safety inspection on your vehicle. If you live in one of certain North Carolina’s 19 counties, you’ll also need an emissions inspection. For an emissions inspection near me, trust Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.
With 100 Counties In NC, Why Do Only 19 Counties Require Emissions Testing?
When Congress passed the Clean Air Act in 1970, many large cities suffered from smog. Moreover, scientists determined much of this air pollution came from automobiles. In an effort to clean the air, the federal government required automakers to meet certain standards. To meet these new regulations, car manufacturers developed new technologies to curb the pollutants released from cars.
In addition, this act also required states to adopt programs to monitor air pollution. Failure to develop an air quality program could result in a loss of federal funding as well as penalties. North Carolina’s response to this law was to enact emissions testing.
Correspondingly, North Carolina also organized agencies to monitor pollution levels across the state. These agencies measure air quality to ensure it meets the EPA’s guidelines. As NC has consistently shown improved air quality, it has applied to remove emissions testing from certain areas. In 2023, NC applied to remove 18 more counties from this requirement. However, the EPA has up to 18 months to approve the submission and publish its final action.
Emissions Testing Process
If you live in one of these 19 counties, you must have your emissions tested before renewing your car’s registration:
- Alamance
- Buncombe
- Cabarrus
- Cumberland
- Davidson
- Durham
- Forsyth
- Franklin
- Gaston
- Guilford
- Iredell
- Johnston
- Lincoln
- Mecklenburg
- New Hanover
- Randolph
- Rowan
- Wake
- Union
When you bring your car into an inspection station, the technician will connect an analyzer to your vehicle’s OB II. Beginning in 1996, government regulations required all new vehicles to include this diagnostic equipment. The OB II system gathers crucial information about engine parts affecting emissions. If one of them is malfunctioning, you could fail your emissions test.
Sometimes, you may have an emissions problem without knowing about it. Other times, your check engine light will illuminate letting you know you have a problem. Either way, you’ll need to fix the issue before renewing your registration.
If you can’t seem to fix the problem, you may be able to obtain a waiver exempting your vehicle. To get a waiver, you must meet the following conditions:
- The vehicle passed the safety inspection
- You have documented repairs totaling at least $200 to correct the emissions problem
Furthermore, you’ll find several other exemptions removing the emissions testing requirement:
- 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
- Classic vehicles registered with an antique automobile license plate
Safety Inspection
Regardless of where you live in NC, the DMV still requires a safety vehicle inspection. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, component failure accounts for 35% of all motor vehicles. Thus, inspections can help prevent accidents.
During a safety inspection, the technician will check 12 important components:
- Headlights
- Accessory lights
- Directional signals
- Foot brake
- Parking brake
- Steering
- Tires
- Horn
- Rearview mirror
- Windshield wipers
- Exhaust system
- Emission control components
While a vehicle inspection doesn’t include checking the emissions for pollutants, the technician will check for tampering. Some car owners will remove emission control parts to improve horsepower and gas mileage. However, doing this will result in failing your inspection and prevent you from renewing your registration.
Additionally, if you have aftermarket window tinting, the technician will need to check the darkness percentage. Windows tinted outside of the legal limit won’t pass inspection. Finally, cars more than 20-years old are exempt from the safety inspection requirement.
Emissions Inspection Near Me – FAQs
Maybe in the future, you won’t have to search for an emissions inspection near me. However, residents of particular counties in NC still must have this test done. Below, we answer a few questions about vehicle inspections.
How Much Does An Emission Inspection Cost?
The DMV sets the fees for all vehicle inspections so all automotive shops charge the same price. For an emission test, the fee is $30 and $13.60 for a safety inspection. If you need a window tinting inspection, the cost is an additional $10.
What Happens If My Car Fails An Inspection?
You can follow all your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance yet your car may still fail inspection. Luckily, the DMV allows you 60 days to make all necessary repairs. Moreover, when you use our services for inspection, we can often fix the problem immediately.
Of course, you can take your car anywhere to repair the issue. Just make sure you return to the original inspection facility to avoid repaying the inspection fees.
Where Can I Find An Approved Emission Inspection Station?
Certainly, you can find plenty of automotive shops offering emissions inspection near me. However, residents prefer Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville for outstanding customer service and competitive pricing.
For over 25 years, we’ve been servicing foreign and domestic cars, trucks, and SUVs. We offer auto repair and maintenance as well as detailing and car wash services. Our locally-owned business staffs 4 ASE certified mechanics along with 5 NC inspection-certified technicians and support staff.
Why not call us right now at 336-993-7697 to make an appointment? One of our friendly staff members will be happy to find a day and time that works for you.
