North Carolina State Inspection – What You Need to Know
As a resident of North Carolina and a vehicle owner, you are required to have a North Carolina State Inspection done in order to obtain your vehicle’s yearly registration. Car owners are not able to renew their vehicle’s registration or get their yearly sticker for their license plate registration until the vehicle receives a satisfactory certificate of inspection.
Here is what you need to know. Every year, within 90 days of your annual registration date you need to bring your vehicle in to be fully inspected.
The North Carolina State Inspection looks over items such as:
- Brakes
- Steering System
- Turning Lights
- Windshield Wipers
- Aftermarket window tinted Window Grade
- Lights (headlights, tail, brake, plate, and turn signals)
- Tire Condition
- Horn
- Mirrors
If your car is more than 35 years old you are not required to have it inspected.
North Carolina is fighting ozone-forming emissions from gasoline-operated cars and light-duty trucks, Wake and Johnston County require a vehicle emissions check as well.
How is a vehicle’s emissions checked? Inspections are conducted using the vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system, computerized equipment installed on all new vehicles since 1996.
There are currently 22 counties in North Carolina that require vehicle owners to pass both an Emissions Inspection and a Safety Inspection.
Where can I get my car inspected? Did you know Fast Lube Plus is licensed to perform both OBD and Safety Inspections? We perform these services in compliance with state guidelines. Fees for these services are regulated by the state of North Carolina.
What happens if my vehicle fails an NC Vehicle Safety Inspection? If your vehicle fails inspection, your vehicle can be presented for re-inspection within 60 days of the original failed inspection. Once your vehicle passes, you will be eligible to apply for your yearly vehicle registration.
Stop by any six of Fast Lube Plus’ convenient locations to have your North Carolina State Inspection done. No appointment is necessary!