What’s Checked During NC State Inspection
What You Need to Know
In order to register your vehicle in North Carolina, it must undergo an annual inspection with a state licensed mechanic. This requirement applies to both autos being registered in state for the first time as well as renewal of existing registrations. The inspection must be completed within 90 days prior to registration. When you're ready to have your car inspected, King's Auto Service in Raleigh, North Carolina, is convenient and quick. Further, if you have to make a repair in order for the vehicle to pass inspection, we can help you with that, as well.
The Inspection Checklist
Unless your ride is more than 35 years old (in which case it is exempt), it must undergo an annual safety inspection. Failure to have your car inspected as required will result in your attempt to register or renew the registration being blocked until you comply. Your service provider is required to check out the following points: headlights, accessory lights, signal lights, brakes, parking brake, steering, tires, horn, rear view mirror, windshield wipers, exhaust system, and window tinting (if an aftermarket tint has been added). Window tinting cannot measure beyond 32% with a state-approved meter. If you live in certain areas (22 of the state's 100 counties), your auto will also need an annual emissions test. Counties that require your car to pass this standard are Alamance, Buncombe, Cabarrus, Cumberland, Davidson, Durham, Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Johnston, Lee, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, New Hanover, Onslow, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Wake, and Union. However, if the vehicle is more than 20 years old, registered for farm use, diesel powered, or in some cases has been driven fewer than 70,000 miles or is less than 3 years old, it is exempt from emissions testing. State inspection fees are $13.60 for safety, $30.00 for on-board diagnostics emissions, and $10.00 for window tinting.
Your Local Inspection Station
When the state says it's time to have your car checked out, you want the convenience of a nearby shop, yet you want technicians who are honest and capable of quickly correcting any issues that might prevent your car from passing inspection. That local shop is King's Auto Service. We look forward to helping you navigate the annual inspection process or taking care of any other automotive repairs.