Does North Carolina Have Emissions Testing?
North Carolina requires vehicle emissions testing in 19 designated counties as part of the annual safety inspection program.
The program is administered by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles, in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
North Carolina Department of Transportation
Division of Motor Vehicles, 3101 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-3101
Phone: (919) 715-7000
Official Website: NCDMV
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Air Quality, 217 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone: (919) 707-8400
Official Website: NC DEQ
The emissions inspection program operates under North Carolina General Statute §143-215.107A. Emissions testing is conducted simultaneously with safety inspections at licensed inspection stations throughout designated counties.
Which Counties in North Carolina Require Emissions Testing?
Emissions testing applies to vehicles registered in 19 counties.
Counties Requiring Emissions Testing
The following counties require emissions testing:
- Alamance County
- Cabarrus County
- Davidson County
- Durham County
- Forsyth County
- Franklin County
- Gaston County
- Guilford County
- Iredell County
- Johnston County
- Lincoln County
- Mecklenburg County
- Randolph County
- Rowan County
- Union County
- Wake County
- Buncombe County
- Cumberland County
- New Hanover County
Vehicles registered in the remaining 81 North Carolina counties require safety inspections only.
Vehicle Requirements in North Carolina
Vehicles Subject to Emissions Testing
In the 19 designated counties, gasoline-powered vehicles must undergo On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) emissions testing as part of the annual inspection.
Vehicles Requiring Testing:
- Gasoline-powered passenger cars and light-duty trucks
- Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 8,500 pounds or less
- Model years within the current 20-year testing window
Exemptions from Emissions Testing
The following vehicles are exempt from emissions testing:
By Age and Mileage:
- Vehicles less than 3 years old with fewer than 70,000 miles
- Vehicles 20 years old or older
By Fuel Type:
- Diesel-powered vehicles
- Vehicles powered by alternative fuels without gasoline
By Vehicle Type:
- Heavy-duty vehicles with GVWR greater than 8,500 pounds
- Motorcycles
- Farm vehicles registered for agricultural use
By Registration Location:
- Vehicles registered in counties not subject to emissions testing
Note: All vehicles, including those exempt from emissions testing, must still pass annual safety inspections unless specifically exempted by law.
Special Requirements
Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles: Hybrids with gasoline engines to are required to receive annual emissions inspections if registered in an emissions county.
Out-of-State Registered Vehicles: Out-of-state registered vehicles may be inspected in North Carolina if needed.
Alternative Fuel Vehicles: Vehicles using alternative fuels that include gasoline components require emissions testing. Pure alternative fuel vehicles without gasoline engines are exempt.
Costs and Fees Inspection in North Carolina
Inspection fees are set by state regulation.
Fee Schedule
| Inspection Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Safety Inspection Only | $13.60 |
| Safety and Emissions Inspection (Combined) | $30.00 |
Fee Information
- The $30.00 fee covers both safety and emissions testing when both are required
- The $13.60 fee applies to vehicles exempt from emissions testing or registered in non-emissions counties
- Inspection fees are standardized across the state
- Repair costs for emissions-related issues are not regulated and vary by facility
- Re-inspection fees may apply if a vehicle fails and repairs are completed elsewhere
Where to Get Emissions Testing in North Carolina
Finding an Inspection Station
Emissions and safety inspections must be performed at an NCDOT-licensed inspection station.
Licensed inspection stations include auto repair shops, service centers, and some dealerships throughout the state.
If Your Vehicle Fails Emissions Testing
If your vehicle fails the emissions portion of the inspection:
- The station will provide documentation explaining the failure
- You must have emissions-related repairs completed at any qualified repair facility
- Return for re-inspection after repairs are completed
- Re-inspection may be conducted at any licensed station
Repair Options:
- Original inspection station (if they provide repair services)
- Independent automotive repair shops
- Vehicle manufacturer dealership service centers
Use the Exemption Calculator: The DEQ provides an online tool to help determine whether your vehicle requires a safety-only or safety-and-emissions inspection.
Registration and Emissions Testing in North Carolina
Emissions testing in North Carolina follows timing requirements related to vehicle registration renewal.
When Testing Is Required
- Inspections must be completed no more than 90 days before your vehicle registration expires
- Testing is required annually for vehicles in emissions testing counties
- The inspection due date corresponds to your vehicle registration renewal month
Out-of-State Vehicle Provisions
New Residents
When registering an out-of-state vehicle in North Carolina:
- You may register the vehicle without an inspection initially
- When your next annual registration renewal is due, you must have the vehicle inspected first
- If registering in one of the 19 emissions counties, emissions testing will be required at renewal
- Inspections can be completed up to 90 days before registration expiration
Temporary Exemptions
Out-of-State Exemption: If your NC-registered vehicle is located out of state when inspection is due, you may request an exemption by submitting:
- A vehicle maintenance receipt (oil change, tire rotation, or other service)
- Documentation showing the vehicle's out-of-state location
Out-of-State Inspections
Out-of-state registered vehicles may be inspected in North Carolina at licensed stations if needed.
