What are the State of North Carolina vehicle inspection requirements?
In the state of North Carolina, any registered motor vehicle not over 35 years of age must be inspected annually for mechanical safety as mandated by state procedures. A valid North Carolina vehicle registration is required before an inspection can be performed. Vehicles are not allowed to operate on North Carolina roadways without a valid inspection certificate. A North Carolina vehicle safety inspection is required within 10 days of receiving a North Carolina license plate or by the last day of the month printed on the inspection window sticker. If a vehicle fails the safety inspection, it cannot be operated beyond the expiration date on the current sticker. In conjunction with the annual safety inspection, a vehicle of model year 1996 and newer may be required to undergo an emission inspection. Diesel-powered vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles, RV motor homes, and motorcycles are exempt from an emission test. The emission test is performed through the on-board diagnostic system of the ve
