In North Carolina, maintaining air quality standards is a priority, and for vehicle owners in certain counties, this means undergoing an On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) emissions inspection in addition to the annual safety inspection. This guide clarifies which areas are affected and what you need to know about the Nc Obd2 Inspection.
Who Needs an NC OBD2 Emissions Inspection?
If you register your vehicle in one of the 19 counties listed below, your vehicle must undergo an OBD emissions inspection as part of the annual vehicle inspection. This requirement is in place to ensure North Carolina adheres to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines for air quality.
- Alamance
- Buncombe
- Cabarrus
- Cumberland
- Davidson
- Durham
- Forsyth
- Franklin
- Gaston
- Guilford
- Iredell
- Johnston
- Lincoln
- Mecklenburg
- New Hanover
- Randolph
- Rowan
- Wake
- Union
Exemptions from NC Emissions Inspections
Certain vehicles are exempt from the NC OBD2 emissions inspection. These exemptions include:
- Newer, Low-Mileage Vehicles: Some light-duty vehicles that are less than 3 years old or have been driven fewer than 70,000 miles may be exempt. You can use the 3-year/70,000-mile exemption calculator provided by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to check if your vehicle qualifies.
- Older Vehicles: Vehicles that are 20 years old or older are exempt from emissions testing.
- Diesel Vehicles: Vehicles that are operated using diesel fuel are exempt.
- Farm Vehicles: Vehicles registered as farm vehicles do not require an emissions inspection.
Antique Vehicles
Vehicles that are 30 years old or older and qualify for an antique automobile license plate receive exemptions from both annual safety and emissions inspections. However, it’s important to note that antique plates are intended for vehicles primarily used for exhibitions, club activities, parades, and similar events of public interest, not for regular daily transportation.
What Happens If You Fail the NC OBD2 Inspection?
If your vehicle fails the OBD emissions inspection but passes the safety inspection, there may be an option for a waiver under specific conditions. The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles’ License & Theft Bureau can issue a waiver if your vehicle:
- Passes the safety inspection but fails the emissions inspection based on data from the on-board diagnostic system.
- Has undergone documented repairs aimed at fixing the cause of the emission failure, costing at least $200.
- Is re-inspected and again passes the safety inspection but fails the OBD emissions analysis.
To obtain a repair waiver, the vehicle owner must bring the vehicle and all supporting documentation of repairs to a License & Theft Bureau for review. It is crucial to remember that a waiver cannot be issued for failing a safety inspection item. All safety-related issues must be successfully addressed and passed.
Understanding the NC OBD2 inspection requirements is essential for vehicle owners in the designated counties. By being informed about the regulations, exemptions, and procedures, you can ensure your vehicle complies with North Carolina’s air quality standards and maintain legal vehicle registration.
