North Carolina Vehicle Inspection: Annual Safety Check, Fees and Exemptions
A vehicle registered in North Carolina must pass an annual safety inspection before its owner can renew the registration. Vehicles in 19 counties also need an emissions inspection.
Independent guide. This site is not run by any state DMV, state police or environmental agency, and it is not affiliated with any repair shop or inspection station, including any business with a similar name. Rules and fees change, so confirm anything important with the official source linked at the bottom of each page.
| Safety inspection | Annual. It must be passed before the registration can be renewed. |
|---|---|
| Timing | No more than 90 days before the license plate and registration expire. |
| Emissions | OBD emissions inspection with the safety inspection in 19 counties (see the emissions guide). |
| Maximum fee | $30 for the emissions inspection and safety inspection together, according to NC DEQ. Stations can charge less. |
| If you miss it | The registration is blocked until the vehicle is inspected. |
How the fee is split
According to NC DEQ, inspection stations receive most of the total fee for the safety and emissions inspection ($23.75), and the remainder ($6.25) supports related state programs.
Window tint
Effective December 1, 2025, after-factory window tinting is no longer a requirement of the North Carolina safety inspection. NC DEQ notes that the tint rules are still enforceable under G.S. 20-127: tinted windows cannot measure darker than 32 percent with a North Carolina-approved tint meter, and the tint on a windshield cannot extend more than 5 inches below the top of the windshield or below the AS1 line, whichever is longer.
Plan ahead
Read what is checked in the safety inspection, and the rules for new residents, waivers and vehicles out of state.
Items examined
During a North Carolina safety inspection, a licensed mechanic examines the vehicle's:
- Headlights and accessory lights
- Directional signals
- Foot brake and parking brake
- Steering
- Tires
- Horn
- Rearview mirror
- Windshield wipers
- Exhaust system
- Emission control components
NC DEQ adds that the safety inspection also includes a visual check for tampering of emissions components.
Exemptions
- Older than 30 years: vehicles more than 30 years old are exempt from the annual safety inspection.
- Antique plates: vehicles 30 years old or older may qualify for an antique automobile license plate. Vehicles with an antique plate are exempt from both the annual safety and emissions inspections. Antique plates are meant for vehicles used primarily for exhibitions, club activities, parades and other public interest events.
- Some kit cars and custom vehicles are exempt. Contact the NCDMV for the definition.
If the vehicle fails
A vehicle that passes the safety inspection but fails the emissions inspection and cannot be repaired might be eligible for a waiver (see emissions rules). A waiver cannot be issued for the failure of a safety item: all safety items must pass.
The deadline matters: failure to get the vehicle inspected by the due date results in the registration being blocked until it is inspected. Back to the North Carolina guide.
Frequently asked questions
When can I get my North Carolina inspection done?
No more than 90 days before the license plate and registration expire. The vehicle must pass the annual safety inspection before the registration can be renewed.
What happens if I miss the inspection deadline?
The vehicle's registration is blocked until the vehicle is inspected.
How much does a North Carolina inspection cost?
NC DEQ states the maximum annual fee for the emissions inspection and safety inspection is $30. Stations can charge less.
Related guides
Sources
Facts on this page come from the official sources below (checked October 24, 2026).