Inspection FAQ

North Carolina State Inspection FAQ In Wilson, NC

What paperwork is needed?

You will need to bring: proof of liability insurance, payment, and photo ID. Payment is required whether your vehicle passes or fails.

What are the State requirements for passing in 2016?

For the Safety Inspection, all major mechanical and accident avoidance systems must be working properly. These systems include brakes, all lights, horn, steering, windshield wipers, aftermarket window tints, mirrors, and tires.

For the Emissions Inspection, your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic computer is used to ensure that all parts of your vehicle’s emission system are working properly to limit production of ozone-forming emissions.

How often is a new test required?

State Inspections are required annually to ensure that vehicles meet minimum safety and emissions standards.

Where can I get my vehicle inspected?

State Inspections are available at over 7,500 licensed inspection stations.

What happens if my car fails?

If your vehicle fails, you should get detailed information as to what kept it from passing. Make any needed repairs to your vehicle before having another State Inspection performed. Payment is required whether your vehicle passes or fails.

Our service department is the best place to get any repairs made, and we can also perform State Inspection once the repairs are complete.

How long does the test take?

Most State Inspections take from 15-30 minutes.

I just bought a new car. When do I need to have it inspected?

Current model year cars are exempt from the emissions testing requirement.

Can I get my car inspected early? How early?

State Inspections must occur no more than 90 days before your vehicle registration renewal is due.

Can I pass if my “check engine” light is on?

Your vehicle will not pass if the “check engine” light is on. Get your vehicle properly diagnosed and corrected before bringing your vehicle back in for inspection.

Our service technicians are experts at diagnosing and fixing “check engine” light warnings. Schedule an appointment today.

What are the fees?

• Safety inspection fees are $13.60.
• Emissions inspection fees, which include the Safety Inspection, cost $30.00.
• Aftermarket window tint adds an additional $10.00 to each test.

Do I still get charged if my car fails? Is it full price for a retest?

Payment is required if your vehicle fails. If you require the full test, you must pay full price for a retest. If your vehicle only fails the Safety inspection, you will only be required to pay for that test.

Do I need an appointment or can I walk in?

Walk-ins are welcome at our dealership, but an appointment is the surest way to get you in, out, and back on the road.

Schedule a State Inspection with our service experts today.

Is there a grace period for the inspection?

You must get your vehicle inspected no more than 90 days before your registration renewal is due. If you do not get your vehicle inspected within this time, your registration will be blocked until inspection occurs. You will be susceptible to tickets and fines until your vehicle is brought current.

How will I know when my next inspection is due?

Owners will get a yearly vehicle registration notice to renew their license plate tag sticker. This notice will inform when your State Inspection is due.

What happens if I do not get my car inspected by the due date?

Vehicle registration will be blocked until the state inspection occurs. Vehicle inspection must occur before registration.

What should I get first, my inspection or vehicle registration?

Vehicle registration cannot be renewed until your vehicle passes inspection. Vehicles must undergo state inspection 90 days or less before your plate expires.

How will police know my car has passed inspection?

A vehicle inspection record will appear on the DMV computer database which police use to verify vehicle registration.

Are some cars exempt from an emissions inspection?

In some cases, there are exemptions to the emissions inspection. Safety only inspections are required of certain vehicles with less than 70,000 miles and within the 3 most recent model years. Use this exemption calculator to determine if your vehicle is exempt.

If my car is older than 35 years, do I need to have it inspected?

Vehicles 35 years old, or older, are not required to have a safety inspection. Vehicles that are model 1995, or older, diesel operated, or licensed under the farmer rate are not required to have an emissions inspection.

Will I get a window sticker after my inspection?

We no longer issue windshield stickers. Your state inspection is tied to your vehicle registration and registered in the DMV computer database.