North Carolina Emissions Test
Under its inspection and maintenance program, North Carolina checks gas and hybrid models in 19 counties. For 2026, that covers the 2007 to 2023 model years. Once a year, both the safety inspection and the test come due.
Change: A May 8, 2026 EPA proposal would end the federal testing requirement across all 19 counties. The proposal is not final, and Mecklenburg County would still test under state law.
Which cars have to be tested?
For 2026, the green band shows the model years that North Carolina tests. With under 70,000 miles, the 3 most recent model years are not tested. Any car 20 years old or more is exempt.
Use model year and fuel type to check your car.
North Carolina emissions test at a glance
| Program | The North Carolina inspection and maintenance program |
|---|---|
| Where | Wake County, Union County, Rowan County, Randolph County, New Hanover County, Mecklenburg County, Lincoln County, Johnston County, Iredell County, Guilford County, Gaston County, Franklin County, Forsyth County, Durham County, Davidson County, Cumberland County, Cabarrus County, Buncombe County, Alamance County: 19 counties in all. |
| Fuels tested | Gas, hybrid |
| Model years tested in 2026 | 2007 to 2023 |
| How often | Every year, with the safety inspection |
| The test | An OBD plug-in test |
| Fee | The station sets the fee, up to $30 for the combined safety and emissions inspection |
| New cars | Exempt: the 3 newest model years, if they have under 70,000 miles |
| Older cars | Cars 20 years or older are exempt |
| Waiver | A waiver is possible after a second failed OBD test, once you've paid for at least $200 in documented repairs |
How the test works, and what if the car fails?
During an OBD plug-in test, the inspector connects a reader to the port under the dashboard and pulls up what the car's computer has stored. The car's self-checks (readiness monitors) must be finished, and the check engine light must be off.
When a car fails, the report lists the failed items. Fix that first, and head back for another test.
When the car still fails after those repairs, North Carolina offers a waiver: you qualify after a second failed OBD test plus at least $200 in documented repairs.