Faqs: Do I Need A Vehicle Inspection
North Carolina vehicles often need two inspections: a safety inspection and an emissions inspection. Lets take a look at some common registration FAQs:
- So can I skip my annual car safety inspection? The short answer is noyou cannot avoid your state safety inspection.
- What happens when you skip your inspection? Without your inspection, you cannot renew your registration when your tags expire. Having expired tags can earn you a ticket on the road and extra fees when you renew your vehicle. Safety inspections also help you catch safety hazards present in your vehicle, which can lead to problems on the road.
- Do I need an emissions inspection? You may be exempt from your annual NC emissions inspection if you meet one of the following requirements:
- 22 NC Counties: Emissions inspections are currently only required within 22 of North Carolinas 100 counties. If your vehicle is registered in a county that does not require emissions inspections, you can skip this step.
- Older Vehicles: Vehicles older than 20 years are exempt from emissions inspections.
- Diesel Vehicles: Diesel-operated vehicles are also not required to get emissions inspections.
- Farm Vehicles: If your vehicle is registered as a farm vehicle, it is exempt from this inspection.
- New Vehicles: If your vehicle is less than 3-years old with fewer than 70,000 miles, you may qualify for an exemption. You can use the North Carolina Environmental Quality Exemption Calculator to see if you meet this exemption requirement.
You Can Drive A Vehicle Without It Being Registered
Most states allow you to temporarily drive a vehicle without registration. States approach this issue in two ways:
- Some states allow you to request a temporary 30 or 45 day registration while you wait for a vehicle inspection to be complete
- Other states allow you to drive the vehicle directly to the first place of storage from the place of purchase without registration
In both these situations, however, you still need the properly-assigned title of the vehicle and proof of insurance. If you dont have either of these things, then youre unable to legally drive on the road.
Nc Expired Tag Grace Period
Will I get a ticket when driving with expired tags? According to the NCDOT, you can drive for up to 15 days after your registration renewal date in North Carolina without getting a ticket. This window is a grace period to give you more time for your registration renewal. However, even though you will not get a ticket on the road, you will still qualify for late fees.
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Identification Number/odometer Reading Inspection
If the ownership of a motor vehicle is transferred to the purchaser on a title issued by another state or country, the motor vehicle must be inspected to verify the vehicle identification number and odometer reading of the vehicle. This inspection requirement does not apply to any motor vehicle transferred on a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin.
One of the following documents may be presented to verify the inspection:
How Do I Have A Car Inspected For Purchase
In addition to any inspections that you are required to have done for your car, you should examine a car thoroughly before deciding to purchase it.
Thorough examinations include checking into the history of the car so that you know ahead of time whether it has been involved in any major accidents.
You can ask to see a car history report before deciding to purchase a car or not.
If you are purchasing a used car, it may be a good idea to have an inspection performed before you purchase it.
Your car insurance will not cover mechanical failures of the car because it is only for physical damage as a result of an accident or some other type of event.
If the engine in your car dies and you are wondering if car insurance will pay, this is an expensive repair that you would have to pay for on your own. In light of this reality, it is important to be aware of any issues before you purchase it.
While no car inspection can guarantee that your car will be good to go, it is an effective way to get in front of significant problems with your car.
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When You Need A Safety Inspection
All vehicles registered in New York State must get a safety inspection at a DMV-licensed inspection station
- every 12 months
- when the ownership of the vehicle is transferred
A valid inspection sticker must be displayed on your vehicle. Inspections expire the last day of the month punched on the inspection sticker.
Common Reasons People Fail Their Inspection
As you can see from the list above, there are many reasons why a vehicle might not pass a Texas state vehicle inspection even if it did so the previous year. As with all things, cars can begin to succumb to the wear and tear over the years, and the likelihood that a repair is needed only ever increases with each passing day and mile. It all just depends on the age and condition/level of maintenance. Someone who only drives their car in-town to and from errands may not reach the point where repairs are necessary as soon as someone who uses their car to travel or has a particularly grueling commute. All that being said, here are some of the most common reasons why people who have failed their state inspection:
- Damaged Windshield Wipers quite easy to overlook, especially if it hasnt been particularly rainy lately.
- Service Engine Lights As discussed in our comparison of Service Engine Lights vs Check Engine Lights, its always best to bring your car in for diagnostics if you see this light on your dashboard.
- Damaged, or Burned-Out Lights
- Issues with the Parking Brake If youre not someone who uses this brake very often, it can be easy to overlook
- Worn Tires These should be checked regularly, not just for state inspection, but more importantly to prevent unnecessary safety risks. A tire blowing out on the highway could be very disastrous.
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Can Autozone Tell Me Why My Engine Light Is On
You can. All that you need to check your own light is an OBD-II reader, which can pull codes that help you find out whats wrong with your car. If you dont have a code reader, keep reading to learn the most common causes, and then bring your car to your local AutoZone to find out why your Check Engine Light is on.
Can I Get My Car Inspected Without My Registration
The laws vary by state and municipality when it comes to inspections and registrations. Only a handful of states require safety or emissions inspections. Of those, some states require you to pay your registration fee before you get your car inspected other states flip the order and require an inspection before you can register the car. Check with your local mechanic or your insurer to find out what the requirements for car inspections are where you live.
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I Need To Replace The Inspection Sticker
You can have your vehicle re-inspected or you can order a replacement sticker using the form Request for Replacement Inspection Sticker . Complete the form and mail it to the address on the form.
What Do They Check When They Do A Car Inspection
Your safety and the safety of those on the road around you are the most important things to consider in your car ownership. Inspections are intended to check on everything that will help keep you and those sharing the road with you safe.
All the things checked in inspections are also things that are prone to police inspections if you were to be pulled over. This is where your states laws and regulations will come into play.
New York will have different guidelines than California or Florida. There are basic rules that most states abide by, but always be careful to make sure you fully understand your states specific regulations.
According to The Drive, only 17 states currently require an annual safety inspection. While 31 states only require periodic emissions inspections.
If you are pulled over, police can check for and give citations for the following:
- Brake lights
- The overall health of the car
- Noise and muffler issues
These are all things to keep in mind when getting an inspection. A police officer checking for those items is done for the same reason that inspections will check for safety.
Understanding that in many cases, your mechanics inspection will align with many of the same things that a police officer may inspect is a great place to start. These are all items that concern not only safety but also proper communication with other drivers and keeping residential neighborhoods free of noise pollution as well as emissions pollution.
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What To Expect With A Car Inspection
Most New Jersey car owners are required by law to take their vehicle for car inspections every two years. Staying on top of these inspections not only allows your car to run properly, they also keep the roadways throughout Freehold, Farmingdale, and Monroe Township safe and the air clean.
If you’re taking your car for an inspection soon, take a look at the Freehold Dodge service center checklist of what to do before taking it in and what to expect while it’s in the shop.
What Happens If You Fail Inspection In Texas
Free Inspection Re-Tests for Failed Inspections
You do not have to pay to get your vehicle re-inspected if it fails inspection. If your vehicle fails the inspection, have the item repaired and take it back to the inspection station that originally performed the inspection within 15 days for a free re-test.
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What Can Cause A Car To Fail Inspection
There are a wide variety of things that can cause a car to fail an inspection. But the main thing to remember is that a failed inspection means there is something wrong that could potentially be dangerous.
This is another time when your state may have different regulations than others, so you will want to check with your local DMV for any specifics that will apply to you.
There will typically be minimum standards that need to be met for functionality and your vehicles capability. It doesnt necessarily mean there is something catastrophically wrong with your vehicle. It could be something minor, but that could lead to something bigger.
Here are some of the most common causes for vehicles to not pass an inspection:
Many times, the things that will cause a failed inspection are quite minor. But they are always things that could lead to a bigger issue that causes safety concerns.
Why Is It Important To Get A Car Inspected
Making sure your car receives routine inspections is one of the best things you can do to ensure the longevity and safety of your vehicle. We all know its essential to do regular maintenance like oil changes or tire rotations, but what is the importance and value behind having inspections done as well?
Getting your car inspected is vital to ensure everything is operating smoothly and to help diagnose issues that could arise. While inspections are meant to make sure the vehicle is currently safe, they also help prevent future problems. Think of your car inspection like an annual physical its all about maintaining health.
Many states have their own rules and regulations regarding inspections. So you will always want to check with your state to ensure you are keeping up with their guidelines for inspections.
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What Does The Inspector Look For
While the inspection is not too entirely exhaustive , the inspector will test/examine the following:
- Horn
For exact information on what is inspected on what vehicles, you can find that here at this helpful Texas DPS page.
We recommend that you conduct your own pre-inspection of these items so that you can be sure to get anything fixed/replaced before taking it in for your state vehicle inspection. This way you can avoid failure and having to worry about whether or not youll be able to get the necessary repairs done in time to save you from having to re-pay the inspection fee.
Missouri Vehicle Inspection Exemptions
You may be exempt from the Missouri safety inspection if your vehicle:
- Is 10 model years old or newer.
- Weighs 26,000 lbs. or more AND is registered for under 12 months .
- Is an even” model year with a registration expiring in an odd” calendar year.
- Is an odd” model year with a registration expiring in an even” calendar year.
- Is a trailer.
- Is being sold for rebuilding, salvage, or junk.
- Is a low-speed vehicle.
- Is out of state when your renewal and inspection date arrives.
This exemption does NOT apply to emissions inspections for the counties in which they are required. Owners of the above vehicles will need to get a safety inspection if a law enforcement officer orders you to do so.
You will receive a notice in the mail when your vehicle is required to complete its safety inspection for registration renewal purposes.
If you’re still unsure as to whether you must complete an inspection, you may contact the Missouri Vehicle Inspection Unit at 526-6132.
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Vehicles in the United States generally require two types of inspections, including emissions inspections and safety inspections. If you want to register your car within your state, then youll need to get it inspected. Not all states require emissions inspections, but all states require a safety inspection .
And you can enter your ZIP code above to get a FREE quote today.
How Do I Get My Vehicle Inspected
On Board Diagnostic/Emission Component Check
Vehicles need to be inspected once every two years in New Jersey, except for new vehicles, which are given a five-year inspection. Check the inspection sticker on your windshield to find the date your vehicle is due. You may get an inspection up to two months prior to the expiration date.
Get started
- Valid driver license you must be at least 17 years old. Driver does not need to be vehicle owner
- Valid vehicle registration document
- State of New Jersey Insurance Identification Card. For ID card specifications, visit the NJ Dept. of Banking & Insurance
- Surname of the insured must match owners surname on vehicle registration
- Leasing companies must be listed as owner on leased vehicle ID cards
- Owner insured fleet, dealer or leasing company insurance ID cards are acceptable with the words “All Owned Vehicles” or “Fleet” inserted in the vehicle description portion of the card
- Insured name and owner name, matching the vehicle registration, are required for “Fleet” leased vehicle ID cards
- You can make an appointment online for State inspection facilities in Salem, Cape May or Washington
- If your location doesnt require an appointment, you can check wait times at State inspection stations online or by calling 620-7992
- Customer service representatives available:
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