North Carolina at a glance Emissions test in some counties
| Safety inspection | Annual safety inspection in every county. Safety-only inspection: $13.60. |
|---|---|
| Emissions test | Emissions test with the safety inspection in 19 counties. A reduction has been proposed but is not yet in effect. |
| Safety-only inspection | $13.60 $12.75 inspection + $0.85 authorization Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-183.7 |
| Safety + emissions (max) | $30 $23.75 inspection (max) + $6.25 authorization Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-183.7 |
| Find a station / office | NCDMV: Emissions & safety inspections |
Official sources: NC DEQ: General emissions inspection information · NCDMV: Emissions & safety inspections. Checked 2026-10-04.
Counties with an emissions test (19)
- Alamance CountyRules, fee and stations
- Buncombe CountyRules, fee and stations
- Cabarrus CountyRules, fee and stations
- Cumberland CountyRules, fee and stations
- Davidson CountyRules, fee and stations
- Durham CountyRules, fee and stations
- Forsyth CountyRules, fee and stations
- Franklin CountyRules, fee and stations
- Gaston CountyRules, fee and stations
- Guilford CountyRules, fee and stations
- Iredell CountyRules, fee and stations
- Johnston CountyRules, fee and stations
- Lincoln CountyRules, fee and stations
- Mecklenburg CountyRules, fee and stations
- New Hanover CountyRules, fee and stations
- Randolph CountyRules, fee and stations
- Rowan CountyRules, fee and stations
- Union CountyRules, fee and stations
- Wake CountyRules, fee and stations
Everywhere else in North Carolina: no emissions test for personal vehicles.
Frequently asked
Does North Carolina require a vehicle safety inspection?
Annual safety inspection in every county. Safety-only inspection: $13.60.
Does North Carolina require an emissions test?
Emissions test with the safety inspection in 19 counties. A reduction has been proposed but is not yet in effect.
Which counties are covered?
Alamance County, Buncombe County, Cabarrus County, Cumberland County, Davidson County, Durham County, Forsyth County, Franklin County, Gaston County, Guilford County, Iredell County, Johnston County, Lincoln County, Mecklenburg County, New Hanover County, Randolph County, Rowan County, Union County, Wake County.