North Carolina State Safety & Emissions Inspections

Pugh's Car Care Center is a certified state inspection station. We're authorized to perform safety and emissions inspections in North Carolina. To stay road legal, make sure to schedule your appointment by the date indicated on your annual registration renewal. We recommend doing this sooner rather than later to ensure it's out of the way, and you're good to complete the registration of your vehicle.

We serve motorists across Nags Head, NC, Kitty Hawk, NC, Kill Devil Hills, NC, and surrounding areas.

About NC State Inspections

In North Carolina, some vehicles are required to undergo an emissions and safety inspection each year. Depending on your county, you may only need a safety inspection. Vehicles registered in [INSERTTCOUNTY] require both. Please refer to the North Carolina Department of Transportation for the latest updates.

NC State Inspection Overview

For many motorists, an NC state inspection is a two-part process that consists of the Safety Inspection and On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) Emissions Inspection. The Safety Inspection includes checking your headlights, accessory lights, directional signals, foot brake, parking brake, steering, and windshield wipers. During the Emissions Inspection, special equipment is used to read your OBD. If you're within legal emission levels, then your vehicle passes the test.

Call to set up an appointment with our team.

Passing and Failing

Passing: After your vehicle passes the NC state inspection, you'll be able to complete your registration. It's important to note that you'll no longer receive a windshield striker after passing. Today, North Carolina uses an electronic inspection program that removes the need for a sticker. Instead, the record of your vehicle's inspection is entered into the DMV registration database. Agencies and law enforcement can access this system to look up your inspection information as needed.

Failing: You'll need to get your vehicle repaired and pass the inspection before you can register. In the event that your vehicle passes the safety inspection but fails the emissions inspection, you may be eligible for a waiver. See North Carolina General Statute 20 – 183.5 for more information.