safety inspection question...

cranberry

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Joined
May 31, 2009
Location
Charlotte
I know a few of you guys have NC auto inspectors license's...

What are the requirements for passing a NC state safety inspection? (85 model vehicle)

I know about tread depth, rear view mirror (windshield mount and driver's side), headlights (high/low beam) brake lights, turn signals, license plate light, and windshield wipers.

Do you have to have reverse lights? (or anything else I failed to mention)

I have tried to google it but I have found nothing that states exactly what minimums the vehicle MUST have to pass NC safety inspection.
 
You need to have everything emissions wise that came on the vehicle from the factory. It doesn't have to work, but it has to appear operable. I.e. if it had an air pump, it has to have the belt hooked up and hoses in tact, even if the guts of the pump aren't there. Same goes with a cat. If it's just a housing with no guts, it passes, but the housing must be there. You need one back up light an not more than 2 (unless the car came with more like the Pontiac Grand Am). Honestly, I hope they don't do away with it as I make thousands of $$ a year doing them and the things they require.
 
Channel 2 News, WFMY, in Greensboro ran a piece about it on the o'clock news. They actually had a couple of garage guys saying that they didn't make that much off inspections?
 
I know a few of you guys have NC auto inspectors license's...
What are the requirements for passing a NC state safety inspection? (85 model vehicle)
I know about tread depth, rear view mirror (windshield mount and driver's side), headlights (high/low beam) brake lights, turn signals, license plate light, and windshield wipers.
Do you have to have reverse lights? (or anything else I failed to mention)
I have tried to google it but I have found nothing that states exactly what minimums the vehicle MUST have to pass NC safety inspection.

In addition to what you mentioned...
on the dash, you need the high beam indicator and turn signal indicators....that's it, no need for speedo, odometer, illumination.
need a horn
reverse lights are not required
must have at least 2 mirrors, out of 3 possible locations (windshield, drivers side, pass. side)

Then the other items...tight steering (no loose tie rods, balljoints), good brakes (no axle lube leaking into drums). They are supposed to check the parking brake, it is supposed to hold an automatic from idling in Drive, and a manual when they let the clutch out in gear.
Tread depth minumum, can't remember the number.

I am not an inspector, just my experience over the years.
 
Channel 2 News, WFMY, in Greensboro ran a piece about it on the o'clock news. They actually had a couple of garage guys saying that they didn't make that much off inspections?
I personally make $10 a pop on just the inspection, then the things that people wouldn't fix if it wasn't required to pass inspection. Leaking power steering lines comes to mind first off.
 
Hold off awhile if you can. I just saw something on the news about NC possibly discontinuing auto inspections :bounce:


that would be nice for me. then i can go full buggy.

of course, as long as it will take to go en effect, my 78 will be aged out on inspections and wont need one anyway.
 
We will always have inspections. We may get rid of safty inspections, but we will always have emisions inspectons. That is thanks to our federal government. We would lose too much grant money if we eliminated emissions inspections.
 
Minimum tread depths is 2/32nds. No 2nd layer wear present. They do not check brake pads unless hear or "feel" a reason to look closer. Headlights/tail lights/turn signals must all work and lens cannot be cracked. Mirrors as mentioned before. Gets sticky if have a camper on truck as far as 3rd brake light goes. I have heard multiple rulings. Been a couple of years since took the class. Inspection license just expired but unless somethings changed that should be majority along with the other things mentioned.
 
hate to rain on "babylugnut"" s parade but the depth requirement is 3/32........2/32 is merely 1/16 now isn't it?:shaking:
 
hate to rain on "babylugnut"" s parade but the depth requirement is 3/32........2/32 is merely 1/16 now isn't it?:shaking:
rain rain go away...
A tire shall not be approved if there is less than 2/32 inch tread at two or more locations around the circumference of the tire in two adjacent major tread grooves or if the tread wear indicators are in contact with the roadway at two or more locations around the circumference of the
tire in two adjacent major tread grooves.
20-2; 20-39; 20-122,1; 20-183.3(7); Eff. October 1, 1994.
page 54...http://www.ncdot.org/dmv/vehicle_services/emissioninspection/regulationsmanual/download/CR435NCDOTEnforcement.pdf
 
We will always have inspections. We may get rid of safty inspections, but we will always have emisions inspectons. That is thanks to our federal government. We would lose too much grant money if we eliminated emissions inspections.

Really?
Someone forgot to tell SC
 
What about windshields? Mine is cracked all the way across, and all I have is liability insurance (no comprehensive) so it would cost $200ish to get it replaced.
 
What about windshields? Mine is cracked all the way across, and all I have is liability insurance (no comprehensive) so it would cost $200ish to get it replaced.

I was told as long as it doesn't impede the vision of the driver. I have had many broken windshields pass NC inpection, its pretty subjective.
 
I was told as long as it doesn't impede the vision of the driver. I have had many broken windshields pass NC inpection, its pretty subjective.

mine has been cracked for 2 years, and still passes.

Are you required to have the tailpipe all the way back, or can you just aim it down off of the muffler?
 
nc inspection

mine has been cracked for 2 years, and still passes.
Are you required to have the tailpipe all the way back, or can you just aim it down off of the muffler?

as long as the exhaust exits past the passenger compartment it is legal as long as all factory emision devices are there.
 
What about windshields? Mine is cracked all the way across, and all I have is liability insurance (no comprehensive) so it would cost $200ish to get it replaced.

If you can run our finger nail over it and feel it it fails that that is what they told us in class because if u can feel it it will mess up your wiper blades
 
Is it true, legally, you only need wipers, but not a windshield?
You only need wipers if you have a windshield and they must clean the windshield, even through cracks. Thats what we check for.
 
Really?
Someone forgot to tell SC
Well the laws very from state to state. If you don't have any emissions inspections of any kind the national governement will be lowering or eliminating the amount of money that state get for road repair/building. I know there is a deadline on its way.

I was really refering to NC only. Thats the deal with SC. I personally belive they will have emiions inspections for 1996 and newer cars before long.
 
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