(a) Safety. – A safety inspection of a motor vehicle consists of an inspection of the following equipment to determine if the vehicle has the equipment required by Part 9 of Article 3 of this Chapter and if the equipment is in a safe operating condition:

(1) Brakes, as required by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-124

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(2) Lights, as required by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-129 or N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-129.1

(3) Horn, as required by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-125(a).

(4) Steering mechanism, as required by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-123.1

(5) Windows and windshield wipers, as required by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-127 To determine if a vehicle window meets the window tinting restrictions, a safety inspection mechanic must first determine, based on use of an automotive film check card or knowledge of window tinting techniques, if after-factory tint has been applied to the window. If after-factory tint has been applied, the mechanic must use a light meter approved by the Commissioner to determine if the window meets the window tinting restrictions.

(6) Directional signals, as required by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-125.1

(7) Tires, as required by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-122.1

(8) Mirrors, as required by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-126

(9) Exhaust system and emissions control devices, as required by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-128 For a vehicle that is subject to an emissions inspection in addition to a safety inspection, a visual inspection of the vehicle’s emissions control devices is included in the emissions inspection rather than the safety inspection.

(b) Repealed by Laws 2000-134, s. 12, effective January 1, 2006.

(b1) Emissions. – An emissions inspection of a motor vehicle consists of a visual inspection of the vehicle’s emissions control devices to determine if the devices are present, are properly connected, and are the correct type for the vehicle and an analysis of data provided by the on-board diagnostic (OBD) equipment installed by the vehicle manufacturer to identify any deterioration or malfunction in the operation of the vehicle that violates standards for the model year of the vehicle set by the Environmental Management Commission. To pass an emissions inspection a vehicle must pass both the visual inspection and the OBD analysis. When an emissions inspection is performed on a vehicle, a safety inspection must be performed on the vehicle as well.

(c) Reinspection After Failure. – The scope of a reinspection of a vehicle that has been repaired after failing an inspection is the same as the original inspection unless the vehicle is presented for reinspection within 60 days of failing the original inspection. If the vehicle is presented for reinspection within this time limit and the inspection the vehicle failed was a safety inspection, the reinspection is limited to an inspection of the equipment that failed the original inspection. If the vehicle is presented for reinspection within this time limit and the inspection the vehicle failed was an emissions inspection, the reinspection is limited to the portion of the inspection the vehicle failed and any other portion of the inspection that would be affected by repairs made to correct the failure. (1965, c. 734, s. 1; 1969, c. 378, s. 2; 1971, c. 455, s. 2; c. 478, ss. 1, 2; 1979, 2nd Sess., c. 1180, s. 3; 1981 (Reg. Sess., 1982), c. 1261, s. 1; 1989, c. 391, s. 2; 1991, c. 654, s. 2; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 754, s. 1; 1995, c. 473, s. 2; 2000-134, ss. 8, 10, 12; 2001-504, s. 7; 2007-364, s. 1.)