Can you explain the difference between an emissions test and a regular inspection?

Question

I live in NC and we had our cars inspected in May. Today we got a letter from the Department of Transportation, State of NC DMV. Here is what it says.

Dear North Carolina Motorist,

As the number of motor vehicles on our roads increase,we need your assistance in maintaining the highest level of air quality in our state. The Federal Clean Air Act of 1990 requires North Carolina to conduct an annual emissions and safety inspection of all gasoline-powered vehicles registered in an emissions county.

This letter is to remind you that the vehicles listed was due for the annual emission inspection by 5/31/08. In order to comply with state regulations, the vehicle should receive a passing emissions inspection by 10/01/2008. Failure to do so will result in a civil penalty up to 50.00 and a temporary block in our renewal system until the matter is resolved..

We had the cars inspected in the county that we live. I am trying to understand what did we do wrong. I have call the number but busy??

Answer 1

I am a Licensed California Smog Emissions Inspector, What they mean is,you have to have 3 Sections of your car engine inspected,

  1. Visual,to make sure all the Original engine Components are there

   2.  Functional,ie: Check Engine Light,Gas Cap, EGR System,ect

   3   Emissions  Actually use a Gas Analizer to sample the amount of Pollutants coming from your tailpipe,then recording the readings,and if under a certail limit,you pass

  Hope this helps

Answer 2

The emission test is to be sure your car isn't polluting the air, unreasonably. The safety inspection or other type of inspection is generally verifying the VIN, and if the car has been in a wreck, to be certain the car is roadworthy. Moving from another state, they also check for stolen status. You must live in an urban area, or an area that is requiring emission testing. If you live in rural areas, you generally don't have this requirement, but it depends on the state in which you reside. If you don't submit the emission test, your tabs/tags will be suspended until you submit a "passing" grade on the emission test.

Answer 3

The emmissions test is to measure the pollution coming out of your tail pipe.  The inspection is the other safety functions of the vehicle (brakes, tires, lights, horn, etc.).

I don't know about NC, but here in Mass they do both at the same time in one process.  Looks like NC might have two separate inspections???

Answer 4

I note it is only a $50- fine. Up here in the north east everything STARTS at $500- and goes up from there. Just a nother way to rob us.

Answer 5

It means that you need to go have an emissions test done now.  

In PA there are some counties that need just inspection and some counties that need inspection & emission testing done in order for a vehicle to be compliant with the state.

Pretty much emissions test is to make sure your car isn't polluting the environment too much "keep the air clean".  It will cost extra money to have an emissions test done.