State of North Carolina 

State Implementation Plan 

Supplement 

Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Program 

Department of Environment and Natural Resources 

Division of Air Quality 

October 11, 2013 
(This page intentionally left blank) 
Table of Contents 

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 1 

A. APPLICABILITY (40 CFR §51.350) .................................................................................................. 3 

B. ENHANCED I/M PERFORMANCE STANDARD (40 CFR §51.351) .............................................. 5 

C. BASIC I/M PERFORMANCE STANDARD (40 CFR §51.352) ........................................................ 5 

D. NETWORK TYPE AND PROGRAM EVALUATION (40 CFR §51.353) ........................................ 8 

E. ADEQUATE TOOLS AND RESOURCES (40 CFR §51.354) ........................................................... 8 

F. TEST FREQUENCY AND CONVENIENCE (40 CFR §51.355) ..................................................... 10 

G. VEHICLE COVERAGE (40 CFR §51.356) ...................................................................................... 10 

H. TEST PROCEDURES AND STANDARDS (40 CFR §51.357) ....................................................... 11 

I. TEST EQUIPMENT (40 CFR §51.358) ............................................................................................. 12 

J. QUALITY CONTROL (40 CFR §51.359) ......................................................................................... 12 

K. WAIVERS AND COMPLIANCE VIA DIAGNOSTIC INSPECTION (40 CFR §51.360) ............. 13 

L. MOTORIST COMPLIANCE ENFORCEMENT (40 CFR §51.361) ................................................ 13 

M. MOTORIST COMPLIANCE ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM OVERSIGHT (40 CFR §51.362) .. 14 

N. QUALITY ASSURANCE (40 CFR §51.363) .................................................................................... 15 

O. ENFORCMENT AGAINST CONTRACTORS, STATIONS AND INSPECTORS 

(40 CFR §51.364) ....................................................................................................................................... 16 

P. DATA COLLECTION (40 CFR §51.365) ......................................................................................... 16 

Q. DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORTING (40 CFR §51.366) ............................................................. 17 

R. INSPECTOR TRAINING AND LICENSING OR CERTIFICATION (40 CFR §51.367) .............. 17 

S. PUBLIC INFORMATION AND COSUMER PROTECTION (40 CFR §51.368) ........................... 17 

T. IMPROVING REPAIR EFFECTIV ENESS (40 CFR §51.369) ........................................................ 18 

U. COMPLIANCE WITH RECALL NOTICES (40 CFR §51.370) ....................................................... 18 

V. ON ROAD TESTING (40 CFR §51.371)........................................................................................... 19 

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North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
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North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 

List of Appendices 

Appendix 1: MOBILE Input and Output Files

Appendix 2: MOBILE Modeling Assumptions 

Appendix 3: I/M Budget: Fiscal Years 2010-2011 

Appendix 4: Number of Vehicles Included in the I/M Program 

Appendix 5: References 

Appendix 6: List of Abbreviations 

Appendix 7: Public Hearing Notice Report, Comments Received and Responses 

Appendix one 1: Statutory Authority

Appendix two2: I/M Rules and Regulations

Appendix three3: ZIP Code Listing Covering All I/M Areas

Appendix four4: MOVES Performance Standard Evaluation Tables

Appendix six5: I/M Budget: Fiscal Years 2013-2014

Appendix seven: Contract for Test Services

Appendix Eight6: Number of Vehicles Included in the I/M Program

Appendix Nine7: Quality Control Procedures

Appendix Ten8: Record Keeping and Document Security

Appendix Eleven9: Equipment Specifications

Appendix Twelve10: Enforcement Procedures

Appendix Thirteen11: Enforcement Oversight Procedures

Appendix Fourteen12: Quality Assurance Procedures

Appendix Fifteen13: Public Hearing Notice Report, Comments Received and Responses 

List of Abbreviations
State Of North Carolina 

Implementation Plan for Inspection/Maintenance Program 

INTRODUCTION 

The State of North Carolina implemented a Motor Vehicle Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) program under 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations in Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 40 

CFR Part 51. The implementation of this program continues to be an integral part of North Carolina’s 

plan to attain and maintain compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for 

ozone (O3) and carbon monoxide (CO). 

The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), License and Theft Bureau, has operational responsibility for the 

I/M program, and has created rules for implementing and monitoring the program under the North 

Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC) Title 19A 03D .0500. The Division of Air Quality (DAQ) 

provides technical support to DMV’s implementationresponsible for monitoring the DMV’s adherence to 

EPA’s guidelines and reporting to EPA each year (per 40 CFR 51.366) detailing the activity of North 

Carolina’s I/M program. In addition, the DAQ develops specifications for the program and certifies the 

emissions testing equipment used in the program. 

The North Carolina I/M program began in 1982 in Mecklenburg County. From 1986 through1991, the 

program expanded to include eight additional counties, based on a “tail-pipe” emissions test. In 1999, the 

North Carolina General Assembly passed legislation to require an On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD) I/M 

program in not only the counties required to have an I/M program under 40 CFR 51.350(a), but also in 

other counties in the State that may need the additional emission reductions to achieve the 1997 8-hour 

ozone standard. Starting in October 2002, the original nine counties converted from tail-pipe testing to 

the new OBD emissions testing for all model year (MY) 1996 and newer light duty gasoline vehicles and 

continued tail-pipe testing of MY 1995 and older vehicles. The program began to expand from nine 

counties starting July 1, 20032002 to a total of 48 counties on January 1, 2006. At the time of full 

implementation of the OBD program, inspection stations were performing the OBD emissions test on MY 

1996 and newer vehicles, and tailpipe testing for MY 1995 and older vehicles were discontinued. 

In 2002, North Carolina inspection stations performed over 2.5 million vehicle emission inspections. As 

the new I/M counties were added, the number of inspections was expected to rise to a high of about 3.5 

million inspections but then dip to a lower figure when all tail pipe testing ended on Dec 31, 2005. The 

actual number of OBD inspections has varied from 4.2 to 5.0 million since 2006, due to higher than 

expected fleet turnover and population growth. 

On November 1, 2008, the State ended the use of paper stickers and began the process of aligning vehicle 

inspection expiration and registration renewal dates by using electronic inspection authorizations. By 

aligning the two dates the State hopes to improve the vehicle compliance because vehicles will be 

required to have a passing OBD inspection no more than 90 days prior to the vehicle registration 

expiration date in order to renew their registration. 

In 2012, Session Law 2012-199 enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly required the 

Department of Environment and Natural Resources to submit for approval the emissions inspection 

program changes provided in Section 1 of this act to the EPA as an amendment to the North Carolina 

State Implementation Plan under the federal Clean Air Act to incorporate an exemption from an emission 

inspection for the three newest model year vehicles with less than 70,000 miles on its odometer. In 

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North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
addition, Session Law 2011-95 enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly exempts plug-in electric 

vehicles from the emissions inspection requirement.

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North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
A. APPLICABILITY (40 CFR §51.350) 

1. In North Carolina, Table 1 below lists the counties required to have having an I/M program as 

described in 40 CFR 51.350(a), due to being designated nonattainment for CO or Moderate 

O3. Although only part of Granville County was designated Moderate nonattainment for the 

1-hour O3 standard, the whole County was subject to the I/M program. Similarly with Iredell 

County, where only a portion of the County was designated as Moderate for the 8-hour O3

standard, the whole County is subject to the I/M program. 

Table 1. Counties Required to Have I/M Program

County Nonattainment 

Pollutant Status Program 

19902010

Census 

Population 

Cabarrus 8-hour O3 Moderate-Nonattainment Basic OBD 98,935178,011

Davidson 1-hour O3 Maintenance Basic OBD 126,677162,878 PM2.5 Subpart 4

Durham 

CO 

1-hour O3 Maintenance Basic OBD 181,835267,587

8-hour O3

Forsyth 

CO 

Maintenance Basic OBD 265,878350,670 1-hour O3

Gaston 

1-hour O3 Maintenance 

Basic OBD 175,093206,086 8-hour O3 Moderate-Nonattainment 

Granville 

1-hour O3 Maintenance 

Basic OBD 38,34559,916 8-hour O3 Maintenance 

Guilford 1-hour O3 Maintenance Basic OBD 347,420488,406 PM2.5 Subpart 4

Iredell 8-hour O3 Moderate-Nonattainment Basic OBD 92,931159,437

Lincoln 8-hour O3 Moderate-Nonattainment Basic OBD 50,31978,265

Mecklenburg 

CO 

Maintenance 

1-hour O3 Basic OBD 511,433919,628

8-hour O3 Moderate-Nonattainment 

Rowan 8-hour O3 Moderate-Nonattainment Basic OBD 110,605138,428

Union 8-hour O3 Moderate-Nonattainment Basic OBD 84,211201,292

Wake 

CO 

1-hour O3 Maintenance Basic OBD 423,380900,993

8-hour O3

2. In 1999, the North Carolina General Assembly passed legislation to require an OBD I/M 

program in not only the counties required to have an I/M program under 40 CFR 51.350(a),

but also in other counties in the State that may need the additional emission reductions to 

achieve the 1997 8-hour ozone standard. The North Carolina General Statue (NCGS) §143-

215.107A(c), “Motor vehicle emissions testing and maintenance program,” Appendix 1,

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North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
specifies the counties that are required to have OBD I/M. The State regulations NCAC Title 

15A, Subchapter 2D, Section .1000, “Motor Vehicle Emission Control Standard,” Appendix 

2, references the General Statue. Table 2 below lists the additional counties that are required 

to have an I/M program per NCGS §143-215.107A, “Motor vehicle emissions testing and 

maintenance program,” Appendix 1. 

Table 2. Additional Counties Required by 1999 Clean Air Bill to Have OBD I/M Program

19902010

Census 

Population

Nonattainment 

Pollutant County Status Program

Alamance - - Basic OBD 108,213151,131

Brunswick - - Basic OBD 50,985107,431

Buncombe - - Basic OBD 174,821238,318

Burke - - Basic OBD 75,74490,912

Caldwell - - Basic OBD 70,70980,029

Carteret - - Basic OBD 52,55666,469

Catawba PM2.5 Subpart 4 Basic OBD 118,412154,358

Chatham 8-hour O3 Maintenance Basic OBD 38,75963,505

Cleveland - - Basic OBD 84,71498,078

Craven - - Basic OBD 81,613103,505

Cumberland - - Basic OBD 274,566319,431

Edgecombe 8-hour O3 Maintenance Basic OBD 56,55856,552

Franklin 8-hour O3 Maintenance Basic OBD 36,41460,619

Harnett - - Basic OBD 67,822114,678

Haywood 8-hour O3 Maintenance Basic OBD 46,94259,036

Henderson - - Basic OBD 106,740

Johnston 8-hour O3 Maintenance Basic OBD 81,306168,878

Lee - - Basic OBD 41,73457,866

Lenoir - - Basic OBD 52,27459,495

Moore - - Basic OBD 59,01388,247

Nash 8-hour O3 Maintenance Basic OBD 76,67795,840

New Hanover - - Basic OBD 120,284202,667

Onslow - - Basic OBD 149,838177,772

Orange* 8-hour O3 Maintenance Basic OBD 93,851133,801

Person 8-hour O3 Maintenance Basic OBD 30,180

Pitt - - Basic OBD 107,924168,148

Randolph - - Basic OBD 106,546141,752

Robeson - - Basic OBD 105,179134,168

Rockingham - - Basic OBD 86,06493,643

Rutherford - - Basic OBD 56,91867,810

Stanly - - Basic OBD 51,76560,585

Stokes - - Basic OBD 37,22347,401

Surry - - Basic OBD 61,70473,673

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North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
County Nonattainment 

Pollutant Status Program

19902010

Census 

Population

Wayne - - Basic OBD 104,666122,623

Wilkes - - Basic OBD 59,39369,340

Wilson - - Basic OBD 66,06181,234

*Orange County was one of the original nine counties subject to I/M prior to the 1999 Clean Air Bill. It was part 

of the Raleigh/Durham MSA.

3. The Environmental Management Commission (EMC) has the authority to adopt “a program 

for testing emissions from motor vehicles and to adopt motor vehicle emission standards”, 

NCGS §143-215.107. (a)(6), “Air quality standards and classifications,” Appendix 1. 

The EMC has adopted a basic I/M program, NCAC, Title 15A, Subchapter 2D, Section .1000, 

“Motor Vehicle Emissions Control Standard,” Appendix 2.

The I/M program is implemented by the Commissioner of the DMV through the use of 

licensed safety/emission inspection stations, NCGS Article 3 – Motor Vehicle Act of 1937 

§20-128.2 (a),“Motor vehicle emission standards,” Appendix 2.

4. 40 CFR 51.372(a) (3) requires ZIP codes be included in the State Implementation Plan (SIP) 

if program is not county-wide. The North Carolina program is county wide, so a no list of 

program area ZIP codes is not required. 

B. ENHANCED I/M PERFORMANCE STANDARD (40 CFR §51.351) 

Not applicable to North Carolina. 

C. BASIC I/M PERFORMANCE STANDARD (40 CFR §51.352) 

1. Basic I/M Performance Standards for 1-hour O3 and CO standards 

Eight of the counties listed in Table 1 are in areas originally designated as non-attainment 

under the CO and/or 1-hour O3 standards, prior to effective date of the 1997 8-hour O3

standard. Therefore, for these counties, the performance of the revised North Carolina I/M 

program (referred to as the “target” program) must meet or exceed the basic I/M performance 

standard outlined in 40 CFR §51.352 (c). Specifically, the exemption of the three newest 

model year vehicles with less than 70,000 miles under the target program must obtain the 

same or lower emissions of CO, volatile organic compounds (VOC), and oxides of nitrogen 

(NOx) than the performance standard. For each of these counties, mobile source emissions of 

CO, VOC, and NOx were modeled using the latest approved EPA emissions model 

(MOVES2010b), first with the applicable performance standard I/M parameters and then 

with the target program I/M parameters. All other MOVES input data (i.e. vehicle miles 

traveled, vehicle speeds, vehicle type and age distributions, etc.) were held constant between 

the modeling runs. CO emissions rates in grams per mile (g/m) were calculated from the 

modeling results, with county-level data aggregated by non-attainment area. The 

comparative results are shown in Tables 3 and 4. The results are aggregated by nonattainment area. In all cases, the target I/M program produces lower emissions, expressed as 

emission factors with the units of grams per mile.

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North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
The CO emissions were modeled for a winter (January) weekday for the years indicated. For 

each non-attainment area, the year chosen to model was based on the availability of MOVES 

input for the area within one year (plus or minus) of the anticipated implementation of the 

target I/M program (2014). The VOC and NOx emissions were modeled for a summer (July) 

weekday for the years indicated. For each non-attainment area, the year chosen to model was 

based on the availability of MOVES input for the area within one year (plus or minus) of the 

anticipated implementation of the target I/M program (2014). The best available VMT and 

speed data (based on travel demand modeling) was used, along with the latest available 

(2012) vehicle registration data. All MOVES input and output databases and modeling run 

specification files are provided on electronic media.

In 1993, North Carolina submitted an I/M SIP to address the I/M requirements for the 1-hour 

O3 and CO standards. The original performance standards for Volatile Organic Compounds 

(VOC) and CO are summarized below. These performance standards were calculated using 

the latest EPA mobile model at that time, MOBILE5a. Appendix 1 contains the MOBILE5a 

input and output files from the runs used to evaluate the emission reduction benefits.

VOC Emission Factors (grams/mile)

1997 2000 2003

Performance Standard 2.32 2.09 1.94

Program Target 2.30 2.08 1.92

CO Emission Factors (grams/mile)

1996 2000

Performance Standard 26.74 24.46

Program Target 26.53 24.34

Table 3 NOx & VOC Emission Factors for 1-hour O3 standard (grams/mile)

Metrolina Triad Triangle

NOx Performance Standard 1.222 1.149 1.035

Program Target 1.177 1.106 0.994

VOC Performance Standard 0.573 0.631 0.509

Program Target 0.555 0.611 0.490

Table 4 CO Emission Factors for CO standard (grams/mile)

Metrolina Triad Triangle

CO Performance Standard 17.048 20.356 16.690

Program Target 15.895 19.053 15.558

 The Metrolina area consists of Gaston and Mecklenburg Counties. 

 The Triad area consists of Davidson, Forsyth and Guilford Counties. 

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North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
 The Triangle area consists of Durham, Wake and Granville Counties.

 

2. Basic I/M Performance Standards for the 1997 8-hour O3 standard 

Five counties in the Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC area (Cabarrus, Lincoln, Rowan, 

Union and Iredell Counties) were required to implement the I/M program due to designation 

under the 1997 8-hour O3 standard. For these counties, the performance of the target I/M 

program must meet or exceed the basic I/M performance standard outlined in 40 CFR 

§51.352 (e). Mobile source emissions of VOC and NOx were modeled using the latest 

approved EPA emissions model (MOVES2010b), first with the applicable performance 

standard I/M parameters and then with the target program I/M parameters. All other MOVES 

input data (i.e. vehicle miles traveled, vehicle speeds, vehicle type and age distributions, etc.) 

were held constant between the modeling runs. VOC and NOx emissions rates in grams per 

mile (g/m) were calculated from the modeling results, with county-level data aggregated by 

non-attainment area. Table 5 lists the comparative results. Here the target I/M program also 

produces lower emissions, expressed as emission factors with the units of grams per mile.

The VOC and NOx emissions were modeled for a summer (July) weekday for the years 

indicated. For each non-attainment area, the year chosen to model was based on the 

availability of MOVES input for the area within one year (plus or minus) of the anticipated 

implementation of the target I/M program (2014). The best available VMT and speed data 

(based on travel demand modeling) was used, along with the latest available (2012) vehicle 

registration data. All MOVES input and output databases and modeling run specification 

files are provided on electronic media.

In June 2004, the EPA designated areas as nonattainment for the 1997 8-hour O3 standard. 

One area in North Carolina was designated as Moderate nonattainment, the CharlotteGastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC area (referred to as the Metrolina area). The North Carolina 

portion of the Metrolina area includes Cabarrus, Gaston, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan,

Union Counties and Coddle Creek and Davidson Townships in Iredell County. With this 

designation, additional counties were required under 40 CFR 51.350(a) to implement an I/M 

program. 

Since Mecklenburg and Gaston Counties had been designated Moderate nonattainment for 

the 1-hour O3 standard, the performance standards for these two counties are established in 

40 CFR 51.352(c). The results of the performance standards are summarized below. 

Appendix 1 contains the input and output files for MOBILE6.2 runs performed to evaluate the 

emission benefits of the basic I/M areas in these two counties. 

Emission Factors for Mecklenburg and Gaston Counties (grams/mile)

VOC NOx

Performance Standard 0.784 0.750

Program Target 0.726 0.688

The remaining counties in the Metrolina nonattainment area are required to meet the 

performance standards established in 40 CFR 51.352(e). The results of the performance 

standards are summarized below. Appendix 1 contains the input and output files for 

MOBILE6.2 runs performed to evaluate the emission benefits of the basic I/M areas in these 

counties.

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North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
Emission Factors for Remaining Counties (grams/mile)

VOC NOx

Performance Standard 1.363 1.027

Program Target 1.280 0.936

Table 5 NOx & VOC Emission Factors for 8-hour O3 standard (grams/mile)

Metrolina Triangle

NOx Performance Standard 1.506 1.449

Program Target 1.445 1.389

VOC Performance Standard 0.782 0.649

Program Target 0.758 0.625

 The Metrolina area consists of Gaston and Mecklenburg Counties. 

 The Triangle area consists of Durham, Wake and Granville Counties.

3. The I/M program meets the emission reduction targets in the attainment year and each 

milestone year prior to the attainment year, as applicable. The State of North Carolina 

commits to meeting the performance standard. 

 

4. The MOBILEMOVES input and output files for runs used in determining compliance with 

the performance standards are included on CD.in Appendix 1. Appendix 2 contains the 

modeling assumptions, which includes a description of the local inputs used in the modeling, 

a description of the source from which those inputs were derived, and a description of how 

they were derived.

D. NETWORK TYPE AND PROGRAM EVALUATION (40 CFR §51.353) 

1. North Carolina’s basic I/M program is comprised of a decentralized network of test-andrepair facilities. No counties are currently required to be part of an Enhanced I/M program. 

The program consists of approximately 4,653 4,464 stations. 

The DAQ has regional staff that conduct a random vehicle survey in each I/M county 

annually, to determine the compliance of the sampled vehicles and the DMV’s execution of 

registration denial on those out of compliance. The State continues to determine program 

effectiveness, although basic I/M programs are not required to include an ongoing evaluation 

to quantify the emission reduction benefits of the program or to determine if the program is 

meeting the requirements of the Clean Air Act. 

E. ADEQUATE TOOLS AND RESOURCES (40 CFR §51.354) 

1. The I/M program is funded by receipts collected from the sale of electronic authorizations 

used during the I/M inspection. A portion of these monies are accredited to the DAQ and 

DMV, as directed in NCGS Article 3A – Safety and Emissions Inspection Program §20-

183.7(c), “Fees for performing an inspection and issuing an electronic inspection 

authorization to a vehicle; use of civil penalties,” Appendix 1.

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North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
Inspection fee 

 Station Fee $23.75 

 Authorization Fee $6.25

 $30.00 

The authorization fee is distributed as follows: 

 Highway Fund $0.55 

Inspection Program Account 3.00 

Telecommunications Account 1.75 

Volunteer Rescue/EMS Fund 0.18 

Rescue Squad Workers' Relief Fund 0.12 

Division of Air Quality 0.65

 $6.25 

The DAQ portion of the fee is credited to the DAQ I/M Air Pollution Control Account. This 

is a nonreverting fund established for developing and implementing air pollution control 

programs for mobile sources, NCGS §143-215.3A (b1), “Water and Air Quality Account; use 

of application and permit fees; Title V Account; I & M Air Pollution Control Account; 

reports,” Appendix 1.

The DMV I/M budget is a nonreverting account within the North Carolina Department of 

Transportation’s (NCDOT) Inspection Program Account. Revenue in the Inspection 

Program Account may be used only to fund the vehicle I/M program. However, in the 2012-

2013 fiscal year budget, the NC Legislature directed the NC DMV to use $24,000,000 of 

funds out of the Emission non-reverting accounts to replace the DMV State Titling and 

Registration System (STARS) and the State Automated Driver License System (SADLS)

programs.

2. Appendix 35 includes DAQ and DMV I/M budgets for Fiscal Years 2013-2014 2010-2011

(Note: State fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30). 

 

The DAQ I/M Air Pollution Control Account funds 10 17.55 Full Time Employees (FTE)

I/M positions within DAQ. Six of the positions FTEs are within the Mobile Sources 

Compliance Branch that support the I/M program. The DAQ employs These six positions 

consist of one twofull time engineers, two onespecialists, two technicians, and one 

supervisor. These six positionsthat perform the day to day DAQ I/M program duties which 

include but are not limited to data analysis, program effectiveness determination, consumer 

outreach, and software/analyzer certification and specification development. DAQ also has 

six regional auditors that perform annual audits of DMV staff’s enforcement activities on an 

annual basis. Additionally, the DAQ I/M staff supports the periodic analyzer recertification 

testing and other such activities. Additionally, there are 11.55 FTEs positions within DAQ 

that support mobile sources related tasks for the Division. 

The License & Theft Bureau of the DMV is tasked with oversight and enforcement of the I/M 

program for North Carolina. The DMV has 187147 “sworn” law enforcement agents and 

managers that issue vehicle waivers, exemptions, and perform some covert, remote, and overt 

audits on the inspection stations. They are also the enforcement arm of the agency and are 

responsible for investigating all clean scan cases and handling all criminal charges. The 

DMV’s 61 civilian auditors are tasked with performing overt and covert audits on 

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North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
approximately 4,464 emission stations in North Carolina. The civilian auditors and law 

enforcement agents also perform remote audits on the inspection stations. Waivers and 

exemptions are issued by the auditors and law enforcement agents within the eight districts 

throughout North Carolina. The DMV employs two hearing officers who deliberate over and 

render decisions in civil hearings. Additionally, the DMV employs a six 28 member civilian 

staff Call Center with operators and managers whose primary duties are personnel 

management and to assist citizens and stations with for consumers to report complaints, and 

inquiries on emission inspection requirements and the purchase of electronic authorizations

information. The DMV has 11 civilian Administrative staff assigned to one of the eight field 

offices who assist the law enforcement agents in processing paperwork between the district 

and headquarters and adding new technicians in the inspection system. The DMV employs 

personnel to handle the registration denial system. 

F. TEST FREQUENCY AND CONVENIENCE (40 CFR §51.355) 

1. The current test frequency of North Carolina’s basic I/M inspection is annual. In addition, 

North Carolina has a 1-year new vehicle exemption Upon obtaining EPA approval of the I/M 

SIP and I/M rule changes, North Carolina will exempt vehicles in the three newest model 

years with less than 70,000 miles on its odometer, as described in NCAC Title 15A, Section 

2D.1002, “Applicability”, NCAC Title 15A, Section 2D.1005, “On-Board Diagnostic 

Standards,” Appendix 2 and NCGS §20-183.2. “Description of vehicles subject to safety or 

emissions inspection; definitions,” Appendix 1. In addition, an emissions component tamper 

and safety inspection is performed statewide on all vehicles no more than 35 years old, 

measured from the date of manufacture, NCGS Article 3A – Safety and Emissions Inspection 

Programs §20-183.3 (a), “Scope of safety inspection and emissions inspection.,” Appendix 

1.

2. Subject vehicles are required to have an OBD inspection no more than 90 days prior to the 

vehicle registration expiration date, NCGS Article 3 – §20-183.4C, “When a vehicle must be 

inspected; threeten-day trip permit.,” Appendix 1.

All North Carolina law-enforcement officers have the power to enforce the provisions of 

NCGS Article 3 – Motor Vehicle Act of 1937 §20-183, “Duties and powers of lawenforcement officers; warning by local officers before stopping another vehicle on highway; 

warning tickets.,” Appendix 1.

3. The DMV “Safety and Emissions Regulation Manual,” NCAC 19A 03D Section .0523 

“Operation of Safety or Exhaust Emissions Inspection Stations”, Appendix 2 requires 

stations to operate at least eight hours per day five days per week, except holidays. Stations 

are required to have at least one inspector mechanic on duty a minimum of eight hours during 

normal working hours. Stations may operate other than 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday 

through Friday schedule. At least one inspector mechanic at a station must be licensed. The 

DMV is responsible for licensing of the inspector mechanics as outlined in Section R. 

G. VEHICLE COVERAGE (40 CFR §51.356) 

1. An I/M inspection is required for all 1996 and newer model year gasoline-powered vehicles 

(light-duty) registered in I/M subject areas, NCAC Title 15A, Subchapter 2D, Section .1005, 

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North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
“On-Board Diagnostic Standards,” Appendix 2 and NCGS §143-215.107A, “Motor vehicle 

emissions testing and maintenance program.,” Appendix 1. A table showing the number of 

vehicles by county and model year for 2009 2012 is contained in Appendix 46. These figures 

reflect the number of registered vehicles believed to be operated in the I/M area. 

2. The following highway vehicles are exempt from the I/M requirement: the current model 

year the three newest model year vehicles with less than 70,000 on its odometer, all 1995 and 

older model vehicles, diesel vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles, alternative fueled vehicles, and 

motorcycles. These vehicles are subject to the annual safety inspection, which includes an 

emissions control device tampering inspection. Vehicles registered as “Kit cars” are exempt 

from the OBD portion of the inspection. 

3. The DMV may collect fleet information directly from the owners or from the vehicle 

registration records concerning the number of vehicles operated in an I/M county but 

registered in a non-I/M county and vice versa. Enforcement will continue to be registration 

denial. 

4. Fleet vehicles are subject to the program if registered in or primarily operated in a designated 

I/M county. Fleet owners are allowed to self-inspect their vehicles, NCGS Article 3A Safety 

and Emissions Inspection Program §20.183-4A, “License required to perform safety

emission inspection; qualifications for license.,”Appendix 1.

5. Federal fleet vehicles are required to meet the same requirements as other fleets. EPA’s I/M 

rules require that federal employees working at a federal facility within an I/M county must 

comply with the I/M program even if they live outside the I/M county. There are federal 

facilities located in I/M subject areas in North Carolina. 

H. TEST PROCEDURES AND STANDARDS (40 CFR §51.357) 

1. The EMC has the authority to establish test procedures and standards under NCGS §143-

215.107 (6), “Air quality standards and classifications,” Appendix 1.

The EMC has adopted test standards under NCAC Title 15A, Subchapter 2D, Section .1000, 

“Motor Vehicle Emission Control Standard,” Appendix 2.

The EMC has also adopted test procedures developed by the DAQ and outlined in, “North 

Carolina Analyzer System Specification,” Appendix 9, using EPA’s OBD Test procedures on 

an OBD type analyzer. The OBD test procedures and standards were implemented July 1, 

2002. 

2. Vehicles must pass the safety inspection, tampering inspection, and OBD test to receive a 

safety/emissions authorization. All vehicles failing any part of an initial test must pass a 

retest. If the initial failure was an emissions-related item (check engine light commanded on, 

emissions control device tampering or exhaust system), the OBD test must be repeated and 

passed. If the vehicle owner takes the vehicle to a station other than the original location of 

the initial test failure, the vehicle must be tested for and pass all the test components. 

3. Inspection rejection standards are clearly established in both the DAQ “North Carolina 

Analyzer System Specification,” Appendix 9 and the NCAC 19A 03D .0530, “Disapproval”,

Appendix 2.

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North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
I. TEST EQUIPMENT (40 CFR §51.358) 

1. Test equipment specifications are contained in the DAQ “North Carolina Analyzer System 

Specification,” Appendix 9. The DMV regulations manual North Carolina Administrative 

Code contain details regarding the equipment required to carry out inspections, NCAC 19 

03D .0519,“StationsLicense and Theft Policy and Procedures Manual,” Appendix 2. 

2. All test equipment is fully computerized and all processes are automated to the highest degree 

possible. The DMV law enforcement agents have the authority to clear lock-outs. 

Manufacturer’s service representatives are able to clear specific lockouts. The date and cause 

of any occurrence of a lockout as well as the date and the authority personnel who cleared the 

lockout are recorded in a data record. 

Data entry functions associated with the test are streamlined through the use of look-up 

tables. To reduce data entry errors, vehicle identification information requires redundant 

entry if manually entered. However, under normal circumstances, vehicle information entry 

is by bar code scanners. Emissions test results are recorded automatically by the analyzer. 

3. The test process is completely controlled by the analyzer. The process begins with data entry 

of the vehicle registration, license plate and vehicle identification number (VIN) information. 

Verification of vehicle identification data is confirmed through re-entry of this information 

during the inspection. The test procedure sequence and pass/fail determinations are made 

automatically by the analyzer. Data is recorded to both a removable device (floppy/USB 

storage key) and a hard drive. Test data is sent via modem to the State during each 

inspection, and stored on the analyzer hard drive for a minimum of 60 days. Once 

transmitted to the State, it is maintained by the Vehicle Information Database (VID) 

contractor as a permanent data set. Prior to being loaded to the program database all 

information is edit checked for errors. 

J. QUALITY CONTROL (40 CFR §51.359) 

1. Quality control procedures and record keeping requirements have been established in the 

“DMV License and Theft Bureau Policy and Procedures Manual.”, Appendix 2 and in 

Appendix 8. These measures will ensure the State of North Carolina meets its commitment 

to provide motorists with consistent and accurate test results. The inspection site personnel 

must continue to ensure that all equipment is properly maintained and has updated vendor 

software. 

2. The DAQ “North Carolina Analyzer System Specification”, Appendix 9, includes the 

minimum durability and functional requirements to ensure accurate processing and recording 

of test results. All enhancements and/or changes to this document are reviewed and approved 

prior to its release. 

 

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North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
K. WAIVERS AND COMPLIANCE VIA DIAGNOSTIC INSPECTION 

(40 CFR §51.360) 

1. A waiver rate of 5% (waiver rate expressed as a percentage of initially failed OBD tested 

vehicles) is assumed in the demonstration that the I/M program meets the basic performance 

standard. The State of North Carolina commits to a waiver rate in practice that is equal to or 

lower than 5%. If the waiver rate reported in the annual report to EPA is higher, the State 

will take corrective action to lower the waiver rate. Corrective strategies considered may 

include: not issuing waivers on vehicles under 6 years of ageincreased education for issuing 

personnel, raising minimum expenditure limits, and/or potentially exempting vehicles that are 

10 or 15 years of age and limiting waivers on vehicles to only once every four years. These 

contingency plans if implemented may require revisions to state statute and in the case of 

exempting vehicles a SIP revision with an accompanying performance demonstration will 

also be required.  If the waiver rate cannot be lowered to levels committed to in the SIP, or if 

the State chooses not to implement measures to do so, the State will revise the I/M emission 

reduction projections in the SIP and will implement other program changes needed to ensure 

the performance standard is met. 

2. The State of North Carolina commits to issuing waivers only when the requirements of the 

40 CFR §51.360 are met. §51.360 requires a minimum of $200 for 1981 and newer vehicles 

be spent in order to qualify for a waiver. Repairs must be performed by a recognized repair 

technician to apply toward the waiver limit. Waivers are issued by DMV as outlined in the 

“DMV License and Theft Bureau Policy and Procedures Manual,” Appendix 2, and 

authorized by NCGS § 20-183.5A. “When a vehicle that fails a safety inspection because of 

missing emissions control devices may obtain a waiver.,” Appendix 1.

3. EPA regulations allow a time extension to obtain needed repairs on a vehicle in the case of 

economic hardship when waiver requirements have not been met. The DMV, at this time, 

has not chosen to offer time extensions. 

EPA regulations also allow exemptions for tampering-related repairs if it can be verified that 

the part in question or one similar to it is no longer available for sale. The DMV has chosen 

to offer tamper-related exemptions; DMV will verify that the part in question or one similar 

to it is no longer available for sale prior to issuing the exception. 

4. The emissions receipt (certificate) for a failed vehicle inspection alerts the motorist of 

emission failure information, warranty coverage, and waiver availability in the DAQ’s 

“North Carolina Analyzer System Specification.,” Appendix 9. 

 

L. MOTORIST COMPLIANCE ENFORCEMENT (40 CFR §51.361) 

1. The legal authority for the implementation of the I/M program is included in §143-215.107. 

“Air quality standards and classifications.,” Appendix 1. The regulations governing specific 

operation of this aspect of the program are contained in the regulations in 15A NCAC 02D 

.1005, “On-Board Diagnostic Standards.,” Appendix 1. 

 13 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
2. The legal authority for enforcement of the I/M program is included in, NCGS §20-183.8. 

“Infractions and criminal offenses for violations of inspection requirements.,” Appendix 1. 

A penalty schedule for violations of these regulations is included in NCGS Article 3A – Safety 

and Emissions Inspection Program §20-183.8A, “Civil penalties against motorists for 

emissions violations; waiver.,” Appendix 1.

3. A registration-denial based program is used for enforcement. As of April 12, 2010, vehicles 

will be denied registration renewal if a required emissions inspection is not found in the VID 

for that vehicle. Vehicle owners are allowed 90 days prior to the registration expiration date 

to get an inspection for their vehicle. 

The DMV developed the “DMV License and Theft Bureau Policy and Procedures Manual,” 

Appendix 2 to be followed by personnel involved in enforcing and overseeing the program. 

This manual details the procedures followed by the DMV and other State personnel involved 

in the I/M program document handling and processing and by the supervisory personnel who 

oversee staff involved in program enforcement, document handling and processing. The 

procedures manual also provides a schedule of disciplinary actions used against personnel 

who deviate from prescribed procedures. Additional DMV Enforcement Procedures

information is found in Appendix 10.

4. All non-gasoline powered vehicles, motorcycles, heavy-duty, plug-in electric, and current 

model year vehicles the three newest model year vehicles with less than 70,000 miles on the

odometer are exempt from the I/M program. 

5. There are no provisions for off-hours testing for fleet vehicles since fleets may be selfinspected. Fleets may be officially inspected outside of the normal I/M program test 

facilities, but are subject to the same test requirements using the same quality control 

standards as non-fleet vehicles. 

6. The State of North Carolina commits to the level of motorist enforcement necessary to ensure 

a minimum compliance rate of no less than 9296% among subject vehicles by 20112014. 

The compliance rate is defined as the number of valid passing inspections out of the number 

of subject vehicles to the emissions inspection. This compliance rate reflects the compliance 

rate used in the demonstration of the performance standard as described in Section A of this 

document. If it is determined that the I/M program is not meeting the compliance rate 

committed to here, the DAQ will review the compliance methodology and revise when 

necessary. The DAQ and DMV believe that the compliance rate of 9596% is a conservative 

estimate based on the full implementation of the electronic authorization program in 2009. 

However, when the new electronic authorization program is fully implemented, the DAQ and 

DMV anticipate compliance rates to considerably improve.

M. MOTORIST COMPLIANCE ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM 

OVERSIGHT (40 CFR §51.362) 

1. The “DMV License and Theft Bureau Policy and Procedures Manual,” Appendix 2, details 

the procedures followed by the DMV in enforcing the motorist compliance portion of the I/M 

program, handling and processing program documents, and by the supervisory personnel who 

oversee staff involved in program enforcement, document handling, and processing. The 

State Personnel Manual describes disciplinary actions to be used against personnel who 

 14 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
deviate from prescribed procedures. Additional Enforcement Oversight Procedures 

information is found in Appendix 11.

N. QUALITY ASSURANCE (40 CFR §51.363) 

1. The DMV uses a process to automate their reporting system that gathers information of the 

DMV’s has a process in place to report and track all enforcement and field activities that 

takes place across the state. In mid-2006, the DMV began the installation of their new 

enforcement application package that tracks all enforcement activities and field auditing 

activities in an electronic format for better efficiency. Verizon Business, the VID contractor 

developed a new real time data collection system called the North Carolina Electronic 

Transmission System (NCETS). NCETS helps to improve the DMV’s remote auditing of 

stations, by allowing the DMV field staff to remotely observe an inspection taking place 

from their computer. NCETS also allows authorized station personnel to purchase 

electronic authorizations for their analyzers. Since the switch in program vendors on 

December 1, 2012 from Verizon Business to SysTech International (now called Opus

Inspection), the new real time data collection capabilities will exceed the capabilities 

previously provided by Verizon Business. The new system not only assigns, tracks and 

provides live monitoring of an inspection, but enhances customer service through advance 

option capabilities. The big difference in the new system is the separation of the 

investigative entry and tracking system (records management) from the auditing system. 

The DMV now utilizes its record management system for entering, tracking and storing all 

investigations. This has improved efficiencies in workflow by having a system of record 

that enhance quality assurance in internal and external interaction and provides better 

workflow and communication among all entities of the Division.

3. The DMV currently schedules a minimum of four overt audits per station per year, and one

covert audit per station per year and as many remote observations as required to validate 

complaints or concerns of wrong doing. The DMV schedules a minimum of one overt audit 

per station per year, and one covert audit per station per year and as many remote 

observations as required to validate complaints or concerns of wrong doing. The DMV and 

DAQ requested approval from the EPA to reduce the number of covert audits from two to 

one per year, while the DMV implemented a targeted enforcement program. Details of this 

new effort is outlined in the DAQ’s “Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Program Audit 

Procedure Manual” and the “DMV License and Theft Bureau Policy and Procedures 

Manual.,” Appendix 2 and Quality Assurance Procedures, Appendix 12. 

The DMV has further changed its self-inspection stations auditing procedures to direct its 

efforts and resources on self-inspection stations that inspect vehicles that are issued 

permanent plates by the Division. Along with the one overt audit the DMV now requires all 

self-inspection stations who conduct inspections on permanently plated vehicles to selfreport each year to the Division for a member of the Division to review all vehicles 

registered to the business for compliance with State Inspection requirements

 

3. The License and Theft Bureau completes two internal inspections (called Staff Inspections) 

of field offices and headquarters’ units annually and is audited by an external group the 

Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) triennially to ensure 

compliance with set standards and proven management procedures. During these internal 

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North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
audits the assessors review and inspect all district office, field office, and headquarter unit 

files, (to include inspection station files, audit records and waiver and exemption records) and 

adherence to procedures to verify business is being conducted in accordance with North 

Carolina General Statutes and Bureau Policy and Procedures. At the conclusion of the 

inspections, a report is submitted to the Director of the License and Theft Bureau for review. 

If deficiencies or violations are identified, the Supervisor over the Office of Professional 

Standards will be notified to render corrective, and if required, disciplinary action. All DMV 

program auditors shall themselves be audited once per year by the DAQ. The DAQ 

“Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Program Audit Procedure Manual” documents the 

procedures the DAQ follows while auditing the I/M program and the DMV quality assurance 

auditors. 

O. ENFORCMENT AGAINST CONTRACTORS, STATIONS AND 

INSPECTORS (40 CFR §51.364) 

1. The DMV is responsible for enforcement against inspection stations and inspector mechanics. 

The enforcement actions that the DMV must follow for violations found at inspection stations 

or by inspection mechanics inspectors are outlined in the following statutes in Appendix 1: 

• NCGS §20-183.8, “Infractions and criminal offenses for violations of 

inspection requirements” 

• NCGS §20-183.8A, “Civil penalties against motorists for emissions violations; 

waiver” 

• NCGS §20-183.8B, “Civil penalties against license holders and suspension or 

revocation of license for emissions violations” 

• NCGS §20-183.8C “Acts that are Type I, II, or III emissions violations” 

• NCGS §20-183.8D, “Suspension or revocation of license.” 

• NCGS §20-183.8F, “Requirements for giving license holders notice of 

violations and for taking summary action.” 

The NCGS allow for the immediate suspension or revocation of a license when a violation is 

found at an inspection station or by an inspection mechanics inspectors. 

2. The administrative and judicial procedures and responsibilities relevant to the enforcement 

process are outlined in, NCGS §20-183.8G, “Administrative and judicial review.,”Appendix 

1. 

P. DATA COLLECTION (40 CFR §51.365) 

1. The DAQ’s “North Carolina Analyzer System Specification,” Appendix 9, contains the 

equipment specifications that must be met by all I/M testing equipment approved for use in 

the State of North Carolina. This specificationmanual also provides data collection 

requirements and record storage formatting for the analyzers. The information contained 

within each vehicle test record is such that it is possible to tie specific test results to a specific 

vehicle, test site, analyzer, and inspection mechanics inspectors. 

2. The State of North Carolina hereby commits to gather, summarize and report the results of 

quality control checks performed on testing equipment, sorted according to station number, 

analyzer number, date, and the start time of the quality control check. 

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North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
Q. DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORTING (40 CFR §51.366) 

1. Annually, the State of North Carolina will generate a report summary based upon program 

data collected from January through December of the previous year. This report will provide 

statistics for the testing program, the quality control program, the quality assurance program, 

and the enforcement program. At a minimum, the State commits to address all of the data 

elements listed in 40 CFR §51.366. 

2. The State of North Carolina shall report biennially on all changes made in the program 

design, funding, personnel levels, procedures, regulations, and legal authority, and shall 

supply a detailed discussion of the impact of such changes upon the program. This report 

will also detail and discuss any weaknesses or problems discovered in the program over the 

previous two-year period, as well as the steps that were taken to address those problems, the 

result of those corrective actions, and any future efforts planned. 

R. INSPECTOR TRAINING AND LICENSING OR CERTIFICATION 

(40 CFR §51.367) 

1. Inspection mechanics Inspectors are required to successfully complete an eight-hour course 

approved by the DMV that teaches students about the causes and effects of the air pollution 

problem, the purpose of the emissions inspection program, the vehicle emission standards 

established by the EPA, the emission control devices on vehicles, how to conduct an 

emissions inspection using equipment to analyze data provided by the OBD equipment 

approved by the EMC, and any other topic required by 40 C.F.R. §51.367 to be included in 

the course. This course is offered at local community colleges across the state. Successful 

course completion requires a passing score on a written test and on a hands-on test in which 

the student is required to conduct an emissions inspection of a motor vehicle. 

2. By law, NCGS §20-183.4A, “License required to perform emissions inspection; 

qualifications for license,” Appendix 1, both stations and inspection mechanics inspectorsare 

required to apply for a license with the DMV. Stations are also required to have equipment to 

analyze data provided by the OBD equipment approved by the EMC. 

S. PUBLIC INFORMATION AND COSUMER PROTECTION 

(40 CFR §51.368) 

1. The DAQ and DMV have a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly address public 

outreach for the OBD I/M program throughout the life of the program. Both agencies have 

developed public service announcements that inform the public about the I/M program. 

When the OBD program first started in North Carolina, many of the public service 

announcements focused on informing the public about the new program and when it would 

become effective in the various areas across the State. Additionally, Car Care Clinics were 

held across the State, which provided face-to-face time with the public and the inspection 

facilities to discuss the importance of the I/M program. Open-Net Forums were broadcasted 

on public television four or five times a year, in both English and Spanish, which provided 

the public the opportunity to call into the show and have their questions answered about the 

 17 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
I/M program. Finally, the DAQ has established a separate web page 

(http://daq.state.nc.us/motor/inspect/htdocs/en/) providing information on the I/M program. 

Now that the program has been fully implemented, the public service announcements have 

focused on the importance of vehicle maintenance. 

In addition to the OBD specific outreach, the DAQ has an Air Awareness program that 

provides general public education and outreach across the State about air quality issues. This 

program has two state-wide coordinators and helps fund local coordinators in several areas 

across the State to educate the public about how their actions impact the air quality and types 

of things the public may do to minimize their emissions. Since highway mobile sources are 

the largest source of emissions contributed toby the general public, part of the Air Awareness 

program focuses on educating the public about the OBD I/M program, what the check engine 

light means, and why it is important to keep their vehicles maintained. 

Additionally, the DAQ voluntarily provides Air Quality Forecasts across the State. 

Currently, the DAQ forecasts for ozone and fine particulate matter in the following areas: 

Asheville (both valley and ridge tops), Hickory, Charlotte/Gastonia, Greensboro/WinstonSalem/High Point, Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, Fayetteville and Rocky Mount (no PM 

forecast due to no continuous monitor in the area). The forecasts are available through the 

DAQ website, a toll-free hotline, the EPA Air Now website, the newspapers and the 

broadcast media. In addition to the Air Quality Forecasts, real-time ambient air quality data 

can be viewed on the DAQ website or the public may call a hotline that provides the current 

Air Quality Index for nine areas in the State. 

2. The DMV has made provisions for individuals wishing to challenge their results from an I/M 

station. When a vehicle fails an emissions test, the test report automatically includes 

information concerning causes for emissions failure, vehicle warranty, and waiver availability 

as outlined in the DAQ’s “North Carolina Analyzer System Specification,.”Appendix 9. 

 

T. IMPROVING REPAIR EFFECTIVENESS (40 CFR §51.369) 

1. North Carolina’s basic I/M program is not required to track repair effectiveness of individual 

repair facilities., however the DAQ has developed a course curriculum (basic and advanced) 

for the diagnosis and repair of motor vehicles that have OBD systems and has provided 

training sessions for community college instructors to offer this specialized training. 

U. COMPLIANCE WITH RECALL NOTICES (40 CFR §51.370) 

1. Although not required for basic I/M program, the North Carolina emissions analyzers will 

display emissions related Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) or recall information, if available 

from the VID, during the emission inspection process. 

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North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
 19 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 

V. ON ROAD TESTING (40 CFR §51.371) 

1. On-road testing is not required of North Carolina’s basic I/M program. 

 
Appendix 1 

Statutory Authority 

Contents:

 NCGS §20-128.2 (a), “Motor vehicle emissions standards.” 

NCGS §20-183, “Duties and powers of law-enforcement officers; warning by local officers 

before stopping another vehicle oh highway; warning tickets.” 

NCGS §20-183.3, “Scope of safety inspection and emissions inspection.” 

NCGS §20-183.4A, “License required to perform emissions inspection; qualifications for 

license.”

NCGS §20-183.4C, “When a vehicle must be inspected; 10-day trip permit.”

NCGS §20-183.5A. “When a vehicle that fails a safety inspection because of missing 

emissions control devices may obtain a waiver.”

NCGS §20-183.6A. “Administration of program; duties of license holders.”

NCGS §20-183.7, “Fees for performing an inspection and issuing an electronic inspection 

authorization to a vehicle; use of civil penalties.”

NCGS §20-183.8, “Infractions and criminal offenses for violations of inspection 

requirements.”

NCGS §20-183.8A, “Civil penalties against motorists for emissions violations; waiver.”

NCGS §20-183.8B, “Civil penalties against license holders and suspension or revocation of 

license for emissions violations.”

NCGS §20-183.8C, “Acts that are Type I, II, or III emissions violations.”

NCGS §20-183.8D, “Suspension or revocation of license.”

NCGS §20-183.8F, “Requirements for giving license holders notice of violations and for 

taking summary action.”

NCGS §20-183.8G, “Administrative and judicial review.”

NCGS §143-215.3A, “Use of application and permit fees Water and Air Quality Account; use 

of application and permit fees; Title V Account; I & M Air Pollution Control Account; 

reports.” 

NCGS §143-215.107 (a)(6), “Air quality standards and classifications.” 

NCGS §143-215.107A, “Motor vehicle emissions testing and maintenance program.”

NCGS §143-215.111, “General powers of Commission, auxiliary powers.” 

 Appendix 1-1 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
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 Appendix 1-2 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
 Appendix 1-3 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 

Links to all North Carolina General Statutes can be found on the following web page:

• http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/statutes/Statutes.asp
Appendix 2 

I/M Rules and Regulations 

Contents: 

 15A NCAC 2D .1000, “Motor vehicle Emission Control Standard” 

19A NCAC 3D .500, “General Information Regarding Safety Inspection of Motor 

Vehicles”

Links to the North Carolina Administrative Code can be found on the following web 

page:

• http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac.asp

“DMV License and Theft Bureau Policy and Procedures Manual” can be provided upon 

request from NC DMV

“Memorandum of Understanding” The included MOU was signed in 2010 by both 

agencies. DAQ and DMV plan to discuss future changes to the MOU or the need for an 

MOU once a new Commissioner has been appointed. 

 “Uh-Oh” OBDII Failure brochure 

The Sample OBDII Failure Brochure can be found in the NCAS Specification section 

5.11 on the following web page.

• http://www.ncair.org/motor/inspect/analyzer_vendor.shtml

 Appendix 2-1 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
 Appendix 2-2 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 

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 Appendix 2-3 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
 Appendix 2-4 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
 Appendix 2-5 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
 Appendix 2-6 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
Appendix 3 

Zip Code Listing Covering All I/M Counties 

Contents: 

 Not Applicable to North Carolina 

 

 Appendix 3-1 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
 Appendix 3-2 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 

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Appendix 4 

MOVES Performance Standard Evaluation Tables 

Contents: 

 Table 3: Counties Subject to CO I/M Performance Standard based on 51.352(c) 

 Table 4: Counties Subject to 1-hour Ozone I/M Performance Standard based on 51.352(c) 

 Table 5: Counties Subject to 8-hour Ozone I/M Performance Standard based on 51.352(e) 

 

 Appendix 5-1 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
 Appendix 5-2 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 

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Counties Subject to CO I/M Performance Standard based on 51.352(c) 

Nonattainment 

Area 

Year Counties 

Vehicle 

Miles 

Traveled 

(VMT) 

Pollutant 

Basic I/M 

Performance 

Standard 

(g/m) 

NC Target 

I/M 

Program 

(g/m) 

Percent 

Reduction 

(%) 

CharlotteGastonia 

Area 

2013 Gaston 

Mecklenburg 37,492,468 CO 17.048 15.895 7.001 

Greensboro 

- WinstonSalem - 

High Point 

Area 

2015 

Davidson 

Forsyth 

Guilford 

25,860,478 CO 20.356 19.053 6.613 

Raleigh - 

Durham - 

Chapel Hill 

Area 

2014 

Durham 

Granville 

Wake 

35,888,298 CO 16.690 15.558 7.019 

 Appendix 5-3 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
Counties Subject to 1-hour Ozone I/M Performance Standard based on 51.352(c) 

Nonattainment 

Area 

Year Counties 

Vehicle 

Miles 

Traveled 

(VMT) 

Pollutant 

Basic I/M 

Performance 

Standard 

(g/m) 

NC Target 

I/M 

Program 

(g/m) 

Percent 

Reduction 

(%) 

CharlotteGastonia 

Area 

2013 Gaston, 

Mecklenburg 

47,362,280 VOC 0.573 0.555 3.076 

47,362,280 NOx 1.222 1.177 3.711 

Greensboro 

- WinstonSalem - 

High Point 

Area 

2015 

Davidson 

Forsyth 

Guilford 

32,668,149 VOC 0.631 0.611 3.257 

32,668,149 NOx 1.149 1.106 3.772 

Raleigh - 

Durham - 

Chapel Hill 

Area 

2014 

Durham 

Granville 

Wake 

45,335,753 VOC 0.509 0.490 3.675 

45,335,753 NOx 1.035 0.994 4.040 

 Appendix 5-4 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
 Appendix 5-5 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 

Counties Subject to 8-hour Ozone I/M Performance Standard based on 51.352(e) 

Nonattainment 

Area 

Year Counties 

Vehicle 

Miles 

Traveled 

(VMT) 

Pollutant 

Basic I/M 

Performance 

Standard 

(g/m) 

NC Target 

I/M 

Program 

(g/m) 

Percent 

Reduction 

(%) 

CharlotteGastonia 

Area 

2013 

Cabarrus 

Lincoln 

Iredell 

Rowan 

Union 

29,323,838 VOC 0.782 0.758 3.11 

29,323,838 NOx 1.506 1.445 4.13 

Raleigh - 

Durham - 

Chapel 

Hill Area 

2014 

Chatham 

Franklin 

Johnston 

Orange 

18,226,295 VOC 0.649 0.625 3.72 

18,226,295 NOx 1.449 1.389 4.23 
Appendix 5 

I/M Budget: Fiscal Years 2012-2013 

Contents: 

 DAQ Tools and Resources 

 DAQ Budget Plan 

 DMV Tools and Resources 

 DMV Budget Plan 

 Appendix 5-1 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
 Appendix 5-2 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 

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DAQ Tools and Resources 

The Division of Air Quality dedicates six positions to the I/M Program: 

• An Environmental Program Supervisor, primary duties are to supervise the Mobile Sources 

Compliance Branch. 

• A lead Environmental Engineer, primary purpose of this position is to oversee the 

Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Program and act as a liaison with DMV. 

• A staff level Environmental Specialist, primary purpose of this position is to perform staff-level 

technical services in support of the state’s inspection/maintenance (I/M) program and coordinate 

and any DAQ program audits. 

• Two regional Environmental Senior Technicians (auditors), who will assist in any necessary 

program audits and with major analyzer software validations. 

• One Environmental Specialist, who will assist in any necessary program audits and with major 

analyzer software validations. 

These are all existing funded positions, funded through a dedicated, non-reverting account.

 Appendix 5-3 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement Oct
 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement Oct

 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement Oct
 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement Oct
 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement Oct
DMV Tools and Resources

The Division of Motor Vehicles License and Theft Bureau dedicates 228 positions to the I/M program. 

• 187 sworn law enforcement agents and managers, duties are program management, issuing 

waivers, exemptions, covert audits, remote audits, and enforcement of violations. 

• 28 civilian Call Center operators and managers, primary duties are personnel management and to 

assist citizens and stations with complaints, inquiries on the emission inspection requirements and 

the purchase of electronic authorizations. 

• 2 civilian Hearing Officers who deliberate over and render decision in civil hearings. 

• 11 civilian Administrative staff assigned to one of the eight field offices who assist the law 

enforcement agents in processing paperwork between the district and headquarters and adding 

new technicians in the inspection system. 

These are all existing funded positions, funded through a dedicated, non-reverting account. 

 Appendix 5-8 

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Appendix 6 

Number of vehicles Included in the I/M Program 

Contents: 

 The number of vehicles by county and model year is maintained by DMV 

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Appendix 7 

Quality Control Procedures 

Contents: 

 Quality Control Procedures 

 Appendix 7-1 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
 Appendix 7-2 

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Quality Control Procedures 

DMV License & Theft Bureau Inspectors conduct periodic quality control audits. These audits 

are performed by physically visiting the stations and conducting an inspection of all required 

equipment to perform inspections as required by state law and administrative code. 

Appendix 2 contains the current North Carolina Administrative Code governing vehicle 

Safety/OBD Inspections. All quality control and maintenance procedures to be followed by the 

inspection mechanics inspectors Inspector Mechanics are contained in this manual. 

NOTE: The current manual Administrative Code has not been updated to reflect the changes moving from 

emissions tailpipe inspections to a 100% OBD II inspection procedure nor does it reflect the 

implementation of electronic authorizations in 2008. The DMV License and Theft Bureau is working on 

revising the Code to conform to current policies and procedures.

 Appendix 7-3 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
Appendix 8 

Record Keeping and Document Security 

Contents: 

 Record Keeping and Document Security 

 Appendix 8-1 

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 Appendix 8-2 

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Record Keeping and Document Security 

Licensed inspection stations mustmay procure electronic authorizations certificates from the North 

Carolina Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles (NC DMV) (via web page, phone call 

or through the inspection analyzer) and no other sources. Stations are held strictly accountable for 

inspection certificates in their possession. Any licensed inspection station losing or not accounting for 

any inspection certificate is subject to suspension or revocation of their inspection license, or subject to 

criminal charges as covered in N.C.G.S. 20-183.8. Upon discovery of a loss or theft of any inspection 

certificates, stations are required to report the loss or theft to the DMV Enforcement Section. Oral reports 

must be made as soon as practical to their local Enforcement Section Inspector, followed by a written 

Police report and written report setting out all the facts concerning the loss or theft. Since North Carolina 

has moved to an electronic authorization type system, inspection stations are no longer accountable for 

inspection certificates in their possession. The accounting for all electronic authorizations is handled by 

the inspection analyzer and the vehicle information database.

With electronic authorizations, inspection stations are unable to furnish, give, loan, transfer, reissue, or 

sell any inspection certificates to any other licensed station or inspector mechanic. Inspection stations are 

prohibited from furnishing, giving, loaning, or selling any inspection certificates to any other licensed 

station or Inspection Mechanic. Inspection certificates are not to transferred or reissued. They may only 

be affixed to the vehicle as designated on the receipt and statement, and only after a complete inspection 

of the vehicle has been performed and confirms that it meets requirements for approval. It is the duty of 

each inspection station to protect the certificates from damage or larceny. All unused certificates must be 

accounted for. Unused certificates must be kept in a safe place until audited and destroyed be an Agent of 

the Enforcement Section. 

All inspection supplies, copies of receipts unused certificates, and statements pertaining to the issuance of 

electronic authorizations certificates, and forms issued by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles

NC DMV pursuant to carrying out the inspection program are considered the property of the NC DMV. 

Upon any suspension or revocation of any station license, or if the station ceases to do business, all any 

such items must be surrendered to NC DMV if requested and inventoried by an Agent of the Division of 

Motor Vehicles. 

Each licensed station is required to maintain a copy of the receipt and statement report as issued to the 

operator of a vehicle upon completion of the inspection. The copy of the receipt must be maintained for 

at least eighteen (18) months following the inspection. The inspection records must be are made available 

for inspection by any Law Enforcement Officer, upon demand, during normal business hours. 

 Appendix 8-3 

North Carolina currently uses a registration denial sticker enforcement method for insuring motorist 

compliance with the inspection requirement. These certificates are currently gummed on the face side 

with a specially formulated, pressure sensitive adhesive requiring no water, solvent, or other wetting 

agent for activation. The adhesive side of each emblem is protected until use by an easily removable slip 

sheet. When the slip sheet is removed and the certificate is applied, it forms a tight bond with the 

windshield until intentionally and manually removed. As a security measure, the certificates incorporate 

a self destructive “VOID” feature. If an attempt is made to remove the decal from the decal from the 

windshield, the word “VOID” will appear on both the certificate and windshield from which it was 

removed, so the certificate cannot be reused on another vehicle. The certificates have built-in security 

features which safeguard the State of North Carolina against counterfeiting. This is accomplished by 

incorporating into the design a chemical indictor known only to the manufacturer and authorized 

personnel of the State of North Carolina. Counterfeit-proof penetrating ink is used for serial numbering. 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
 Appendix 8-4 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 

Each certificate has an ease of recognition feature (NC) incorporated into the design. This enables a 

genuine certificate to be readily determined from a counterfeit by viewing the inspection certificate from 

outside of the vehicle. This visual identifiable feature is a non-destructive verification test of authenticity. 

Each certificate has a unique serial number and is accounted for through a computer matching inventory 

system. DMV will continue to use these or other security measures as the technology becomes available. 

DMV may change or alter the style of the certificates to conform to legislative demands or policies. 

DMA will not allow changes which will compromise certificate security or be in direct violation of 

Federal Regulations. Vehicles may be inspected up to 90 days prior to the expiration of the vehicle’s 

registration expiration date. If the vehicle is not inspected, the vehicle’s registration will expire and be 

blocked from renewal or initial registration until the vehicle is inspected. 

In the event the Division of Motor Vehicles uses a registration denial system, it may become necessary to 

discontinue the use of certificate as a means of compliance enforcement due to either legislative or 

economic reasons. In the event a registration denial system is used, the Division of Motor Vehicles will 

enact appropriate security measure to ensure Federal Regulations are met regarding security and anticounterfeit measures. 

The quality of the enforcement program’s information base is assured through the use of bar-coded data 

entry at the test site , gaining the VIN through the bar-coded VIN on the vehicle, or redundant manual 

entry of the VIN and additional qualifiers such as linking the license plate number to the entered vehicle 

identification number. The Division of Motor Vehicle’s computer system is in the process of being 

upgraded and is scheduled to come on line in 1995. Once on line, each vehicle registration will contain 

the bar-coded VIN. The NC DMV registration card displays a bar-coded VIN for the associated 

registered vehicle. By having the bar-coded VIN on each registration, stations will be able to scan the 

VIN from the registration card, verify the entry matches the public VIN which andincreases the accuracy 

of the data entry. DMV’s upgraded computer system will allow tracking of vehicles which be redundant 

entry.NC DMV’s upgradedcomputer system allows tracking of vehicles which receive requireexemptions 

or waivers and registration changes which might occur. Stations performing inspections are tomaintain 

copies of their records for a minimum of eighteen (18) months. These records are subsequently checked 

during quarterly audits.
Appendix 9 

Equipment Specifications 

Contents: 

The North Carolina Analyzer Specifications can be found on the following web page. 

• http://ncair.org/motor/inspect/analyzer_vendor.shtml 

 Appendix 9-1 

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Appendix 10 

Enforcement Procedures 

Contents: 

 DMV Enforcement Procedures 

 Appendix 10-1 

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DMV Enforcement Procedures 

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles in 2008 implemented a program known as eSticker. 

This eSticker program moved the inspection program away from paper inspection stickers to embrace 

electronic inspection authorizations. These electronic inspection authorizations or eStickers are assigned 

to a vehicle’s identification number for passing inspections. The North Carolina Division of Motor 

Vehicles expects to allocate funds for the oversight of the computer matching and sticker enforcement 

mechanisms.

Strategies for motorist compliance primarily revolve around registration denial by utilizing the eSticker 

concept while continuing to identify and cite vehicle owners during roadside pullovers for identifying 

and citing vehicle owners include, but are not limited to, roadside pullovers and the future use of on-road 

testing devices. Roadside pullovers are conducted by allany law enforcement officers with proper 

jurisdiction DMV Officers, State Troopers, County and Local law Enforcement Officers. Roadside 

checkpoints pullovers consist of stopping all traffic on a random street or highway and checking the 

registration expiration inspection certificate for expiration and against the vehicle registration for the 

proper county. Because of eSticker the authenticity of the vehicle’s inspection can be easily verified by 

reviewing the registration. 

A penalty schedule is used in the case of violations by inspection mechanics and inspection stations. The 

penalty schedule has been approved and signed into law. It has been incorporated into this document for 

reference. (http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/statutes/statutelookup.pl?statute=20-183.8B) Penalties which 

include revocation require mandatory retraining for offenders. 

The license of any inspection station or mechanic in violation of any of the articles or provisions of either 

the regulations or laws governing the inspection of motor vehicles is subject to suspension, cancellation

or revocation. Individuals who violate in direct violation of the laws of this State which govern covering 

inspections are subject to criminal prosecution. Any person, firm or corporation conducting inspections, 

whose license is suspended or revoked, must surrender all unused inspection certificates to the Division of 

Motor Vehicles, and no such license is allowed to inspect vehicles while its license is suspended or 

revoked. Every licensee is provided an opportunity for a "show cause" or administrative hearing prior to 

the suspension/revocation of his license. Any licensee whose license has been suspended or revoked 

may, within ten (10) days from the date of the suspension or revocation, request a hearing in writing 

before the Commissioner or his designated Agent. In such cases, the hearing must be conducted within 

thirty (30) ten (10) days of the receipt of the written request for such hearing. When a station has 

requested and been granted a hearing prior to a suspension or revocation order being served, the licensee 

waives any further hearing, provided for in N.C.G.S. 20-183.4 (5). 

 Appendix 10-3 

Prior to the reinstatement of any license suspended or revoked by Order of the Commissioner, it is 

necessary for the applicant to demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Commissioner or his appointed 

Agent, that his employees have ample knowledge of the inspection procedures and requirements 

described in the rules and regulations, and that the location is mechanically equipped to carry out proper 

inspections. It is also necessary for the applicant, for reinstatement, to attend a training session for both 

the Safety Inspection and OBD Exhaust Emissions Inspections. Proof of satisfactory completion must be 

presented to a representative of the Division of Motor Vehicles on a form approved by the Commissioner. 

Any inspector mechanis who has been inactive for a period of one (1) year or more must be recertified by 

satisfactorily completing the required training. In the interim period, prior to the implementation of a fine 

schedule, DMW Enforcement Inspectors will be issuing criminal citations on all violations of the 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
inspection requirements which carry a penalty of revocation of the inspection license. Offenders will be 

charged with a violation of N.C.G.S 20-183.8 (c), which makes vaiolations of the inspection laws an 

infraction and carries a penalty of not more than fifty dollars ($50.00) plus court costs, which are 

currently sixty-five dollars ($65.00).

In the case of either an administrative hearing or criminal trial, the DMV Law Enforcement Officer is 

present to testify unless, through notification, the Officer's presence is not necessary. The Officer 

provides and presents the necessary information and facts relevant to the case. 

DMV License and Theft Bureau Agents have the authority to immediately temporarily suspend licenses 

of stations and inspection mechanics upon finding major violations. 

State Auditors are granted the authority to immediately temporarily suspend licenses of stations and 

inspector mechanics upon finding a major violation. The I/M program management records all 

enforcement activities, including all warnings, fines, suspensions, revocations and other notices of 

violation. On a quarterly basis, the Enforcement Section completes a summary of the statistics on its 

enforcement activities and reports this information the the North Carolina Department of Environment 

Health, and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Management, Air Quality Section, mobile 

Sources Compliance Unit so they may use this information for reports to the EPA and dissemination to 

the public.

In the case of inspection inspector mechanic incompetence, the inspection inspector mechanic is required 

to be retrained and must successfully complete the required courses and tests. The mechanic must then 

demonstrate the ability to perform the test procedure prior to the restoration of his license. For cases 

involving factors other than those of incompetence, the inspectioninspector mechanic is suspended for a 

time frame correlating with severity of the violation, with suspensions increasing with the severity and 

frequency of the violation. Offenses involving gross neglect, deliberate circumvention, or multiple 

offenses ultimately lead to permanent license revocation. 

Civil penalties and violations associated with the Inspection and Maintenance Program can be found in 

Appendix 1:

• NCGS §20-183.7, “Fees for performing an inspection and issuing an electronic inspection 

authorization to a vehicle; use of civil penalties.”

• NCGS §20-183.8, “Infractions and criminal offenses for violations of inspection 

requirements.”

• NCGS §20-183.8A, “Civil penalties against motorists for emissions violations; waiver.”

• NCGS §20-183.8B, “Civil penalties against license holders and suspension or revocation of 

license for emissions violations.”

• NCGS §20-183.8C, “Acts that are Type I, II, or III emissions violations.”

• NCGS §20-183.8D, “Suspension or revocation of license.”

 Appendix 10-4 

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 Appendix 10-5 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 

• NCGS §20-183.8F, “Requirements for giving license holders notice of violations and for 

taking summary action.”

• NCGS §20-183.8G, “Administrative and judicial review.”
Appendix 11 

Enforcement Oversight Procedures 

Contents: 

 DMV Information 

 Appendix 11-1 

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 Appendix 11-2 

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Enforcement Oversight Procedures 

The legal authority contained in North Carolina General Statute Chapter 20, Article 3A, Part 1, is the 

basis of the oversight and enforcement element of the vehicle inspection and maintenance I/M

program. The regulations and procedures by which the vehicle inspection and maintenance I/M 

program is administered come from N.C.G.S. 20-2(b), in which the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles 

is given the authority to promulgate the regulations and provisions reasonably necessary to 

implement Chapter 20 of the North Carolina General Statutes. N.C.G.S. 20-183.8B sets criteria for 

imposing fines and penalties as approved by the General Assembly and ratified as law necessary to 

carry out the inspection program. Laws applicable to enforcement can only be made by the North 

Carolina general Assembly. Many of the implementation items such as those imposing fines and 

penalties must be approved by the General Assembly and ratified by law. Neither the Commissioner 

of Motor Vehicles nor the Governor of North Carolina have the authority to enact regulations 

covering the I/M inspections, and itends to implement each item outlined in the implementation plan. 

DMV does not have the authority to enact some of the outlined proposals, but does intend to seek 

legislative approval for all times outlined and provide an estimated implementation date. In the event 

the General Assembly does not approve fees and fines as proposed, DMV will modify the 

implementation plan, then submit the plan for approval. The Division of Motor Vehicles is fully 

committed to following EPA regulations covering vehicle inspection and maintenance programs. 

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles utilizes a "two-pronged" approach to implementing 

the motorist compliance aspect of the plan. This approach will be is accomplished by using both 

registration denial a sticker enforcement system and computer matching system and civil penalty 

assessments as outlined in N.C.G.S. 20-183.8A. Since beginning a safety inspection program in 

February, 199, North Carolina has used stickers as a means of enforcing motorist compliance. Every 

Law Enforcement Officer in the State who has the authority to enforce motor vehicle laws is able to 

cite violators of the enforcement laws. Enclosed is a list by county of the number of violators found 

guily in calendar year 1992 of failing to have vehicles inspected. This does not include all citations 

written where the motorist complied and appeared in court with proof of compliance and the case was 

dismissed by the Judge or District Attorney. North Carolina Law Enforcement Officers are 

conditioned to stop and cite violators of safety inspection laws. Officers in any area of the State can 

cite a violator for having an expired emissions inspection sticker. The sticker enforcement program 

has proven effective since 1996, and continues to achieve a high degree of compliance today.

The second part of the DMV proposal is to use a computer matching system to match vehicle registration 

records with the I/M inspections which have been performed. A direct VIN match compliance rate of 

80% is now achieved without the use of redundant data entry. With redundant data entry, DMV feels a 

direct match compliance rate of eighty-five percent (85%) or higher is a reasonable objective. A new 

DMV registration computer system is scheduled to come on line in calendar year 1995. The new system 

will feature bar-coded VIN information on each registration. With the accuracy of bar-coded 

information, DMV will commit to a ninety-five percent (95%) direct match compliance rate in calendar 

year 1996. Pending legislative approval, DMV will begin actions in calendar year 1996 against motorists 

who are noncomplying, by ultimately denying registration if there is no direct match of inspection during 

the previous year at the time of registration renewal. Owners would be required to provide proof of 

inspection for registration. 

Stations will be monitored on a monthly basis through the use of their monthly records and downloads. 

Records of stations will be checked on a monthly basis to determine error rate in entry of VIN and 

 Appendix 11-3 

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 Appendix 11-4 

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vehicle license plate numbers. Actions will be taken against stations with errors in excess of five percent 

(5%).

The Division of Motor Vehicles currently provides covert vehicles and performs either a covert or 

remote audit per station annually. There are approximately sixteen (16) fleet covert vehicles available 

for use. These vehicles are set to fail OBD inspections one hundred percent (100%) of the time. The 

Division of Motor Vehicles currently provides undercover vehicles and performs a minimum of one (1) 

covet audit per station per year. There are approximately ten (10) fleet vehicles available for use. These 

vehicles are set to fail tamper approximately fifty percent (50%) of the time and set to fail emissions 

approximately ten percent (10%) of the time. 

DMV anticipates with the Legislative approval of the Emissions Maintenance Fund (EMF), it will be able 

to provide covert audits equal to the number of Inspector Mechanics at each station. Covert audits will be 

conducted with the vehicle set to fail either tamper or emissions standards at a minimum of seventy-five 

percent (75%) of the time. Repairs will be purchased at a minimum of one (1) covert audit per station for 

test and repair facilities. For self-inspection stations, the DMV has updated its self-inspection stations 

auditing procedures to direct its efforts and resources on self-inspection stations that inspect vehicles that 

are issued permanent plates by the Division. Along with the one overt audit the DMV now requires all 

self-inspection stations who conduct inspection on permanently plated vehicles to self-report each year to 

the Division for a member of the Division to review all vehicles registered to the business for compliance 

with State Inspection requirements. Field Auditors will perform spot inspections of the available vehicle 

fleet, checking for tampering and emissions standards compliance by testing ten percent (l0%) or twentyfive (25) vehicles during the year, whichever is less. DMV will provide covert audit vehicles at a rate of 

no more than twenty (20) emissions repairs per vehicle, and no more than two hundred (200) covert 

inspections per vehicle. Vehicles will include different makes and model years, foreign and domestic. 

Each covert vehicle will use regular random North Carolina registrations to assure anonymity, at a rate of 

no more than two hundred (200) inspections per plate. DMV will be dependant on support from 

Congestion/Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) Funds to assist in the purchase of vehicles. CMAQ funds 

will also be used for a maintenance facility which will prepare vehicles for tampering or emission failure.

The Division of Motor Vehicles collects all vehicle inspection information and matches the data to the 

host system for DMV registration records. This automation allows for successful registration denial 

enforcement and during calendar year 2012 posted a ninety-eight point nine percent (98.9%) compliance 

rate for registered vehicles receiving its required inspection. This automation assists DMV with 

preparing the required EPA reports and ensuring the intent of the program is being met at the highest 

level. The Division of Motor Vehicles has full access to all approve North Carolina Analyzer System 90 

(NCAS 90) software to allow DMV Agents to analyze data and conduct necessary data related functions. 

Each station analyzer will download its monthly inspection data to IBM’s Information Network. This 

information is retrieved and stored on the North Carolina State Information Processing System (SIPS)

mainframe. The SIPS Network is a database for all collected information and the host system for DMV 

registration records. With funds received from the EMF, it is anticipated DMV Enforcement will have a 

full-time analyst and programmer to sufficiently evaluate all information and prepare proper EPA reports.
Appendix 12 

Quality Assurance Procedures 

Contents: 

 DMV Quality Assurance Procedures 

 Appendix 12-1 

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 Appendix 12-2 

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DMV Quality Assurance Procedures 

Procedures to be used by program administrators will follow procedures which have been established for 

conducting remote, covert and overt audits auditors follow. Both include sufficient record keeping 

requirements to support and convert stations and individuals during criminal trails and/or administrative 

hearings. All Auditors must be certified or certifiable as State Law Enforcement Officers, which includes 

approximately four hundred forty (440) hours of law enforcement training, basic investigations, evidence 

gathering, and court proceedings. All audits include sufficient record keeping requirements to support 

and convict stations and individuals during criminal trails and/or administrative hearings. DMV License 

and Theft Bureau Inspectors must be certified or certifiable as State Law Enforcement Officers, which 

includes approximately six hundred twenty (620) hours of law enforcement training, basic investigations, 

evidence gathering, and court proceedings. DMV License and& Theft Bureau Inspectors receive 

additional instruction covering the use of inspection machines utilized in the North Carolina program, 

program rules and regulations, basics of pollution control, quality assurance practices, and covert audit 

procedures. DMV Enforcement Officers receive and additional forty (40) hours of instruction covering 

the use of analyzers, I/M program’s rules and regulations, basics of pollution control, quality assurance 

practices, and covert audit procedures.

Overt audits are conducted a minimum of once per station per year. Overt audits are conducted a 

minimum of once per quarter per inspection station. Audits include a check of certificate security and 

accounting for those shown lost or voidedrecord keeping practices, waiver issuance review, mechanic 

licensure, licenses properly posted, inspection area, and ensuring all equipment is in good working order 

and has the current state approved software installed. While performing audits In performing audits, 

DMV License and Theft Bureau personnel will complete a performance audit report which is generated 

from the inspection machine including but not limited to ensuring a properly functioning bar code 

scanner, data link connector, operable printer, etc will perform calibration and leak check of the 

analyzers. Gas bottles used for calibration are checked to ensure they are properly labeled and within the 

required tolerances. During audits, gases of the known concentrations are introduced through the exhaust 

sample probe to check for machine accuracy. These gases contain concentrations of carbon monoxide, 

carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons as expressed in parts per million in propane. Machines not within resudtied by DMV personnel. Gas analyzers are designed to lock out operators for a variety of reasons, 

including tampering with disk drive doors or attempting to access the computer system or mechanical 

parts. Operators are not able to proceed with any inspection until these lockouts are cleared by DMV 

personnel. Test records will be reviewed electronically once per month and by stations to flag statistically 

inconsistent or improbable results. Station records will be electronically reviewed once per month to 

check for excessively high or low failure rates. 

 Appendix 12-3 

The DMV License and Theft Bureau will conduct a number of remote/covert audits each year at a 

minimum of one annually per currently licensed inspection station, plus additional audits aimed at 

suspected problem stations. Covert vehicles are set to fail the bulb check (KOEO) test one hundred 

percent (100%) of the time. Currently Licensed Inspection stations are audited at least once per year with 

a vehicle set to fail the OBD portion of the inspection test or receive a remote observation audit. The 

Division of Motor Vehicles Registration Section will provide random license plates and fictitious 

registrations to assure anonymity of the covert vehicles. The program shall conduct a number of covert 

audits each year which will be equal to the number of licensed inspector mechanics, plus no less than five 

percent (5%), to account for additional covert activity aimed at suspected problem sites. Covert vehicles 

will be set to fail tampering or emissions a minimum of seventy-five percent (75%) of the time. Test and 

repair stations will be audited at least once per year with a vehicle set to fail the exhaust emissions test. 

Repairs will be purchased and the vehicle retested. Covert vehicles will reflect the full range of 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
 Appendix 12-4 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 

technology and malfunction manufactured types. The covert vehicle fleet will be comprised of differing 

types of vehicle makes and model years, foreign and domestic. Remote observations will also be 

performed on stations performing five thousand (5,000) or more inspections per year. The program will 

employ one (1) covert auditor per five hundred (500) licensed mechanics, and shall rotate among testing 

areas to avoid detection. The program will have no more than twenty (20) emissions repairs per covert 

vehicle, and no more than two hundred (200) covert inspections per vehicle. The Division of Motor 

Vehicles Registration Section will provide random license plated and fictitious registrations to assure 

anonymity of the covert auditors. 

DMV License and Theft Bureau Inspectors will receive in-service training each year and themselves shall 

be audited at least once per year. This training will consist of, but not be limited to, the use of inspection 

machines, program rules and regulations, basics of air pollution control, engine repair arid performance, 

motor vehicle emissions control systems, investigations, fraud detection, quality control, and covert audit 

procedures. All program auditors shall be auditors shall be audited at least once per year and have 

approximately forty (40) hours of in-service training per year. The training will consist of, but not limited 

to, the use of analyzers, program rules and regulations, basics of air pollution control, engine repair and 

performance, motor vehicle emissions control systems, investigations, and administrative quality control, 

and covert audit procedures.

Regulations require Inspectors Mechanics inspection mechanics to attend and pass the necessary vehicle 

inspection courses offered by an approved North Carolina Community College or Technical Institute and 

taught by an approved instructor. Training is currently being reformatted to include the elements in 

Section 51.367 (a) of the Federal EPA’s November 5, 1992 I/M Rule, which are not already present, and 

will be introduced in the Community College system prior to January 1, 1994. Students are not passed 

unless they have passes a written test based on the elements of Section 51.367 (a) with a minimum score 

of eighty percent (80%) correct responses. Students must also pass a hands-on test and demonstrate both 

knowledge and ability to perform an emissions inspection by a DMV Auditor before being licensed. 

Inspectors must pass refresher training every four (4) years and demonstrate the knowledge and ability to 

properly conduct a test to a DMV Auditor once every year. Should the Auditor discover the Inspector 

cannot properly perform the test, the Inspector’s licensure is removed and the Inspector must attend 

training at the Community College system as described above. The Division of Motor Vehicles tracks 

licenses expiration electronically within the (VID) vehicle information database and notifies the Inspector 

sixty (60) days in advance of the license expiration. An outline of the current vehicle inspection training 

course is currently accessible on the NC Community Colleges web page

http://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/Business_and_Industry/ConEd/Automotive/AUT3129%20Course

%20Materials-2.htm and complies with the elements in 40 CFR Section 51.367 included. Community 

College instructors Instructors licensed through the Division of Motor Vehicles must be recertified once 

every two (2) years through written exam achieving a minimum score of eighty percent (80%) correct 

responses. Instructional classes are monitored by License and Theft Bureau Inspectors through class 

visits through covet audits through both the Community College system and the Division of Motor 

Vehicle Enforcement Section. 

The Division of Motor Vehicles License and Theft Bureau Enforcement Section has assessed the 

availability of training and found that Community Colleges and Technical Institutes within North 

Carolina in I/M areas provide adequate training in the diagnosis and repair of emissions malfunctions and 

general training on the various subsystems related to emissions control and complete thorough vehicle 

inspections. 
Appendix 13 

List of Abbreviations 

Contents: 

 List of Abbreviations 

 Appendix 13-1 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
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 Appendix 13-2 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
 Appendix 13-3 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 

List of Abbreviations 

CFR Code of Federal Regulations 

CO carbon monoxide 

DENR Department of Environment and Natural Resources 

DAQ Division of Air Quality 

DMV Division of Motor Vehicles 

EGR exhaust gas recirculation 

EPA Environmental Protection Agency 

EMC Environmental Management Commission 

EMF Emissions Maintenance Fund 

EMS Emergency Medical Service 

HDV heavy duty vehicle 

I/M inspection and maintenance 

LDV light duty vehicle 

MSA metropolitan statistical area 

MOVES Motor Vehicle Emissions Simulator 

NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards 

NC North Carolina 

NCAC North Carolina Administrative Code 

NCDOT North Carolina Department of Transportation 

NCGS North Carolina General Statute 

NOx oxides of nitrogen 

O3 ozone 

OBD On-Board Diagnostic II System 

PCV positive crankcase ventilation 

SADLS State Automated Driver License System 

SIP state implementation plan 

STARS State Titling and Registration System 

TSB technical service bulletin 

VID vehicle information database 

VIN vehicle identification number 

VOC volatile organic compounds 
Appendix 14 

Public Hearing Notice report, Comments Received and Responses 

Contents: 

 DMV Quality Assurance Procedures

 Appendix 14-1 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 
 Appendix 14-2 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013 

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 Appendix 14-3 

North Carolina I/M SIP Supplement October 11, 2013