North Carolina amends state inspection law

In an effort to improve inspection compliance and highway safety and air quality, beginning Oct. 1, North Carolina drivers will be required to pass vehicle safety and emissions inspections before they can renew their registration through the state division of motor vehicles.

The inspections will also become electronic, doing away with windshield stickers for good. The change is anticipated to return a 5 percent inspection compliance increase.

The DMV is promoting a “No More Sticker” campaign to raise consumer awareness on the new requirements. When the law goes into effect, receipts will be given to motorists following an inspection and it will be updated on the DMV’s registration database.

An inspection price hike, from $8.25 to $12.75, was also included, although emissions inspections will remain at $30. The increase covers the cost of shops having to log in and update DMV records.