Program Evaluation Division

Doubtful Return on the Public's $141 Million Investment in Poorly Managed Vehicle Inspection Programs (December 2008)

Summary

Vehicles registered in North Carolina are subject to two types of inspections: safety inspections examine various mechanical systems and emissions inspections ensure proper functioning of pollution controls. North Carolinians spend $141 million annually on inspections. No evidence exists showing the safety inspection program is effective, it is not possible to determine how much vehicle emissions inspections contribute to the improvement of overall air quality, and program oversight by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is inadequate. The General Assembly should reevaluate the need for a safety inspection program, consider exempting vehicles from the three newest model years from safety and emissions inspections, and require DMV to manage the programs to ensure results.

Relevant Legislation:

S.L. 2011-145, Section 28.24.(a): Directed the Department of Transportation to lead a study to examine exempting from the emissions inspection required for motor vehicles under G.S. 20-183.2(b) (i) the three newest model year vehicles and (ii) all vehicles.
Senate Bill 200 (2015–16): An act to repeal the requirement that motor vehicles registered in this state have an annual safety inspection. This legislation was not enacted.
House Bill 59 (2013–14) repealed the requirement that motor vehicles registered in this state have an annual safety inspection. This legislation was not enacted.

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