A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to prevent an inspection station from denying an inspection AUTHORIZATION for the mere fact that the "Check engine light" is on with no underlying emission or safety issues which would require a denial and to limit the required EMISSIONS and safety inspections To once a year regardless of the vehicle's ownership.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  G.S. 20‑183.3 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:
"(b2)	Check Engine Light Malfunctions. – No vehicle shall fail an emissions or safety inspection for merely having a "check engine light" malfunction if the underlying reason for the malfunction cannot be determined based on information gathered from the OBD or if the underlying reason for the "check engine light" malfunction is for a condition of the engine or vehicle that is not regulated by this Part."
SECTION 2.  G.S. 20‑183.4C(a)(2) reads as rewritten:
"(a)	Inspection. – A vehicle that is subject to a safety inspection, an emissions inspection, or both must be inspected as follows:
...
(2)	A used vehicle must be inspected before it is offered for sale at retail in this State by a dealer unless the vehicle has received a passing inspection within the previous 12 months. Upon purchase, a receipt approved by the Division must be provided to the new owner certifying compliance.
…."
SECTION 3.  This act becomes effective October 1, 2011, and applies to inspections performed on or after that date.