EPA Greenlights NC Ditching Car Inspections in 19 Counties
Published Date: 5/8/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
North Carolina wants to stop its vehicle inspection and maintenance program in 19 counties, and the EPA is ready to approve this change because it won’t hurt air quality goals. This means fewer car checkups for drivers in those areas, with no extra costs or delays expected. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by June 8, 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
I/M Program Removed in 19 Counties
North Carolina submitted a SIP revision on October 1, 2024 asking to remove the State's vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) program from the SIP for 19 counties (Alamance, Buncombe, Cabarrus, Cumberland, Davidson, Durham, Franklin, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Johnston, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, New Hanover, Randolph, Rowan, Union, and Wake). EPA is proposing to approve that removal because it finds the change will not interfere with air quality obligations; drivers in those listed counties would no longer be covered by the SIP I/M requirement, and the notice states no extra costs or delays are expected.
When the Removal Becomes Effective
Under North Carolina Session Law 2023-134, Sections 12.7(a) and (b) (which implement the county changes) become effective on the first day of a month that is 60 days after the Secretary of the Division of Environmental Quality certifies that EPA has approved the October 1, 2024 SIP revision. The legal change applies to motor vehicles inspected, or due to be inspected, on or after that effective date.
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