19A NCAC 03D .0523      OPERATION OF SAFETY OR EMISSIONS INSPECTIONS STATIONS

(a)  Safety or Emissions Inspection Stations shall post the following information:

(1)           Official Safety Equipment or Safety Equipment Emissions Inspection Procedure Poster;

(2)           Safety Equipment or Safety Equipment Emissions Inspection Station License, which shall be posted under a material that protects the information contained on the license from dirt and facing;

(3)           Mechanic licenses report issued by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles; and

(4)           On the outside of its building or adjacent thereto, a sign in block letters at least four inches in height bearing the words: OFFICIAL INSPECTION STATION.

(b)  Requirements for Licensed Inspection Mechanic. Licensed inspection mechanics may be required by authorized law enforcement officers of the Division to demonstrate knowledge pertaining to the Safety Equipment or Safety Equipment Emissions inspections in the presence of any such authorized officer.

(c)  Location. Inspections shall be conducted only at the location shown on the inspection station's license and only in the designated inspection area. Trailers may be inspected outside of inspection area as long as they are attached to the engine unit.

(d)  Vehicle presented to be inspected. Each station shall inspect any vehicle presented for inspection according to the year model, and type of engine except as provided in this section or when exempted from the emissions inspection by a waiver issued by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. Stations without the equipment required to inspect a motorcycle or a heavy duty vehicle are not required to conduct the inspection.

(e)  Repairs. The owner or operator of a vehicle that has failed inspection, may obtain the necessary repairs to pass an inspection at any place he or she chooses. Inspection stations shall not require unnecessary repairs or in any manner attempt to require owners or operators of disapproved vehicles to have a vehicle repaired at the inspection station. Permission must be obtained before making any repairs or adjustments.

(f)  Hours of operation. Except for State holidays, as set forth in 25 NCAC 01E .0901, each public station must be open for at least eight business hours, five days per week. Hours of operation must be posted outside of the business. A licensed inspection mechanic shall be on duty to conduct inspections during hours of operation.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 20-2; 20-39; 20-183.4; 20-183.5;

Eff. October 1, 1994;

Readopted Eff. October 1, 2021.