EPA Approves Plan to Remove Vehicle Emissions Testing Requirement in 19 North Carolina Counties

NC car owners will save on inspections if request to eliminate emissions tests approved by EPA

Drivers across several North Carolina counties could soon save money at inspection time under new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposal

US EPA signs off on ending vehicle emissions testing in 5 Triad counties

Alamance, Davidson, Forsyth, Guilford and Randolph counties in the Triad are among 18 statewide affected by the ending of vehicle emissions testing if authorized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

EPA agrees: NC drivers no longer need emissions test each year, change would save them $$

According to the agency, eliminating the program would save North Carolina drivers nearly $20 million a year without significantly harming air quality.

EPA approves plan to remove vehicle emissions testing requirement in 19 North Carolina counties

The EPA's proposal to end vehicle emissions testing in 19 North Carolina counties could save drivers $20 million annually while maintaining air quality standards.

The EPA grants North Carolina’s request to end vehicle emissions testing

EPA Proposes Approving North Carolina’s Plan to Remove Vehicle Emissions Testing Requirement in 19 Counties

On May 8, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to approve North Carolina’s request to remove its vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) program—commonly known as emissions testing—from the State Implementation Plan (SIP)