Welcome to the Safety Inspection Program

1
Welcome to the Safety Inspection Program
Equipment Safety Inspection Procedures
and Regulations
2
Inspection Procedure for Safety Equipment

• Driving the vehicle forward into the inspection
  area is required, by the Inspection Mechanic,
  for a complete and proper inspection to be
  performed.

3
Safety Equipment Items

• Lights
• Brakes
• Horn
• Steering Mechanism
• Windshield Wiper
• Directional Signals
• Tires
• Tire Definitions
• Mirrors
• Exhaust Emission Controls
• Emission Control Devices

4
.0532 Brakes

• No vehicle brakes shall be approved for an
  inspection Authorization unless the items
  indicated in this Rule are inspected and found to
  meet the minimum requirements established in G.S.
  20-124 and this Rule.

5
.0532 Brakes

• G.S. 20-124 states
• Brakes are required to control movement of and to
  stop vehicles and the brakes shall be maintained
  in good working order.
• The ABS light does not constitute a failure
  Unless the ABS unit is leaking or damaged. If
  there is an electrical malfunction of the ABS
  system the manufacture is required to use the
  service brake as a back-up plan.

6
.0532 Brakes

• (1) Footbrakes shall not be approved if
• (a) When applying brakes to the moving vehicle,
  braking force is not distributed evenly to all
  wheels originally equipped with brakes by the
  manufacturer.

The Inspection Mechanic must drive the vehicle
to make this test. The Inspection Mechanic may
check the brakes while driving the vehicle
forward into the inspection area.
7
.0532 Brakes

• (1)(continued )
• (b) There is audible indication (metal to
  metal) that the brake lining is no longer
  serviceable. (The wheel must be removed and the
  brake lining examined when this occurs.)
• Wear Sensors wear indicators (squealers)
  constitute a failure.

8
.0532 Brakes

• (1)(continued)
• (c) Pedal reserve is less
• than 1/3 of the total
• possible travel when
• the brakes are fully
• applied, or does not
• meet the manufactures
• specifications for power
• brakes or air brakes.

9
.0532 Brakes

• (1)(continued)
• (d) The reservoir of the
• master cylinder is not
• full.
• Reservoir filled
• according to
• manufacture
  
• specifications.
• The inspection
• mechanic must
• remove the reservoir
• cap to verify fluid and
• level.

10
.0532 Brakes

• (1)(continued)
• (e) There is visible leakage or audible seepages
  in hydraulic, vacuum or air lines and cylinders,
  or visible cracked, chafed, worn or weakened
  hoses.
• Pay close attention to vehicles with oversize
  tires or rims because they may rub the brake
  hoses.

Brake Hose
11
.0532 Brakes

• (1)(continued)
• (f) The vehicle has any part of the brake system
  removed or disconnected.

12
.0532 Brakes

• (1)(continued)
• (g) The brake pedal moves slowly toward the
  floorboard (indicating fluid leakage) while pedal
  pressure is maintained for one minute.
• Some vehicles manufactured with ABS will do this
  as a normal function.

13
.0532 Brakes

• (2) Inspection mechanics are not expected to
  remove wheels in order to inspect the brakes.
  (Except as provided in sub-item (1)(b) of this
  Rule.) Inspection mechanic Must raise vehicle to
  get beneath to check underside.

14
.0532 Brakes

• (3) Handbrakes (auxiliary, parking or holding)
  shall not be approved if
• (a) There is no lever reserved when the brake is
  fully applied.
• Some Chevrolet Trucks/SUVs will have no lever
  reserve from the factory.

15
.0532 Brakes

• (3)(continued)
• (b) Cables are visibly frayed or frozen, or there
  are missing or defective cotter pins, broken or
  missing retracting springs, or worn rods or
  couplings.

16
.0532 Brakes

• (3)(continued)
• (c) The operating mechanism, when fully applied,
  fails to hold the brakes in the applied position
  without manual effort.
• The lever will not stay set.
• Some levers are pump to set.

17
.0532 Brakes

• (3)(continued)
• (d) When emergency or handbrakes are applied they
  fail to hold vehicle.
• Emergency brake should be tested by setting the
  brake with the vehicle running and in gear. Do
  not depress the accelerator while performing this
  test.

18
.0532 Brakes

• (3)(continued)
• (e) Fails to release after being set.

19
.0533 Lights

• G.S. 20-129(a) state
• Every vehicle upon a highway or public vehicular
  area within this State Shall be equipped with
  lighted headlamps and rear lamps as required for
  different classes of vehicles.
• As a Rule of Thumb for lights being inspected.
  If the lights were installed by the manufacturer,
  they are approved by the Commissioner.
• Fog lamps or auxiliary lamps are not required and
  are not part of the safety inspection.

20
.0533 Lights

• (1) Headlights shall not be approved if
• (a) There are not at least two headlamps (or four
  on dual headlamp systems) on all self-propelled
  vehicles except that motorcycles and motor driven
  cycles need only one.

21
.0533 Lights

• (1)(continued)
• (b) The lens produces other than white or yellow
  light.
• Xenon lights installed by the manufacturer and
  Xenon light replacement kits are allowed.
• Colored headlamp bulbs are illegal and constitute
  a failure.
• Remember if approved by DOT, it is approved by
  the Commissioner.

22
.0533 Lights

• (1)(continued)
• (c) Any lens is cracked, broken, discolored,
  missing, or rotated away from the proper
  position, or any reflector is not clean and
  bright.

23
.0533 Lights

• (1)(continued)
• (d) The high beam/low beam switch does not
  operate properly or the high beam indicator light
  does not burn on vehicles.
• Low speed vehicles are not required to have a
  high beam indicator.

24
.0533 Lights

• (1)(continued)
• (e) Lights can be moved easily by hand, due to
  broken fender or loose support, or if mounting
  does not make a good ground.

25
.0533 Lights

• (1)(continued)
• (f) Foreign materials (such as shields, half of
  lens painted) are placed on the headlamp lens
  that interferes with the light beam of lamp.

FAIL
26
.0533 Lights

• (1)(continued)
• (g) Lights are improperly aimed using an approved
  light-testing device.
• Headlamps must be aimed during each inspection by
  use of approved headlight aimer, undamaged
  on-board aimer or wall chart.
• When using on-board aimers, the floor slope
  cannot be greater than one quarter of a degree.

27
.0533 Lights

• (1)(continued)
• (h) Lights project a dazzling or glaring light
  when on low beam.
• Dazzling or glaring is defined as rising above
  the horizontal plane of the vehicle (higher than
  42, 75 ahead of the vehicle.

• Dazzling or glaring may be caused by a high beam
  bulb installed in a low beam position.

28
.0533 Lights

• (1)(continued)
• (I) Tolerance allowed for headlight aiming
• (1) On board aiming devices is .8 degrees up,
  down, left or right.
• (2) Optical or computerized aiming devices are
  either go or no go.

29
.0533 Lights

• (2) Rear lights shall conform to the requirements
  of G.S. 20-129(d). Taillights shall not be
  approved if
• (a) All original equipped rear lamps or the
  equivalent are not in working order.

• After-market and trailer lights
• are acceptable as long as they
• are securely attached and project
• light to the rear of the vehicle.

30
.0533 Lights

• (2)(continued)
• (b) The lens is cracked, discolored, or of a
  color other than red.
• The use of repair tape is not acceptable to pass
  the safety inspection.

31
.0533 Lights

• (2)(continued)
• (c) They do not operate properly or project white
  light.
• Altaza (fisheye or Euro) lights are
  acceptable as long as a colored lens is in front
  of the bulb.

32
.0533 Lights

• (2)(continued)
• (d) They are not securely mounted.
• No magnetic or temporary mounting is acceptable.

33
.0533 Lights

• (2)(continued)
• (e) The lens is clear and the bulb is colored.
• (f) The lens is covered, smoked tinted, or there
  is lettering or logos placed on the lens.

34
.0533 Lights

• (3) Stoplights shall conform to the requirements
  of G.S. 20-129(g).
• Stoplights shall not be approved if
• (a) The lens is cracked, discolored or of a color
  other than red or amber.

35
.0533 Lights

• (3)(continued)
• (b) They do not come on when pressure is applied
  to the footbrake.
• Proper Procedure to check stoplight operation
• a) Use a pedal lock rod or
• b) Use an approved mirror or reflecting windows
  of bay doors or
• c) Have someone else depress the brake pedal
  while the inspector/mechanic looks at the bulbs.
• The licensed Inspector Mechanic performing the
  safety inspection Must observe the illumination
  of the bulb.

36
.0533 Lights

• (3)(continued)
• (c) They are not securely mounted so as to
  project light to the rear.
• Includes the third brake light if the vehicle is
  so equipped.
• Pick Up trucks with camper shells are not
  required to install an auxiliary stoplight on the
  back of the camper shell.
• If the camper shell is installed in such a way
  that the third brake light on the pickup is not
  visible, it is not required to be operational.

37
.0533 Lights

• 100 of the light Emitting Diodes must be
  operating on vehicles equipped with spoilers or
  fins using the LED as the 3rd brake light.
• If the vehicle is equipped with a properly
  operating external 3rd brake light, the internal
  3rd brake light, if so equipped does not have to
  be operational.

38
.0533 Lights

• (4) Vehicles shall have the lights as required by
  G.S. 20-129(d). License Plate light Must be white
  in color and illuminate the tag to be read 50
  feet.
• Neon license plate lights will not be approved.

39
.0533 Lights

• (5) Parking lights shall conform to the
  requirements of G.S. 20-134. A vehicle shall not
  be approved if parking lights are not working.
  Parking lights on the front must be white or
  amber, on the rear red only.

40
.0533 Lights

• (6) Back-Up Lights. Any motor vehicle may be
  equipped with not more than two back-up lamps
  either separately or in combination with other
  lamps, but any such back-up lamp shall not be
  lighted while the motor vehicle is in forward
  motion, nor shall the back-up light emit any
  color than white.
• A back-up lamp is not a requirement of the safety
  inspection.

41
.0533 Lights

• Back-Up lamps that illuminate with the stoplights
  constitute a failure.
• Vehicles that are factory-equipped with more than
  two back-up lights meet Federal regulations and
  supersede NCAC.

42
.0533 Lights

• Do not disapprove any light if there is
  condensation on the lens. Disapprove if there is
  standing water inside the lens.
• Reflectors are not required equipment on
  passenger vehicles.

43
.0534 Horn

• G.S. 20-125 states
• Every motor vehicle when operated on highway or
  public vehicular area shall be equipped with a
  horn in good working order capable of emitting
  sound audible under normal condition from a
  distance of not less than 200 feet

44
.0534 Horn

• (1) The horn shall not be approved if
• (a) It will not emit a sound audible for a
  distance of at least 200 feet, or it emits an
  unusually loud or harsh sound. Original
  equipment in working order will meet these
  requirements.

• Musical horns are not accepted as a Replacement
  for the factory horn.

45
.0534 Horn

• (1)(continued)
• (b) It has frayed, broken, or missing wiring if
  wiring harnesses are broken or missing if horn
  button is not mounted securely and in a position
  which is easily accessible to the driver or if
  the horn is not securely mounted to the motor
  vehicle.

46
.0534 Horn

• (1)(continued)
• (c) Operation of the horn interferes with the
  operation of any other mechanism.
• Some older Ford Products were manufactured with
  the horn incorporated with the windshield wipers.

47
.0535 Steering Mechanism

• G.S. 20-123.1 states
• The steering mechanism of every self-propelled
  motor vehicle operated on a highway or public
  vehicular area shall be maintained in good
  working order, sufficient to enable the operator
  to control the vehicles movements and maneuver
  it safely.

48
.0535 Steering Mechanism

• 1. The inspection mechanic must ALWAYS raise
  vehicle to get beneath vehicle to check the
  steering mechanism.
• Pits are OK, they Must raise the tires off the
  floor!

49
.0535 Steering Mechanism

• (2) The steering mechanism shall not be approved
  if
• (a) With front wheels in straight ahead position
  there is more than 3 inches of free play in
  steering wheels up to 18 inches in diameter or
  more than 4 inches of free play in steering
  wheels over 18 inches in diameter. If the vehicle
  is equipped with power steering, the engine must
  be operating.

• 1 ½ Side to Side 3 of free play.

50
.0535 Steering Mechanism

• (2)(continued)
• (b) Either front or rear springs are noticeably
  sagging, broken, cut, heated, removed or missing
  (or portions missing).
• Vehicles with hydraulic suspension are subject to
  failure if springs are removed or manipulated.
• Oversize tires and rims that prevent the vehicle
  from turning within the proper turning radius
  shall constitute a failure.

51
.0535 Steering Mechanism

• (2)(continued)
• (c) The front wheels or front end assembly is
  bent or twisted or bolts, nuts or rivets are
  loose or missing.
• To fail a vehicle for missing lug nuts or missing
  studs is the discretion of the inspection
  mechanic.

52
.0535 Steering Mechanism

• (2)(continued)
• (d) Power steering system shows visible leaks or
  the power steering belt is loose, worn or
  missing.
• Rack-N-Pinion steering mechanisms with morning
  sickness fails ONLY if tightness or slippage
  occurs during the inspection.

53
.0535 Steering Mechanism

• (2)(continued)
• (e) Struts and shocks are part of the steering
  mechanism inspection.
• Normal condensation does not constitute a
  failure, broken disconnected or collapsed
  constitutes a failure.

54
.0535 Steering Mechanism

• (2)(continued)
• (f) CV Joints make a popping or clicking noise
  when vehicle is driven into the inspection area.
• A torn or leaking CV Booting does not constitute
  a failure.

CV Boot
55
.0536 Windshield Wipers

• G.S. 20-127 states
• A vehicle that is operated on a highway or
  public vehicular area and has a windshield shall
  have a windshield wiper to clear rain or other
  substances from the windshield in front of the
  driver of the vehicle and the windshield wiper
  shall be in good working order. If a vehicle has
  more than one windshield wiper to clear
  substances from the windshield, all windshield
  wipers shall be in good working order.

56
.0536 Windshield Wiper

• (1) Windshield wipers shall not be approved if
• (a) The vehicle is not equipped with a
  windshield wiper or wipers (both left and right),
  provided the vehicle has a windshield.

57
.0536 Windshield Wiper

• (1)(continued)
• (b) The wiper or wipers do not operate freely.
• (c) The wiper controls are so constructed and
  located that the driver may operate them.

58
.0536 Windshield Wiper

• (d) The wiper or wipers are not adequate to clean
  rain, snow and other matter from the windshield.
• (e) Parts of the blades or arms are missing or
  show evidence of damage.

59
.0536 Windshield Wiper

• (f) Windshields that are cracked and impedes
  wiper blade operation.
• Failure is equivalent to defective wipers.
• Wipers on rear windows are not part of the
  Safety Inspection.

Defective Wiper
60
.0537 Direction Signals

• G.S. 20-125.1 states
• Vehicles that are operated on a highway or
  public vehicular area must have a mechanical or
  electrical signal device by which the operator of
  another vehicle can see the intention to turn the
  vehicle.

61
.0537 Direction Signals

• (1) All vehicles, except motorcycles, must be
  equipped with turn signals.
• (2) Vehicles required to have signals shall be
  inspected and disapproved if

62
.0537 Direction Signals

• (2)(continued)
• (a) Signals are not present and of a type
  approved by the Commissioner. Original
  directional signals are considered to be of a
  type approved by the Commissioner. Such signals
  shall be those which will allow the operator
  approaching from a distance of 200 feet from
  front or rear his intention to turn the vehicle.

63
.0537 Direction Signals

• (2)(continued)
• (b) All lights do not operate properly, or any
  lenses are broken, missing, or do not fit
  properly.
• (c) Signal lens color is other than red or amber
  on rear and other than white or amber on the
  front.

64
.0537 Direction Signals

• (d) Lamps are not securely mounted or wiring and
  connections are not in good condition.

Damage
65
.0537 Direction Signals

• (e) Signals are not visible from front or rear
  due to faulty or damaged mounting or due to
  manner in which they are mounted.
• (f) Switch is not so located as to be convenient
  for the driver to operate and so that its
  operation does not interfere with operation of
  other mechanisms.
• The indicators in the dashboard and the switch
  must operate without assistance.
• Minor cracks on lenses shall not lead to
  disapproval unless water is likely to enter lens
  and lead to bulb failure.

66
.0538 Tires

• G.S. 20-122.1 states
• Tires fail safety inspection if there are
• Cuts that expose the cords
• Cracks that expose the cords
• Worn areas that expose the cords
• Tire and / or tread separation, chunking
  (separation of tread from carcass)
• Less than 2/32 inch at 2 or more locations and /
  or tread wear indicators in contact with the
  roadway at 2 or more locations.
• Temporary tires (doughnuts) are not approved.

67
.0538 Tires

• (1) Any vehicle shall be disapproved if
• (a) Any tire has cuts or snags that expose the
  cords.
• Foreign objects in tires and dry rotting that
  constitute failure is to the discretion of the
  inspection mechanic.

Core Showing
68
.0538 Tires

• (1)(continued)
• (b) Any tire has a visible bump, bulge, or knot
  apparently related to tread or sidewall
  separation or partial failure of the tire
  structure including the bead area.

Bump
69
.0538 Tires

• (2) A tread depth gauge shall measure tire depth,
  which shall be of a type calibrated in
  thirty-seconds of an inch. Reading shall be
  taken in two adjacent tread grooves of the tire
  around the circumference of the tire. Readings
  for a tire with a tread design that does not have
  two adjacent grooves near the center shall be
  taken at the center of the tire around the
  circumference of the tire. Each tire must be
  lifted from the ground for an inspection to be
  performed.

70
.0539 Tire Definitions

• (1) As used in this and the preceding rule, these
  terms have the following meaning

71
.0539 Tire Definitions

• (a) Rim is a metal support for the tire or tire
  and tube.

72
.0539 Tire Definitions

• (1)(continued)
• (b) Bead is that part of the tire which is shaped
  to fit the rim. The bead is made of high tensile
  steel wires wrapped and reinforced by plies.

Bead
73
.0539 Tire Definitions

• (1)(continued)
• (c) Sidewall is that portion of the tire between
  tread and bead.

Sidewall
74
.0539 Tire Definitions

• (1)(continued)
• (d) Cord is made of textile, steel wire strands
  forming the plies or other structure of the
  tires.
• (e) Ply is layers of rubber coated parallel
  cords forming the tire body.
• (f) Rib is the tread section running
  circumferentially around the tire.

75
.0539 Tire Definitions

• (g) Groove is the space between the two ribs.
• A tire shall not be approved if there is less
  than 2/32 inch of tread at 2 or more locations
  around the circumference of the tire in 2
  adjacent major tread grooves or if the tread wear
  indicators are in contact with the roadway at 2
  or more locations around the circumference of the
  tire in 2 adjacent major tread grooves.

• Secondary rubber and sidewall damage, due to low
  tire pressure, shall constitute a failure if it
  is an immediate safety hazard.

76
.0540 Mirrors

• G.S. 20-126 (a) states
• Inside rearview mirrors are required on all
  motor vehicles operated on a public vehicle area
  or highway, UNLESS the vehicle is so constructed
  or loaded as to make such mirror ineffective,
  therefore, an approved type (outside rearview) of
  mirror must be used.

77
.0540 Mirrors

• (1) Mirrors shall not be approved if
• (a) Loosely mounted,
• (b) Forward vision of the device (vehicle) is
  obstructed by the mirror assembly,
• (c) They do not provide a clear view of the
  highway to the rear,
• (d) Cracked, broken, have sharp edges or can not
  be cleaned such that vision is not obscured,

78
.0540 Mirrors

• (1)(continued)
• (e) They are very difficult to adjust or they
  will not maintain a set adjustment.
• (f) Bus, truck or truck-tractor with a GVWR of
  10,001 pounds or more is not equipped with a rear
  view vision mirror on each side.
• (g) Vehicles that are 1996 or newer are not
  equipped with an outside rear view mirror on the
  drivers side.

79
.0540 Mirrors

• (1)(continued)
• (h) All vehicle must have a drivers side
  outside rearview mirror and an inside (center)
  rearview mirror, with the exception of a pick up
  truck. A pick up truck must have both the
  drivers side and passengers side outside
  rearview mirror or the drivers side outside
  rearview and the inside (center) rearview mirror.
• (i) For purposes of this subsection, a truck is
  defined as a motor vehicle with a GVWR of 10,001
  pounds or more.
• If the vehicle is loaded or configured in such a
  way that the inside mirror is obstructed, a
  passenger side outside mirror would be required.
• The passengers outside rearview mirror is not
  required equipment on passenger vehicles if an
  inside rearview mirror is present.

80
.0541 Exhaust Emission Controls

• Exhaust Emission Controls consist of not only
  the muffler but the exhaust pipes, the exhaust
  manifold and in some cases the resonator. All
  parts of the system working together cause the
  energy created from the exhaust gases to
  dissipate and thus, reducing the noise that
  otherwise would be tremendous.

81
.0541 Exhaust Emission Controls

• (1) An exhaust emission shall not be approved if
  the emission control devices placed thereon by
  the manufacturer are missing, disconnected, made
  inoperative or have been altered without approval
  of the Department of Environmental, Health and
  Natural Resources.
• This is true for ALL INSPECTIONS.
• Reminder Vehicles 35 years old or older from
  the date manufacture are not required to be
  safety inspected.

82
.0541 Exhaust Emission Controls

• (2) If the unleaded gas restrictor on a vehicle
  manufactured after 1967 has been altered or
  removed, a new or reconditioned catalytic
  converter and unleaded gas restructure must
  replaced before the vehicle passes inspection.
• When an unleaded fuel restrictor is tampered
  with, it is alleged that leaded fuel has been
  used. Once leaded fuel is burned through the
  engine and exhausted the lead particles destroy
  the catalyst components of the catalytic
  converter.

PASS
83
.0541 Exhaust Emission Controls

• (3) An exhaust system shall not be approved if
• (a) The vehicle has no muffler.
• (b) The muffler, exhaust or tail pipes have
  leaking joints.
• (c) The exhaust or tailpipes have holes, leaking
  seems or leaking patches on muffler.
• (d) The tailpipe end is pinched.
• (e) The exhaust system is equipped with muffler
  cut-out or muffler by-pass.
• (f) Any part of the system passes through the
  passenger compartment.

84
.0541 Exhaust Emission Controls

• Many mufflers are manufactured with a seep
  hole. The presence of this hole does not
  constitute failure.

85
.0542 Emission Control Devices

• A civil penalty shall be assessed against
  individuals who instruct or allow a person to
  remove, disconnect, tamper with, or render
  inoperable any emission control device equipped
  by the manufacturer of any motor vehicle as
  described in G.S. 20-183.3.
• (1) These devices include

86
.0542 Emission Control Devices

• (1)(continued)
• (a) Catalytic Converter,
• A vehicle originally equipped with a catalytic
  converter will fail for the tampering portion of
  the inspection if a new exhaust system is
  installed without a catalytic converter.

87
.0542 Emission Control Devices

• The tailpipe must exit the vehicle behind the
  passenger compartment.

88
.0542 Emission Control Devices

• (1)(continued)
• (b) Unleaded Gas Restrictor
• The reduced opening in side the fuel filler
  neck.
• Lexus, Hondas, Saabs, Toyotas and High Line Asian
  Vehicles no longer install a unleaded fuel
  restrictor.

89
.0542 Emission Control Devices

• (1)(continued)
• (c) Air Pump System,
• There are 2 types of Air Pumps Systems
• 1) The pump type is either electrical or belt
  driven. A missing air or smog pump belt is a
  failure of the Air Pump System.
• 2) P.A.I.R. does not require a pump and uses the
  normal pulsing from the exhaust valves opening
  and closing.

90
.0542 Emission Control Devices

• (d) EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) Valve
• EGR Valves are either vacuum operated or,
  electrically operated.

91
.0542 Emission Control Devices

• (e) PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) Valve
• Not all 1968 and newer vehicles will have a PCV
  Valve.
• A missing oil filler cap or oil dipstick fails
  the PCV system.
• Not all vehicles are equipped with a actual PCV
  Valve. Some may be equipped with PCV system that
  utilizes an orifice in lieu of a valve.

92
.0542 Emission Control Devices

• (f) Thermostatic Air Cleaner
• Verify that all vacuum hoses, the preheat tube,
  PCV System hoses are connected and that the lid
  is securely attached.
• Only 2 things can be missing snorkel hose and the
  air filter.

93
.0542 Emission Control Devices
Purge Valve
Charcoal Canister

• (g) Evaporative Emission Systems
• The Evaporative Emission System consists of the
  charcoal canister, the purge system, the fuel
  tank and cap, vacuum lines and fuel return and
  supply lines.
• Disconnected charcoal canister purge vacuum lines
  fail the Evaporative Emission System.

94
.0542 Emission Control Devices

• (h) Oxygen Sensor,
• Meters the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases.
• Most manufactures install more than one oxygen
  sensor the inspection mechanic is required to
  visually inspect all that are included.

Oxygen Sensor
95
.0542 Emission Control Devices

• Vehicles are required to have emission control
  devices as installed by the manufacturer to be
  present, connected and in a visually operative
  condition.
• The Emission Control System Applications Manual,
  Mitchell on Demand and All Data are examples of
  sources to determine what the manufacturer
  installed on most vehicles.

96
Inspection Procedure for Motorcycles
97
.0544 Safety Inspection of Motorcycles

• (1) Motorcycle Brakes shall fail inspection if
• (a) When applying brakes to the moving vehicle,
  there is insufficient force to stop the vehicle.
• (b) Brakes are worn in such an manner that there
  is an uneven braking force.
• (c) There is an audible or visual indication
  that the brake lining is worn to the extent it is
  no longer serviceable.
• (d) There is less than one-third reserve in
  either footbrake or handbrake total possible
  travel when the brakes are fully applied.

98
.0544 Safety Inspection of Motorcycles

• (1)(continued)
• (e) Reservoirs of braking cylinders are not
  full.
• Within manufacturers specifications.
• (f) There is a visible leakage of fluid from any
  brake line or brake component.
• (g) Handbrake cables are frayed, broken, or
  frozen or linkage is defective.
• (h) Motorcycles are required to be equipped with
  one brake. (Hand or foot brake).
• That is one front or rear brake operated by hand
  or foot.

99
.0544 Safety Inspection of Motorcycles

• A removed front brake set (1 of 2), usually for
  racing does not constitute a failure since
  motorcycles are required to have only 1 front or
  rear brake operated by hand or foot.
• The Inspection Mechanic is also required to
  remove the master cylinder cap to verify brake
  fluid levels.
• The Inspector Mechanic must have a valid NC
  driver license with a motorcycle endorsement.
• The Inspector must drive the motorcycle into the
  inspection bay and the motorcycle must be lifted.

100
.0544 Safety Inspection of Motorcycles

• (2) Motorcycle headlamps shall fail safety
  inspection if
• (a) Headlamp(s) does not operate properly.
• (b) There is more than two headlamps connected
  on a single switch.
• (c) Headlamps is cracked or has holes which
  allows entry of water.
• (d) There is standing water in the headlamp.
• (e) Headlamp is out of proper aim.
• (f) Motorcycles must have a minimum of one, and
  a maximum of 2 headlamps.

101
.0544 Safety Inspection of Motorcycles

• Harleys, Hondas, and some Kawasakis have what
  appears to be 3 or 4 headlamps. The 2 outer lamps
  are not headlamps they are driving lamps and do
  not constitute a failure.
• Motorcycles are not required to have high beam
  headlamps or high beam indicators.

102
.0544 Safety Inspection of Motorcycles

• (3) Motorcycle rear lamps shall fail safety
  inspection if
• (a) They do not operate.
• (b) Light is a color other than red.
• (c) Light is cracked, discolored or broken and
  allows entry of water.
• (d) There is standing water in the lens.
• (e) Lamps is not securely mounted.
• (f) Wiring is broken or frayed.

103
.0544 Safety Inspection of Motorcycles

• The use of rear light integrators is allowed
  (signal on while brake is applied-one side
  flashes).
• Imported Yamahas may be equipped with clear
  lenses and colored bulbs, as a Rule of Thumb if
  the light was installed by the manufacturer it
  meets the Commissioners requirements.

104
.0544 Safety Inspection of Motorcycles

• (4) A motorcycles stop lamp shall fail safety
  inspection if
• (a) Lamp does not operate when brakes are
  applied.
• (b) Light is a color other than red or amber.
• (c) Light is cracked, discolored or broken and
  allows entry of water.
• (d) There is standing water in the lens.
• (e) Lamp is not securely mounted.
• (f) Wiring is broken or frayed.

105
.0544 Safety Inspection of Motorcycles

• (5) A motorcycle license plate light shall fail
  safety inspection if
• (a) Light does not operate.
• (b) Light does not illuminate the license plate.
• (c) Light is a color other than white.
• Neon license plate lights will not be approved.

106
.0544 Safety Inspection of Motorcycles

• (6) A motorcycle horn shall fail safety
  inspection if
• (a) The horn does not operate.
• (b) The sound emitted is not audible at 200
  feet.
• (c) The horn is not securely mounted.
• (d) The button is mounted so that it cannot be
  easily operated by the driver.

107
.0544 Safety Inspection of Motorcycles

• (7) Motorcycle tires shall fail safety inspection
  if
• (a) There is less than 2/32 inch of tread at two
  or more locations around the circumference of the
  tire in two adjacent major tread grooves, or if
  the tread wear indicators are in contact with the
  roadway at two or more locations around the
  circumference of the tire.
• (b) Cords are exposed at any location on the
  tire.
• (c) Sidewall is cut, bulging, damaged or is
  severely cracked due to dry rotting.

108
.0544 Safety Inspection of Motorcycles

• (8) Motorcycle rear view mirror shall fail safety
  inspection if
• (a) The mirror is missing, broken or cracked.
• (b) The mirror is not securely mounted.
• (c) The mirror will not hold a setting while the
  vehicle is in operation.
• Only one mirror is required.

109
.0544 Safety Inspection of Motorcycles

• (9) A motorcycle exhaust shall fail safety
  inspection if
• (a) The motorcycle has no muffler.
• (b) The muffler, exhaust, or tailpipe have
  holes, leaking joints, seams or patches.
• (c) The tailpipe end is pinched.
• (d) The exhaust system is equipped with a
  muffler cut-out or bypass.
• (e) The muffler baffles have been removed or
  damaged to create a straight pipe.

110
.0544 Safety Inspection of Motorcycles

• (10) A motorcycle steering mechanism shall fail
  safety inspection if
• (a) Front shocks are sagging or broken.
• (b) Front end assembly is bent or there are
  damaged or twisted bolts.
• (c) Front end nuts, or rivets are loose or
  missing.

111
Additional Lighting Required on Certain Vehicles

• In addition to other equipment required by G.S.
  20-129.1, the following vehicles shall be
  equipped as follows
• Trailers having a gross weight in excess of 4,000
  must be equipped with stoplights.

112
Additional Lighting Requirements

• (1) On every bus or truck, whatever its size,
  there shall be the following
• (a) On the rear, 2 reflector, 1 at each side,
  and 1 stoplight.
• (2) On every bus or truck 80 inches or more in
  overall width, in addition to the requirements in
  paragraph
• (1)
• (a) On the front, 2 clearance lamps, 1 at each
  side.
• (b) On the rear, 2 clearance lamps, 1 at each
  side.
• (c) On each side, 2 side marker lamps, 1 at or
  near the front, and 1 at or near the rear.
• (d) On each side, 2 reflectors, 1 at or near the
  front and 1 at or near the rear.

113
Additional Lighting Requirements

• (3) On every truck tractor
• (a) On the front, 2 clearance lamps, 1 at each
  side.
• (b) On the rear, 1 stoplight.
• (4) On every trailer or semi-trailer having a
  gross weight in excess of 4,000 pounds
• (a) On the front, 2 clearance lamps, 1 at each
  side.
• (b) On each side, 2 lamps, 1 at or near the
  front and 1 at or near the rear.
• (c) On each side, 2 reflectors, 1 at or near the
  front and 1 at or near the rear.
• (d) On the rear, 2 clearance lamps, 1 at each
  side also 2 reflectors, 1 at each side, and 1
  stoplight.

114
Additional Lighting Requirements

• (5) On every pole trailer in excess of 4,000
  pounds gross weight
• (a) On each side, 1 side marker lamp and 1
  clearance lamp which may be in combination, to
  show to the front, side and rear.
• (b) On the rear of the pole trailer or load, 2
  reflectors, 1 at each side.
• (6) On every trailer, semi-trailer or pole
  trailer weighting 4,000 pounds gross or less
• (a) On the rear, 2 reflectors, 1 on each side.
  If any trailer or semi-trailer is so loaded or is
  of such dimensions as to obscure the stoplight on
  the towing vehicle, then such trailer shall also
  be equipped with 1 stoplight.

115
Additional Lighting Requirements

• (6) (continued)
• (b) Front clearance lamps and those marker lamps
  and reflectors mounted on the front or on the
  side near the front of a vehicle shall display or
  reflect an amber color.
• (c) Rear clearance lamps and those marker lamps
  and reflectors mounted on the rear or on the
  sides near the rear of a vehicle shall display or
  reflect a red color.
• (7) Brake lights (and/or brake reflectors) on the
  rear of a motor vehicle shall be red. The light
  illuminating the license plate shall be white.
  All lights shall be white, amber, yellow, clear
  or red.

116
.0549 Approval and Disapproval of Vehicles

• Vehicles shall not be disapproved for any
  reason other than those specified G.S. 20-183.5.

117
Exemptions
118
Exemptions From Safety Test Requirements

• An Exemption may be obtained when a vehicle
  fails a safety inspection because of missing
  emission control devices by contacting a local
  DMV Inspection.
• The consumer will have to show proof that the
  part needed to pass inspection is no longer
  manufactured.

119
Window Tinting
120
.0551 Window Tinting

• (1) All stations performing window tinting
  inspections shall have a photometer which has
  been properly tested and approved by the
  Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. Stations which
  do not have an approved meter shall not inspect
  vehicles with applications of after-factory
  window tinting. Stations are not required to
  purchase a photometer in order to perform safety
  inspections on vehicles without after-factory
  window tinting.

121
.0551 Window Tinting

• (1)(continued)
• (a) The mechanic shall determine if the vehicle
  has after-factory window tinting prior to
  beginning the inspection. The mechanic may use
  an automotive film check card or knowledge of
  window tinting techniques to determine if a
  vehicle has after-factory tint applied to any
  window of the vehicle.

122
.0551 Window Tinting

• (1)(continued)
• (b) If the station determines a vehicle has
  after-factory window tinting, but does not have
  an approved light meter, the mechanic must inform
  the customer he is unable to perform the
  inspection. The station may not charge for any
  portion of the inspection.

123
.0551 Window Tinting

• (2) All windows with applications of
  after-factory window tinting shall be inspected
  with an approved photometer which is properly
  calibrated and functioning.

124
.0551 Window Tinting

• (3) Prior to performing a test on a vehicle, the
  mechanic shall test the photometer for accuracy
  by checking the calibration against a reference
  sample of glass provided by the manufacturer. If
  the photometer indicates the device exceeds the
  net light transmission by or three (3)
  percentage points, the unit shall be considered
  out of calibration and may not be used until
  properly calibrated.

125
.0551 Window Tinting

• (3)(continued)
• (a) The reference sample must be clean and free
  of dirt prior to performing the calibration
  check.
• (b) If the reference sample has been broken or
  is missing, the test shall not be performed and
  the mechanic shall inform the customer he is
  unable to perform the inspection.
• (c) The windows to be tested shall be clean and
  free of dirt or moisture.

126
.0551 Window Tinting

• (4) The test shall be performed according to the
  photometer manufacturers recommendations.

127
.0551 Window Tinting

• (5) Window tint shall fail safety inspection if
• (a) Any window on the vehicle with after-factory
  tint has a light transmission of less than
  thirty-two percent (32).
• 35 TINT IS THE LEGAL LIMIT
  (/-332)
• (b) The tint (tinted film or another material
  used to tint the window) on any window is red,
  yellow or amber.

128
.0551 Window Tinting

• (5)(continued)
• (c) The tint on the windshield extends more than
  five (5) inches below the top of the windshield
  or is below the AS1 line of the windshield, which
  ever measurement is longer.

AS1 Line Right or Left Side of Windshield
129
.0551 Window Tinting

• (5)(continued)
• (d) The light reflectance of a tinted window is
  not twenty percent (20) or less.
• NO REFLECTIVE TINT

130
.0551 Window Tinting

• (6) Vehicles with after-factory window tint shall
  not be inspected if the vehicle is exempt from
  window tinting restrictions under G.S. 20-127(c).
• G.S. 20-127(c) Tinting Exceptions. The window
  tinting restrictions in subsection (b) of this
  section (percentage, color and reflectant) apply
  without exception to the windshield of a vehicle.
  The window tinting restrictions in subdivisions
  (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section (percentage and
  color only) do not apply to any of the following
  vehicle windows

131
.0551 Window Tinting

• (1) A window of an excursion passenger vehicle.
• (Club Van)
• (2) A window of a for-hire passenger vehicle.
• (NO TAXIS)
• (3) A window of a common carrier of passengers.
• (Buses)
• (4) A window of a motor home.

132
.0551 Window Tinting

• (5) A window of an ambulance.
• (6) The rear window of a property-hauling
  vehicle.
• (Trucks/Trailers)
• (7) A window of a Limousine.
• (8) A window of a Law Enforcement vehicle.
• (9) A window of multipurpose vehicle.
• (SUVs, Minivans, Pick-Up Trucks)

133
.0551 Window Tinting

• (10) A window of a vehicle that is registered in
  another state and meets the requirements of the
  state in which it is registered. (Rental Vehicle)
• (11) A window of a vehicle for which the Division
  has issued a medical waiver exception permit
  under subsection (f) of this section. (A written
  form is required)

134
Window Tint Medical Exceptions

• People who suffer from a medical condition that
  makes them sensitive to visible light are
  eligible.
• They must apply to the Drivers Medical Evaluation
  Program.
• Their doctor must complete the Medical Evaluation
  Form.
• The permit is valid for 5 years unless directed
  otherwise by the Drivers Medical Evaluation
  Program.
• A renewal requires a medical recertification.
• They cannot have more than 2 permits at any one
  time.

135
Window Tint Medical Exceptions(Continued)

• The permit must specify the vehicle to which the
  tint is applied, the windows to be tinted and the
  allowed levels of tinting.
• The written permit shall be carried in the
  vehicle at all times.
• A sticker shall be placed on the bottom left side
  of the rear window between the glass and the
  tint.
• The sticker is to notify prospective purchasers
  of the vehicle the tint is not legal without a
  permit.
• The Division has the right to adopt rules for the
  permits.
• Failure to display the sticker is subject to a
  200.00 fine.

136
.0551 Window Tinting

• (7) The mechanic shall collect the fee as
  specified in G.S. 20-183.7(a) for performing the
  inspection.
• The 10.00 window tint fee charge during an
  inspection is mandatory.
• There is no regulation of charges outside of the
  statutory fee for the Official Inspection.

137
Procedure for conducting a State Inspection
138
Main Menu
This is the main menu. To conduct an inspection,
choose State Inspection Menu and press enter.
139
State Inspection Menu
To conduct an inspection, select option No. 2
140
Inspector ID Entry
Enter your Technician / Mechanic license ID
number. The Technician / Mechanic ID number is
typically your drivers license number.
141
Inspector Password Entry
Enter your access code in the space provided.
142
Safety Only Prompt
Ensure the vehicle requires a safety only
inspection before proceeding.
143
Registration
Obtain the registration card from the customer.
If no registration card is presented, scan the
information from the vehicle.
144
VIN Entry
Scan the bar code on the registration card or the
Federal Decal. Manual entries of the VIN should
only occur as a last resort.
145
Plate Entry
Enter the vehicles license plate number. If no
plate enter NONE.
146
Registration Location Entry
Select the appropriate option.
147
Information Confirmation
Verify entries are correct before proceeding with
the inspection.
148
Initializing Modem
The computer will now make the first call to the
State VID
149
No Match found
If the vehicle is not in the state VID, you will
be prompted to enter the dealer number or vehicle
owner information
150
Owner Information
Complete owner information as indicated and if
required
151
County Entry
Select the appropriate county as indicated on the
vehicle registration.
152
Vehicle Body Style
Select the appropriate body style.
153
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
Determine the GVWR from the Federal Decal.
154
Weight Entry
Entry required only if the GVWR exceeds 8500
pounds.
155
Fuel Type
Enter the appropriate fuel type. If the
vehicle operates on gasoline during any portion
of the operating cycle, it is a gasoline operated
vehicle.
156
Vehicle Model Information
Make the appropriate entries as required. If no
odometer reading is available 000000 should
be entered.
157
Vehicle Make Category
Select the appropriate classification.
158
Motor Vehicle Make
Select the appropriate make from the list
provided.
159
Vehicle Information Summary
Ensure entries are correct before proceeding
160
Safety Inspection Entries
Enter the appropriate remark for each selection.
161
Tamper Inspecting Entries
Enter the appropriate remark for each selection.
162
Inspection Results
163
Network Access
The computer will now make the second and final
call to the VID
164
Vehicle Inspection Receipt/Statement
Two receipts should be printed for each
inspection. The customer should receive one copy
and the station should retain one copy for 18
months. If unable to print a copy of the
receipt, the station should cease operation until
the problem is resolved.
165
Penalty Schedule for Licensed Safety/OBD
Inspection Stations G.S. 20-183.7

• Violations are categorized into 3 types
• Type I Most Severe (Intentional Manipulation)
• Type II Less Severe (Accident or Careless
  Mistake)
• Type III Least Severe ( Administrative/Clerical
  Mistakes)

166
Type I Safety Violations
167
Type I Safety Violations
168
Type I Safety Violations
169
Type II Safety Violations
170
Type II Safety Violations
171
Type II Safety Violations
172
Type II Safety Violations
173
Type III Safety Violations
174
Type III Safety Violations
175
Type III Safety Violations
176
Thank you for taking the time to attend class at
this Community College!
177
(No Transcript)