Car Inspection Exemption Idea Rejected by North Carolina Panel

A legislative panel has declined to recommend to the full General Assembly that late-model automobiles be exempted from annual North Carolina safety inspections.

The Joint Transportation Oversight Committee voted 7-5 Wednesday against putting the proposal on its final list of recommendations. The idea is less likely to get heard this year without the committee’s formal recommendation. The short session began later Wednesday.

The proposal would have exempted the first three newest model years from the safety inspections, which cost $13.60 per vehicle.

Some lawmakers argue the inspections on newer vehicles are unnecessary because they have better technology and equipment and travel on smoother roads.

Committee co-chairman Sen. Bill Rabon of Brunswick County said he voted against the exemption in part because inspections can help point out problems to older drivers.