Car inspection confusion (DMV, registering, location)

[iancd]

Thought that I need to have car inspected every year and my last inspection was one year ago, so I went for car inspections last week thinking I am still in the grace period (until 1/15, I guess). I got one car inspected in the morning without any problem. When I went to a different location with my second car, I was told that I don't need it as I already had my registration card for 2010. Yes, it shows that the next inspection due on 12/31/10 (same for the first car). The Jiffy Lube guy kindly explains that the inspection has to be passed to get this year's registration card. I left really confused. Then I checked my record and found that my last inspections were on 1/4/09. So I think I will have one inspection. Would rather pay $30 to avoid a slim chance of getting trouble in the future.

This confusion may have to do with my late registration for 2009. I didn't pay them until ticketed in summer for lacking the 2009 tag. I paid registration right after, but did not do the inspection since that was still current.

Hope somebody could explain why it happened that way.

[CHTransplant]

It happened when NC switched from inspection stickers to an electronic system. It is confusing, and I've gone through the same thing. At this point, a failure to inspect will prevent you from registering your car. Since you have your registration for the next year, you don't need to worry. Go by what's on the registration card - that's what DMV uses.

[frankpc]

CHT is correct. You no longer have a windshield sticker for proof of inspection. So an updated sticker for your tag and registration is all you need - I assume your plate has "12" and "10" stickers on it?

Frank

[Sayantsi]

Fwiw, I wasn't sure either, took my car in for an inspection in 2009, and got from the State
a plate sticker for 2011. So.... might as well do it, and maybe you won't have to again for a long time.

[iancd]

Originally Posted by frankpc

CHT is correct. You no longer have a windshield sticker for proof of inspection. So an updated sticker for your tag and registration is all you need - I assume your plate has "12" and "10" stickers on it?

Frank

Yes, Frank. My plate has "12" and "10". I also confirmed what CHT said by calling DMV the other day. Just go by what the registration card says. So it is fine to have a 23 month lag between my last 1/9/09 inspection and the next one due 12/31/10.

[tassy]

my MIL works at DMV, absolutely go by what is on your registration.