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

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Drivers across several North Carolina counties could soon save money at inspection time if a new proposal is approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The EPA proposed the approval of North Carolina's request to end vehicle emissions testing in the 19 counties that still require it, including Wake, Durham, Johnston, Cumberland and Franklin counties. Officials say the proposal comes as air quality across the state continues to improve.

At Ingold Tire in Durham, Sales Manager Augusta Stevons Jr. showed ABC11 how emissions inspections are conducted and explained how the systems monitor engine combustion through sensors underneath vehicles.

"A full safety emissions inspection costs about 30 dollars," said Stevons. "If you live in a non-emissions county, it's 13 dollars and 60 cents."

Environmental experts say cleaner technology in newer vehicles has helped reduce pollution levels over time.

"We have cleaner vehicles on the road and we have lower emissions from other industry sources and power generation," said Chris Frey, a professor of environmental engineering at North Carolina State University.

Frey added that vehicles built today are held to much stricter emissions standards than cars manufactured decades ago.

"If you purchased a vehicle 30 years ago, they would have been built under a much less stringent emission limit than a vehicle you purchased in the last number of years," he said.

If approved, the state estimates the change could save drivers nearly 20 million dollars annually.

Justin Furlow, who was waiting for new tires at Ingold Tire after getting a flat, said any savings would help as gas prices and other costs continue to rise.

"Every little bit adds up with gas being four dollars a gallon," Furlow said.

The EPA will hold a 30-day public comment period on the proposal before making a final decision.

Download the ABC11 app for to get breaking news alerts

Environmental experts also say keeping up with routine vehicle maintenance can continue helping reduce air pollution.

If approved, the emissions testing requirement would be lifted for all counties in North Carolina. Mecklenburg County would still continue to implement an emissions testing program under state law.