I've got a few questions about the NC vehicle laws, specifically titling/registration and any sort of inspections. I have a bone stock (except for the radio) 2010 Buick Enclave with just under 160k miles. It runs well if that matters. The NCDMV is a little confusing.
What is needed to title/register my truck in NC? I currently have insurance with medium level coverage. (Probably better than NC minimums.) I will NOT have a permanent address since I'll be living with my mother and step-father. Will a letter from them suffice? Do I need an NC drivers license before I can transfer the title?
I "think" I read on the DMV website that there is some sort of inspection/emission check. Yes? What's involved? Is it visual only or is a sniffer involved? I think my truck is bone stock but it's got 160k miles. I'd really hate to have to replace parts just to pass some stupid inspection. Once I pass, do I have to stick something in my window? (I'm not big on extra crap stuck on my windshield.)
Last question (and this is more out of curiousity). Does NC require a front plate?
Thanks. Since I'm up at night and asleep during the day, it's easier to ask things this way.
It just so happens I am going Monday to get my driver's license changed to NC having just moved here from VA so the Driver's License Handbook was already open.
NC doesn't have front plates.
and for inspections this is what I found so reading between the lines it is county specific. I'm trying to find the specific inspection requirements but haven't located them yet. Based on how many cracked windshields and broken tail lights I see riding around, they have to be fairly lax.
quote
Vehicle Emissions & Safety Inspection All motor vehicles registered in North Carolina must be inspected annually. DMV License & Theft Bureau oversees the vehicle inspection process. The objective of vehicle inspections is to ensure vehicles registered in North Carolina are maintained properly. In North Carolina a vehicle must pass the required safety-only inspection or safety and emissions inspection before it can be registered and the license tag renewed. The vehicle inspection can be performed at any licensed inspection station located throughout the state. For an up to date list of inspection station locations, please visit the following website: www.ncdot.gov/dmv/vehicle/registration/locations/ Inspections may be performed up to 90 days prior to the vehicle’s registration (license tag) expiration date. A vehicle that fails inspection is entitled to be re-inspected at the same station within 60 days without paying another inspection fee.
Exemptions If your vehicle is light-duty, gasoline powered, three years old or less, and registered in one of the 48 emissions counties, it may be exempt from an emissions inspection under General Statute 20-183.2 Vehicles with less than 70,000 miles and within the “three most recent model years” will receive a safety only inspection. You can find the model year for your vehicle on your registration card under the column labeled “YEAR”. The law exempts from emission testing, vehicles that are registered in or sold in North Carolina if they are within the three most recent model years and have less than 70,000 miles on the odometer. The law only exempts the emission portion of the annual inspection for vehicles in the counties where emissions inspections are required on 1996 and newer.
They'll want a real address.. I'd use your parents as you'll be there a bunch, you can always change it down the line. If this buick has a loan on it, and you don't have a title in hand.. I'd Call your insurance agent. and get all the Facts.. straight before walking into the DMV. I'd also make sure you have paperwork that you paid sales tax on it.. In the state you bought it/lived in.. Wife's parents wanted to put ma. plates on the car they had in fla. This state wanted to charge them sales tax.. unless they could show it was paid in the other state. and that paper work was in the house in fla. Lets just say.. He was not happy and it still has fla. plates on it.. as he is not going to get hit with sales tax again..
My "real" address will be at my mothers house until I find a job and a place to live. Could take a week, could take 6 months. My truck DOES have a lien. What does the insurance company have to do with it? Of course, I'll tell them about the change of address (which may or may not change my premium). I have all the paperwork from the BMV showing that I paid sales tax. If NC tries to charge me sales tax again, I'll leave it registered in Indiana, at least until the plates are due again next May.
My "real" address will be at my mothers house until I find a job and a place to live. Could take a week, could take 6 months. My truck DOES have a lien. What does the insurance company have to do with it? Of course, I'll tell them about the change of address (which may or may not change my premium). I have all the paperwork from the BMV showing that I paid sales tax. If NC tries to charge me sales tax again, I'll leave it registered in Indiana, at least until the plates are due again next May.
Leave it registered and don't change a thing until you have a permanent address. If you get pulled, say you are visiting. This way you don't have to change the address twice when you find a place. Think about the time and cash saved
Leave it registered and don't change a thing until you have a permanent address. If you get pulled, say you are visiting. This way you don't have to change the address twice when you find a place. Think about the time and cash saved
If you do this, don't get a NC drivers license until you are ready to register the truck. I got caught on that deal when we moved to Massachusetts. Because I had a loan on the car, I had to get Mass. plates and insurance. Got caught by a State Trooper for 5 mph over the speed limit. Also, be sure to back into the driveway when parking your truck, unless you have front plates. Some LEO's will make note of how long an out of state vehicle remains at a location, then ticket them for not registering within the allocated time limit.
