When will the North Carolina Emissions testing program begin for OBD II vehicles?
OBD II testing on 1996 and newer vehicles began in September, 2002 in the following Phase I counties: Cabarrus, Durham, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Mecklenburg, Orange, Union and Wake. Prior to that date, emissions tests on vehicles in these counties were performed with tailpipe testing equipment. After the start of OBD II testing, tailpipe testing equipment can no longer be used on 1996 and newer vehicles. Starting on July 1, 2003 and every six months until January 1, 2006 new counties must begin OBD II Emissions testing according to the following schedule: Phase II July 1, 2003 – Catawba, Cumberland, Davidson, Iredell, Johnston and Rowan Phase III Jan. 1, 2004 – Alamance, Chatham, Franklin, Lee, Lincoln, Moore, Randolph and Stanly Phase IV July 1, 2004 – Buncombe, Cleveland, Granville, Harnett and Rockingham Phase V Jan. 1, 2005 – Edgecombe, Lenoir, Nash, Pitt, Robeson, Wayne and Wilson Phase VI July 1, 2005 – Burke, Caldwell, Haywood, Henderson, Rutherford, Stokes, Surry and Wilkes P
