New emissions rules for one category of cars and light trucks take effect today in North Carolina.
The state Division of Motor Vehicles in conjunction with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has created an exemption for emissions inspections.
Tom Mather works for the state Division of Air Quality. He says annual emissions inspections will no longer be required for newer vehicles.
"It applies as long as your car has less than 70,000 miles and is in the first three model years."
Mather reminds drivers that annual safety inspections continue to be mandatory for all vehicles.