Emission test exemptions approved in NC

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - It's now up to Gov. Beverly Perdue and possibly federal regulators to decide whether low-mileage or late-model cars can avoid North Carolina emission tests.

The state House and Senate voted Tuesday to eliminate pollution control tests on motor vehicles that have either fewer than 70,000 miles on the odometer or are in the three newest model years.

The exemption now goes to Perdue, who can decide to veto it or let it become law. The Environmental Protection Agency also would have to agree to the exemption.

The annual emission tests is required in 48 of the 100 counties for vehicles built in 1996 or later in part so the state complies with federal rules.

The change wouldn't begin until 2014 at the earliest, and vehicle safety inspections would continue.