North Carolina drivers have relied on electronic authorization for vehicle inspections since November 1, 2008, marking a shift from physical windshield stickers to a more streamlined digital system. This electronic authorization (e-authorization) is crucial for every vehicle passing inspection, and the authorization number is prominently featured on the inspection receipt. This system applies uniformly to both safety-only and safety-emissions inspections, ensuring all vehicles on North Carolina roads meet stringent standards.
The cornerstone of this electronic authorization system is the use of certified analyzers. These sophisticated devices are not only capable of handling electronic authorizations but also expertly perform safety and safety-emission inspections. Notably, Standalone OBDII and Upgraded BAR 97 analyzers are equipped to conduct OBDII (On-Board Diagnostics II) inspections on gasoline-powered vehicles manufactured in 1996 and later. These analyzers are designed for broad compatibility, communicating seamlessly with all OBDII interface protocols, including J1850 PWM, J1850 VPM, ISO, KWP, 11 bit CAN, and 29 bit CAN. This ensures comprehensive diagnostic coverage across a wide range of vehicle makes and models.
For automotive professionals in North Carolina, understanding which analyzers are certified is paramount. Using certified equipment guarantees compliance with state regulations and ensures accurate and reliable vehicle inspections. The following table provides a detailed list of certified analyzer manufacturers and their models, crucial for workshops aiming to stay up-to-date with North Carolina’s inspection requirements, particularly concerning OBDII diagnostic tools and systems like the Obdii Dad Ois-7500.
| ManufacturerMarketing ContactPhone Number | Type of Analyzer | Analyzer Certification Status |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Testing | Beta Testing | Certified |
| BL Innovare (BannaLogic) 855-233-8632 | Standalone and Standalone OBDII | January 20, 2010 |
| Standalone OBDII VPN Broadband | October 17, 2022 | December 9, 2022 |
| BOSCH AutomotiveService Solutions(formerly SPX)Matt Fisher269-544-3611 | Upgraded BAR-97 | July 30, 2008 |
| Standalone OBDII | July 30, 2008 | August 28, 2008 |
| Standalone OBDII (w/XP) | July 30, 2008 | August 28, 2008 |
| EASE DiagnosticsEd Carter704-821-2863704-591-6740 | Standalone OBDII (w/XP)With OptionalWireless Interface | July 29, 2008 |
| Standalone OBDII (w/XP)*(C1)With OptionalWireless Interface | July 29, 2008 | August 19, 2008 |
| Standalone OBDII (w/XP)*(C2)With OptionalWireless Interface | July 29, 2008 | August 19, 2008 |
| Standalone OBDII(w/Vista)With OptionalWireless Interface | August 25, 2008 | November 14, 2008 |
| Standalone OBDII(w/7)With Optional Wireless Interface | March 14, 2012 | NA |
| ESPDavid Lewis1-800-695-4377 | Upgraded BAR-97With OptionalWireless Interface | August 29, 2008 |
| Standalone OBDIIWith OptionalWireless Interface | August 29, 2008 | September 24, 2008 |
| OBDII Stand Alone with W10 | July 15, 2021 | September 1, 2021 |
| OBDII VPN Broadband | October 11,2022 | November 14,2022 |
| OBDII VPN Broadband | September 29, 2023 | September 29,2023 |
| Opus Inspection (formerly SysTech)Mr. Chris Smith1-866-OBD-TEST(1-866-623-8378) | Standalone OBDII | August 7, 2008 |
| SnapOn 800-695-0650 | Standalone OBDII | August 18, 2008 |
| Verizon Businessby BanaLogic1-888-333-0557 | Standalone | July 29, 2008 |
| Standalone OBDII | July 29, 2008 | September 23, 2008 |
| Worldwide1-877-832-7664(1-877-832-SMOG) | Upgraded BAR-97 | August 1, 2008 |
| Standalone OBDII | August 1, 2008 | August 28, 2008 |
| Standalone OBDII (w/2000) | August 1, 2008 | August 28, 2008 |
| Standalone OBDII (w/XP) Wireless | September 4, 2008 | January 27, 2009 |
| Standalone OBDII (w/7) | August 10, 2011 | October 12, 2011 |
| Standalone OBDII (w/7) OIS -7500 (DAD) | June 29, 2015 | NA |
| Standalone OBDII (w/7) VPN Broadband | February 14,2023 | March 20, 2023 |
Image alt text: A mechanic using an OBDII scanner to diagnose a vehicle, highlighting the importance of certified diagnostic tools like OBDII DAD OIS-7500 for accurate vehicle inspections.
Understanding Analyzer Certification Status
Navigating the certification statuses is crucial when selecting the right equipment. Here’s a breakdown of what each status signifies:
- Acceptance Testing: This date indicates when a prototype analyzer unit was received by the state of North Carolina and is undergoing rigorous evaluation through simulated inspections. This is the initial phase of the certification process.
- Beta Testing: Beta testing begins once a limited number of production units have been approved for field testing, typically lasting 10-20 days. This phase assesses the analyzer’s performance in real-world inspection scenarios.
- Certified: The ‘Certified’ date is the most important, marking the date when the analyzer model is officially approved for unlimited installation and use in North Carolina inspection stations. This certification ensures the equipment meets all state requirements for accurate and reliable vehicle inspections, including OBDII testing and electronic authorization.
- Broadband Certified: This certification specifically applies to Standalone OBDII VPN Broadband analyzers and confirms they meet additional broadband communication standards, enhancing their connectivity and data transmission capabilities.
Types of Analyzers Explained
The table also categorizes analyzers by type, each designed for specific inspection functionalities:
- Upgraded BAR-97: These are BAR-97 idle analyzers that have been enhanced with both hardware and software to perform modern OBDII testing. While originally designed for idle testing, which ceased in North Carolina on January 1, 2006, these upgraded units are now essential for OBDII and safety inspections.
- Standalone OBDII: As the name suggests, Standalone OBDII machines are dedicated to performing both safety and OBDII inspections, without idle testing capabilities. These are crucial for inspecting vehicles from 1996 onwards, ensuring compliance with emissions standards through OBDII diagnostics. Models like the obdii dad ois-7500 fall into this category and are vital for workshops focusing on comprehensive vehicle inspections.
- Standalone: These are basic machines designed solely for safety inspections. They do not have the capability to perform OBDII inspections, making them suitable only for older vehicles or specific types of inspections where OBDII testing is not required.
For workshops in North Carolina, choosing a certified Standalone OBDII analyzer, especially models like the Worldwide Standalone OBDII (w/7) OIS -7500 (DAD), is a strategic decision. These tools ensure compliance, accuracy, and efficiency in vehicle inspections, keeping your operations aligned with state regulations and providing reliable service to your customers.
Questions?
For any further inquiries or more detailed information regarding certified analyzers and electronic authorization in North Carolina, please contact Dave Willis directly at 919-745-4322 or via email at [email protected]. He is the primary point of contact for clarification and guidance on these regulations and equipment.
